Best Stock for Varminting? Boyds? Show Me Yours

[TBJ]

I'm looking at replacing the stocks on some of my rifles, I've heard that Boyds make a good stock for the money, as well as HS but They're pricey from what I've seen but if they're worth it I don't know, I've used a Bell and Carlson before and liked that to the point I was looking to put one on my deer rifle but decided I wanted to keep that one wood and classic, also I would prefer if the stock was a drop in with no inletting required as I'm not that handy. Also I don't see Boyds have a T3x stocks listed only the T3's just wondering if they're the same stocks?
Also, I've never used or held a Thumbhole stock before, But I've heard they're really nice if you're shooting from a fixed position like a bench or prone.
I'd also love to see your favourite stocks as well as hearing about your experiences with them.
thanks

[bladeracer]

I'm looking at replacing the stocks on some of my rifles, I've heard that Boyds make a good stock for the money, as well as HS but They're pricey from what I've seen but if they're worth it I don't know, I've used a Bell and Carlson before and liked that to the point I was looking to put one on my deer rifle but decided I wanted to keep that one wood and classic, also I would prefer if the stock was a drop in with no inletting required as I'm not that handy. Also I don't see Boyds have a T3x stocks listed only the T3's just wondering if they're the same stocks?
Also, I've never used or held a Thumbhole stock before, But I've heard they're really nice if you're shooting from a fixed position like a bench or prone.
I'd also love to see your favourite stocks as well as hearing about your experiences with them.
thanks

For varminting, drop it into an MDT chassis.

[marksman]

have a look at Cameron Hatchers stocks,
http://hatchersriflestocks.com.au/
he is a good bloke, quality rifle stocks, I bought one off him and would buy another no problems

[Harper]

I think you've missed a key point here Bladeracer.

MDT stock is what, $1,000?

Plus the grip I think?

Talking way above a Boyds and even HS there.

[bladeracer]

I think you've missed a key point here Bladeracer.

MDT stock is what, $1,000?

Plus the grip I think?

Talking way above a Boyds and even HS there.

Depends on the model. The LSS is $430, plus the grip, tube, stock and mag, maybe $600-$650 all up. But it's far better value than a Boyd in my opinion when you want longer-range accuracy. My brother put a Boyd on his RAR .243 Predator, I haven't shot it yet but I can see the stock is hard against the barrel along both sides. I think he said the Boyd cost him $400-odd?

[VICHunter]

My brother put a Boyd on his RAR .243 Predator, I haven't shot it yet but I can see the stock is hard against the barrel along both sides.

That's unfortunately, the Boyds have typically been pretty good on the inletting and barrel clearance from what I've seen.

Oh well, nothing a bit of dowel and sandpaper won't fix at least.

[bladeracer]

My brother put a Boyd on his RAR .243 Predator, I haven't shot it yet but I can see the stock is hard against the barrel along both sides.

That's unfortunately, the Boyds have typically been pretty good on the inletting and barrel clearance from what I've seen.

Oh well, nothing a bit of dowel and sandpaper won't fix at least.

I was also disappointed to find it doesn't have pillars, the action screws just tighten down on the wood, which is why the magazine keeps dropping out. The mag catch is just a square of black plastic with the action screw through the middle of it. I assumed it was the bottom of a pillar post until I removed it. Not impressed at all.

[Ten]

I bought a Boyds laminated for an M17 and I couldn't have been more pleased. Inletting was excellent and the finish very smooth. Best $99 I've ever spent!
Ten.

[bigfellascott]

I think you've missed a key point here Bladeracer.

MDT stock is what, $1,000?

Plus the grip I think?

Talking way above a Boyds and even HS there.

Depends on the model. The LSS is $430, plus the grip, tube, stock and mag, maybe $600-$650 all up. But it's far better value than a Boyd in my opinion when you want longer-range accuracy. My brother put a Boyd on his RAR .243 Predator, I haven't shot it yet but I can see the stock is hard against the barrel along both sides. I think he said the Boyd cost him $400-odd?

Sounds like ya brother over paid for his boyds - most of mine cost $99 plus $30 shipping at the time (gone up since then but not $400 you say your brother payed.

[bigfellascott]

I own around 6 or 7 Boyds stocks, (thumbholes and Prairie Hunter stocks) got em on Howas, Savages, Rugers - great value for money for what I paid for em, I generally get a socket and wrap some sandpaper around them and open the barrel channels up as I like a bit of extra room around the barrels. None are bedded or have pillars or anything like that whatsoever and the majority of rifles shoot very well indeed (all Howa's and the Savages too) the Ruger well it's a bit ordinary in the accuracy department so far but I'm sure if I stuffed around with it and found a load it liked it would improve.

Shame we can't really buy them directly from Boyds anymore as the price was excellent and only around 7 Days from order to delivery as a rule.

[TBJ]

Thanks, I'm honestly not a fan of chassis at all, just not my thing,
BigFella, why cant you order from boyds anymore? if not where do you get them in Aus?

[bladeracer]

My brother put a Boyd on his RAR .243 Predator, I haven't shot it yet but I can see the stock is hard against the barrel along both sides. I think he said the Boyd cost him $400-odd?

Sounds like ya brother over paid for his boyds - most of mine cost $99 plus $30 shipping at the time (gone up since then but not $400 you say your brother payed.

$99 Australian?
He bought Australian rather than try to bring one from the US.
He said it was about $300 plus $150 for checkering and $60 for the buttpad, plus end caps - I don't know what he means by end caps though. It came with V-blocks for the Ruger.

[bladeracer]

Thanks, I'm honestly not a fan of chassis at all, just not my thing,
BigFella, why cant you order from boyds anymore? if not where do you get them in Aus?

If I had a Tikka chassis I'd send it to you to try out
I wasn't into the chassis either until I bought one, now I have seven. For long-range accuracy I think it's hard to beat.

I think my brother got his from HuntingHaven - https://www.huntinghaven.com.au/c/gun-stocks/249

[TBJ]

I own around 6 or 7 Boyds stocks, (thumbholes and Prairie Hunter stocks) got em on Howas, Savages, Rugers - great value for money for what I paid for em, I generally get a socket and wrap some sandpaper around them and open the barrel channels up as I like a bit of extra room around the barrels. None are bedded or have pillars or anything like that whatsoever and the majority of rifles shoot very well indeed (all Howa's and the Savages too) the Ruger well it's a bit ordinary in the accuracy department so far but I'm sure if I stuffed around with it and found a load it liked it would improve.

Shame we can't really buy them directly from Boyds anymore as the price was excellent and only around 7 Days from order to delivery as a rule.

thanks mate, I'm curios as to why we cant buy the stocks straight from boyds as that was what I was betting on to buy it? also with this new info where would be the best place to purchase a boyds stock to Aus, as I was wanting a couple of specific stocks, I'm not worried about finding the Tikka one but the CZ 527 one may prove difficult?

On another note just curious whether the T3 stocks fit the T3x rifles?

[marksman]

as I said try Cameron Hatcher, this is the stock I got off him

[bladeracer]

as I said try Cameron Hatcher, this is the stock I got off him

I didn't think they did them finished and ready to go?

[bladeracer]

thanks mate, I'm curios as to why we cant buy the stocks straight from boyds as that was what I was betting on to buy it? also with this new info where would be the best place to purchase a boyds stock to Aus, as I was wanting a couple of specific stocks, I'm not worried about finding the Tikka one but the CZ 527 one may prove difficult?

On another note just curious whether the T3 stocks fit the T3x rifles?

As far as I understand it's just a policy they implemented themselves. Maybe the work involved in exporting them doesn't make it worth their time on $99 units, or maybe they're selling so much stock they don't have time or need to sell internationally anymore.
My brother looked at Hunting Haven and The Barn as far as I know, although I'm sure he looked at others as well. I don't think there was much difference in pricing.
Can't help you with the Tikka but might be worth emailing Boyd direct.

[TBJ]

as I said try Cameron Hatcher, this is the stock I got off him

hey mate I had a look on his site and I'm just wondering if they come finished and completely ready to drop straight in? as I'm not keen on doing that stuff myself as I just dont have time or skills

[TBJ]

As far as I understand it's just a policy they implemented themselves. Maybe the work involved in exporting them doesn't make it worth their time on $99 units, or maybe they're selling so much stock they don't have time or need to sell internationally anymore.
My brother looked at Haven and The Barn as far as I know, although I'm sure he looked at others as well. I don't think there was much difference in pricing.
Can't help you with the Tikka but might be worth emailing Boyd direct.

In terms of pricing I've had a look and without shipping/postage they're almost double the price at the barn($325AUD) than at Boyds(~$165AUD), I've sent Boyds an email and i can only hope

[marksman]

no they dont come finished from Hatchers, bugger

anyway all this talk about the cost of boyds stocks in Australia has me thinking that I might start bringing them in and make a fortune under cutting the stores that are making a killing on them at the moment, I'm not as greedy as them

having a look myself you would get a tikka thumhole laminate for $269 and post, would make it not worth bringing them in

[bigfellascott]

Thanks, I'm honestly not a fan of chassis at all, just not my thing,
BigFella, why cant you order from boyds anymore? if not where do you get them in Aus?

They have a $99 limit and most of their stocks are over that now sadly, what you can do is keep checking or join their mailing list and wait for their specials to come up, you might get a stock for their $99 limit that way or as other have said Hunting Haven and a few others have stocks so maybe get in contact with them and see how you go or put a wanted ad on the different Aussie Firearms forums and see if someone has one they want to sell.

[Die Judicii]

100_3188.JPG (749.61 KiB) Viewed 6860 times

This one I opened the barrel channel with a piece of wooden dowel that had coarse sand paper glued to.
Worked fine, and had approx 2 mm clearance (pillar bedded it myself before hand)
And 3 coats of Urethane to reseal it.

Its about the most accurate rifle I own,,,,, and I love the stock.

[Member-Deleted]

The best stock for varmint shooting ( BIG STOCK OF AMMO ! )

[Die Judicii]

The best stock for varmint shooting ( BIG STOCK OF AMMO ! )

You f#@king crack me up M8

[bigfellascott]

The best stock for varmint shooting ( BIG STOCK OF AMMO ! )

bloody oath, nothing worse than running out of ammo before the jobs done!

[Daddybang]

The best stock for varmint shooting ( BIG STOCK OF AMMO ! )

Good onya grandad I just spat coffee everywhere!!!!

[Daddybang]

100_3188.JPG

This one I opened the barrel channel with a piece of wooden dowel that had coarse sand paper glued to.
Worked fine, and had approx 2 mm clearance (pillar bedded it myself before hand)
And 3 coats of Urethane to reseal it.

Its about the most accurate rifle I own,,,,, and I love the stock.

That's a wild lookin stock

[TBJ]

The best stock for varmint shooting ( BIG STOCK OF AMMO ! )

I had a good Chuckle at that one mate, what you say is very true, Lucky for me that 55gr blitzking OSA stuff works wonders in my 223's so having a big stock of ammo is no worries, not sure what ill do when the 204 comes though.

[Member-Deleted]

Jezzami 101
Hock the old stock 223
Restock the new stock 204
SIMPLES

[TBJ]

Jezzami 101
Hock the old stock 223
Restock the new stock 204
SIMPLES

Dont Worry, the 204 will be restocked too, I'm just wanting to try a thumbhole stock first and then I'll do the 204 when it come in hopefully the next few months