What You Should Know About the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Winchester 70 Short Action 2 Piece Floor Plate FBC
For enthusiasts of the classic Winchester Model 70, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Winchester 70 Short Action 2 Piece Floor Plate FBC presents an intriguing proposition. Manufactured by Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks, this replacement stock is crafted from wood, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern adjustability. My own journey to this particular stock was driven by a desire to restore an older Winchester 70 short action, specifically to improve its handling characteristics and aesthetics without compromising its inherent accuracy. The original synthetic stock, while functional, lacked the tactile feel and classic lines I was aiming for in this build.
Upon initial inspection, the stock felt substantial and well-finished, hinting at the quality of materials used. I considered a custom-made laminated stock, but the adjustability of the Boyds At-One series caught my eye as a more versatile solution. My first impression was one of practical optimism; this wasn’t just a cosmetic upgrade, but a potential performance enhancer for a beloved rifle. It arrived ready for installation, promising a more personalized shooting experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Winchester 70 Short Action 2 Piece Floor Plate FBC to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test for this Boyds stock involved fitting it to a Winchester 70 short action receiver. The process was straightforward; the stock bedded the action snugly, and the two-piece floorplate housing aligned perfectly with the factory inletting. I mounted a scope and took it to my local outdoor range, aiming to assess its ergonomics and how it handled during live fire. The stock’s adjustable features, particularly the length of pull and cheek riser, allowed for immediate fine-tuning to my shooting stance.
Conditions were fair, with mild temperatures and no precipitation, allowing me to focus on the stock’s feel and performance. The textured grip areas provided a secure hold, even as my hands began to warm up from shooting. My initial surprise was how intuitive the adjustments were; no special tools were needed, and the mechanism felt robust.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including several range days and a few extended excursions into the field, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Winchester 70 Short Action 2 Piece Floor Plate FBC has proven to be a reliable upgrade. It has held up exceptionally well to varied conditions, including dusty environments and the occasional light dew. The wood finish, an “Applejack” hue in my case, has resisted minor scuffs and remains intact, showing no signs of cracking or delamination.
Maintenance has been minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after use and occasional application of a wood conditioner have kept it in pristine condition. Compared to the generic polymer stocks I’ve used in the past, the perceived durability and the solid feel of this hardwood stock are a significant step up. It’s a joy to handle and has certainly contributed to more consistent shooting.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Winchester 70 Short Action 2 Piece Floor Plate FBC
Specifications
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Winchester 70 Short Action 2 Piece Floor Plate FBC is constructed from high-quality hardwood, specifically a laminated wood material that offers both strength and stability. This particular model is designed for Winchester 70 Short Action rifles, supporting various configurations including the Coyote, Sears Model 53A, Sears Model 53, Sears Ted Williams Model 73, and the standard Winchester Model 70. It features an adjustable length of pull and an adjustable cheek riser, crucial for achieving a perfect fit. The stock also comes with a 2 piece floor plate setup, ensuring compatibility with the original factory floor plate.
These specifications translate directly into tangible benefits for the shooter. The hardwood construction provides a dense, stable platform for the rifle’s action, which can contribute to improved shot-to-shot consistency compared to lighter, less rigid materials. The adjustable length of pull and cheek riser are paramount for custom fit, allowing shooters to tailor the stock to their unique physical dimensions and shooting style, thereby enhancing comfort and accuracy. The factory barrel channel ensures a precise fit for standard barrel profiles, reducing the need for extensive bedding work.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of core functionality, this Boyds stock excels at providing a stable and adaptable platform for a Winchester 70 short action. The adjustable length of pull and cheek riser allow for minute adjustments that can significantly improve a shooter’s ability to maintain a consistent cheek weld and sight alignment. During testing, I found the adjustments to be secure, holding their position firmly even after repeated firing sessions.
The primary strength of this rifle stock is its ability to offer a truly personalized fit. This directly translates into better control and accuracy. Its main weakness, if one can call it that, is that it is designed for a specific action length and floor plate type; buyers must ensure compatibility before purchase. For its intended purpose of providing a customizable and aesthetically pleasing upgrade, it meets and often exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Boyds At-One stock strikes a pleasing balance between classic rifle stock lines and modern adjustability. The Applejack finish is visually appealing, with visible wood grain patterns that give it a rich, premium look. The overall build quality feels robust; the wood is dense, and the adjustment mechanisms operate smoothly with a satisfying tactile feedback.
Ergonomically, the stock is well-designed for a firm and comfortable grip. The textured pistol grip area and the forend provide ample purchase, even in less-than-ideal conditions. The adjustment knobs for the length of pull and cheek riser are prominent and easy to manipulate without being obtrusive during shooting. There was virtually no learning curve; the functionality is intuitive once you understand the purpose of each adjustment.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of this hardwood stock is impressive, particularly for its category. The laminated wood construction is inherently strong and resistant to warping or cracking under normal shooting stresses. After months of use, there are no visible signs of significant wear and tear, such as finish chipping or structural compromise.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. The stock can be easily wiped clean of dust and debris with a soft cloth. For deeper cleaning or to maintain the finish’s luster, a good quality wood stock polish or conditioner can be applied periodically. It’s designed to be a long-term component, not a disposable item. Potential concerns are minimal, though extreme impacts could theoretically damage the wood, as with any firearm stock.
Accessories and Customization Options
While the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Winchester 70 Short Action 2 Piece Floor Plate FBC itself is the primary component, it is designed to integrate seamlessly with a rifle’s existing hardware. It comes ready to accept the Winchester 70 short action receiver and the 2 piece floor plate assembly. This means it’s compatible with standard Winchester 70 short action barreled actions and the associated magazine box and floor plate hardware.
There are no specific included accessories with the stock itself, as it’s meant to be a direct replacement or upgrade for an existing rifle setup. However, its design allows for the use of various aftermarket scope mounts and rings, ensuring a broad range of customization for optics. The real customization comes from the stock’s inherent adjustability, allowing for a perfect fit without needing additional aftermarket inserts.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Winchester 70 Short Action 2 Piece Floor Plate FBC
Pros
- Exceptional Adjustability: The adjustable length of pull and cheek riser allow for a truly customized fit, enhancing shooting comfort and accuracy.
- Premium Wood Construction: Made from high-quality hardwood, offering superior aesthetics and a solid, stable platform compared to synthetic stocks.
- Enhanced Ergonomics: Well-designed pistol grip and forend provide a secure and comfortable hold in various conditions.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The Applejack finish and visible wood grain contribute to a classic, attractive appearance.
- Direct Fit: Designed to work with Winchester 70 Short Action receivers and 2 piece floor plate configurations, often requiring minimal fitting.
Cons
- Action Specific: This stock is designed for a specific action length and floor plate type; compatibility must be verified before purchase.
- Weight: As a hardwood stock, it is generally heavier than its synthetic counterparts, which could be a consideration for lightweight hunting builds.
- Potential for Damage: While durable, hardwood is susceptible to significant impact damage, unlike some more resilient synthetic materials.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Winchester 70 Short Action 2 Piece Floor Plate FBC?
This stock is an excellent choice for owners of Winchester Model 70 short action rifles who are looking to upgrade from a factory synthetic stock or an older, worn wooden stock. It is ideal for shooters who value both the classic aesthetic of a wooden rifle stock and the modern benefits of adjustability for a personalized fit. This includes competitive shooters who need precise stock dimensions, hunters who prioritize comfort during long days afield, and enthusiasts who simply want to enhance the look and feel of their rifle.
Individuals who should probably skip this stock are those who require an extremely lightweight rifle for long-distance backcountry travel or those with a Winchester 70 action that does not match the specific short action or two-piece floor plate configuration advertised. Those on a very tight budget might also find it a significant investment compared to basic polymer replacements. A good quality scope and appropriate rings are essentially must-have accessories to fully utilize the precision this stock enables.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Winchester 70 Short Action 2 Piece Floor Plate FBC
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Winchester 70 Short Action 2 Piece Floor Plate FBC is a superb upgrade for any compatible Winchester 70 short action rifle. It masterfully blends the timeless appeal of hardwood with the practical benefits of modern adjustability, offering a comfortable, stable, and visually striking platform. The $269.99 price point feels justified by the significant improvement in ergonomics, the quality of materials, and the potential accuracy gains afforded by a perfectly fitted stock.
I would absolutely recommend this stock to any Winchester 70 short action owner looking for a premium upgrade. If you value traditional craftsmanship, demand a customizable fit, and want your rifle to look as good as it shoots, this Boyds stock is a worthwhile investment that won’t disappoint.