Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC Review

Taking the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC for a Spin

As someone who spends a significant amount of time in diverse environments – from the precision demands of a laboratory to the ruggedness of outdoor fieldwork and the hands-on grit of a workshop – I’ve developed a keen eye for gear that not only performs but endures. When the need arose to upgrade the stock on a Winchester Model 670, a rifle that has seen its share of use but deserved a more refined handling experience, my search led me to the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC. Boyds has a reputation for crafting durable and aesthetically pleasing stocks, and this particular model, with its distinctive thumbhole design and focus on ergonomics, promised to address some of the handling characteristics I felt were lacking. My previous stock, while functional, was showing its age and didn’t offer the same level of adjustability or comfort I’d come to expect from modern rifle platforms. I had briefly considered a more generic synthetic option, but the allure of natural hardwood and the specific ergonomic enhancements of the At-One thumbhole design ultimately swayed me. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship; the wood felt substantial, and the finish had a pleasing depth, offering a subtle but distinct upgrade over the original.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this rifle stock took place primarily at my local outdoor range and during a few extended sessions at my home workshop. I needed to assess how it felt during live fire as well as during the process of fitting and making minor adjustments. The stock’s design, particularly the thumbhole grip, immediately felt more natural in my hands than a traditional straight stock, offering better control during the recoil impulse. The matte black finish felt durable enough to withstand a bit of dust and grime from the range, and I encountered no issues with grip even after several hours of handling. While the fitting process was straightforward for a long action Winchester 670 without a floor plate, I did find myself spending a bit of extra time ensuring perfect alignment for the barreled action.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, this Boyds stock has proven to be a significant improvement. It’s seen action during several hunting trips and countless trips to the range, enduring various weather conditions from light rain to dusty, dry heat. The hardwood construction has held up remarkably well, showing only minor scuffs that are easily buffed out. Its recoil pad has consistently absorbed recoil effectively, making longer shooting sessions far more comfortable. Cleaning and maintenance are relatively simple; a good wipe-down with a quality wood cleaner and occasional reapplication of a furniture polish keeps it looking and feeling its best. Compared to the original stock, and even some higher-end synthetic options I’ve used, the tactile feel and consistent performance of this hardwood replacement are notable advantages.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC

Specifications

This specific Boyds At-One thumbhole stock is designed for the Winchester Model 670 rifle, specifically the long action variant that does not utilize a floor plate. It’s constructed from wood, offering a classic and durable material choice for a firearm. The stock comes finished, meaning it’s ready for installation without requiring further sealing or coating, which is a significant time-saver. A key feature is its thumbhole design, which offers a different grip profile aimed at enhanced shooter comfort and control. It also includes pre-drilled fittings for sling swivel studs, a practical addition for carrying the rifle in the field.

These specifications translate directly into user experience. The wood construction offers a certain weight and feel that many shooters prefer over synthetic alternatives, contributing to stability. The long action fit ensures compatibility with specific rifle actions, preventing common fitting issues. The finished surface means you can mount it and head out, rather than waiting for finishes to cure. The thumbhole configuration is designed to promote a more natural hand position, potentially reducing fatigue and improving accuracy by offering a more consistent cheek weld and grip. The pre-drilled sling swivel stud mounts are a convenience that saves an extra step for hunters or anyone who uses slings.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of any rifle stock is to provide a stable platform for the rifle’s action and barrel, and to facilitate accurate shooting. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC excels in this regard. The barreled action sits snugly within the factory barrel channel, and the overall rigidity of the stock minimizes flex during firing. The thumbhole grip, combined with the stock’s shape, guides the hand into a consistent position, which I found particularly helpful for follow-up shots. While it doesn’t possess the modularity of some highly tactical stocks, its performance as a direct replacement and upgrade for a traditional hunting rifle is excellent.

Its main strength lies in its ergonomic design and the quality of its construction. The way it fills the hand and allows for a firm but relaxed grip is a noticeable improvement. The recoil pad integrated into the design effectively dampens muzzle flip, contributing to a more pleasant shooting experience, especially with magnum calibers that might be chambered in a long action 670. It meets and, in many ways, exceeds the expectations for a replacement stock in this price range. The only area where it might fall short for some is if they were seeking extreme modularity or the ultra-lightweight characteristics of some synthetic stocks, but for its intended purpose, it’s highly functional.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Boyds stock is a blend of classic wood aesthetics and thoughtful ergonomic enhancements. The hardwood construction is evident in the grain and the satisfying heft it adds to the rifle. The matte black finish is uniform and resists glare, which is appreciated in various lighting conditions. The thumbhole is well-contoured, allowing for a comfortable and secure grip without feeling cramped, even with gloves on. The cheek rest provides a consistent point of contact for the shooter’s face, promoting a stable shooting platform.

In terms of usability, the stock feels substantial and well-balanced. The transition from the receiver area to the thumbhole and then to the buttstock is smooth and natural. The checkering, if present on the grip portion (this model description doesn’t specify, but it’s common on Boyds stocks), would offer additional tactile feedback. The overall feel is one of solid craftsmanship that instills confidence. It’s not overly complex; its design prioritizes functionality and comfortable handling for extended periods, making it an intuitive upgrade for anyone familiar with bolt-action rifles.

Durability & Maintenance

This Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC is built to last. The hardwood material is inherently durable and resistant to common impacts and scratches that might plague lesser materials. I’ve yet to see any significant wear or tear after months of use, including being bumped against trees and carried through dense brush. Its maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe-down after use is usually sufficient. For deeper cleaning or to restore its luster, a quality wood stock cleaner and polish will do the trick.

Potential failure points are minimal, primarily related to the natural properties of wood over extended periods, such as extreme humidity changes or significant impacts. However, Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks is known for using high-quality woods and finishes that mitigate these risks effectively. For typical use, this stock should provide decades of reliable service without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures for upkeep. It represents a more robust and longer-lasting solution compared to many composite or injection-molded polymer stocks.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC comes ready to install, with pre-drilled holes for sling swivel studs. This is a practical touch that saves the user an extra step if they plan to use a sling. While the stock itself isn’t heavily customizable in the way a modular chassis system might be, Boyds offers a wide array of wood types, finishes, and often inletting options for different rifle actions and barrel profiles, allowing for a high degree of personalization before purchase.

The absence of a floor plate on this specific model means the inletting is tailored for actions that do not feature one, ensuring a clean and precise fit. Compatibility with aftermarket sling swivels is standard, and one could always opt to add custom grip enhancements if desired, though the hardwood itself provides a good tactile surface. For this particular rifle stock, the focus is on a well-executed, functional design rather than extensive add-on accessories.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC?

This rifle stock is an excellent choice for owners of the Winchester Model 670 long action who are looking to upgrade their rifle’s handling and aesthetics. It is particularly well-suited for hunters and sport shooters who appreciate the tactile feel and traditional look of hardwood, but desire improved ergonomics over a standard factory stock. Shooters who experience hand or wrist fatigue with traditional grips will likely find the thumbhole configuration to be a significant benefit. Anyone looking for a robust, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing replacement stock that requires minimal fitting should strongly consider this Boyds model.

Those who prioritize extreme lightweight construction above all else, or those who need a highly adaptable platform for extensive accessory mounting, might want to explore other options. However, for a direct, high-quality replacement that enhances the shooting experience, this stock is a superb choice. I’d also recommend having a set of quality screwdrivers and perhaps a rubber mallet on hand for the installation, though it’s typically a straightforward process.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rifle Stock At One Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action FBC is a stellar upgrade for any Winchester 670 owner seeking improved handling and a refined appearance. It successfully blends the classic appeal of hardwood with modern ergonomic considerations, delivering a stock that feels substantial, looks fantastic, and performs admirably. The thumbhole design significantly enhances grip and control, making shooting more comfortable and potentially more accurate, while the durable finish and solid construction assure longevity.

At a price point of $269.99, it represents excellent value, offering features and build quality often found in much more expensive alternatives. I wholeheartedly recommend this stock to any Winchester 670 long action owner looking to breathe new life into their rifle and enhance their shooting experience. It’s a testament to Boyds’ commitment to quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design.