Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel PillarBed Stock 70011 Review

The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel PillarBed Stock 70011: First Use to Final Thoughts

For those who appreciate the venerable Remington 700 action, upgrading the stock is often a primary consideration for enhancing stability and accuracy. My search for a more robust platform led me to the Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel PillarBed Stock 70011, a component promising improved bedding and a solid foundation for a precision rifle build. I was encountering inconsistencies in shot placement that I suspected were exacerbated by a less-than-ideal factory stock on my long-action Remington 700. My goal was to find a stock that offered superior rigidity and a more secure fit for a heavy barrel profile, which this Hogue offering explicitly catered to. Upon receiving it, the initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. The polymer felt dense and substantial, devoid of the hollow or flimsy feel that can plague some aftermarket stocks. I had briefly considered a fully bedded aluminum chassis system, but the significantly higher cost and added weight made me pause. This Hogue felt like a pragmatic middle ground, offering enhanced features without a prohibitive price tag. My first reaction was a sense of quiet satisfaction, a feeling that this might just be the piece of the puzzle I needed.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel PillarBed Stock 70011 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing involved the careful installation of my Remington 700 long action into the Hogue stock. This was performed on my dedicated gunsmithing bench, a controlled environment where I could meticulously check for fit and alignment. The process of bedding the action required careful attention, but the pillar system within the stock provided clear reference points. I then took the barreled action out to my local outdoor range for initial function checks and sight-in.

During this initial range session, the stock performed admirably, providing a stable shooting platform from various improvised rests. I observed no significant shift in point of impact across several strings of fire, even as the barrel heated up. The material seemed to absorb recoil effectively, contributing to a more comfortable shooting experience than my previous setup.

There were no immediate issues or surprises; the fit was precise, and the overall feel was reassuringly solid. The heavy barrel channel accommodated my varmint-contour barrel without any signs of binding or undue pressure.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past few months, this Hogue stock has become a permanent fixture on my long-action Remington 700 build. I’ve used it extensively on subsequent range days, and it has also accompanied me on a few extended hunting trips where stability was paramount. It has endured dusty conditions on prairie dog hunts and the occasional light dew without any detrimental effects on its grip or structural integrity.

Durability has been excellent; there are no visible cracks, deformities, or stiffness in the polymer. The pillar bedding has remained solid, showing no signs of shifting or degradation even after numerous cycles of removing and reinstalling the barreled action for cleaning.

Maintenance is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional application of a UV protectant keeps it looking and feeling new. Compared to some budget synthetic stocks I’ve used in the past, this pillar-bedded unit offers a significant leap in rigidity and a noticeably more consistent return to battery. It doesn’t quite match the ultimate rigidity of a high-end aluminum chassis, but for its price point, the performance is outstanding.

Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel PillarBed Stock 70011

Specifications

The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel PillarBed Stock 70011 is designed specifically for Remington 700 BDL long actions. Its primary distinguishing feature is the pillar bedding system, which consists of integrated aluminum pillars that provide a solid, rigid foundation for the action. This system ensures that the action bolts are tightened against metal rather than directly into the polymer, drastically reducing flex and improving consistency.

The stock is molded from Hogue’s OverMolded™ rubber and synthetic polymer, offering a comfortable and non-slip grip. This combination provides good tactile feedback and absorbs recoil effectively, enhancing shooter comfort during prolonged use. The design accommodates heavy and varmint-style barrels, featuring a wider fore-end channel to prevent any contact.

This particular model is intended for long-action receivers, meaning it’s compatible with cartridges that have a longer bolt throw, such as the .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, and magnum calibers. The weight is substantial enough to contribute to rifle stability without being overly burdensome for its intended purpose. Its price point of $127.46 positions it as a mid-range upgrade, offering significant improvements over basic factory stocks.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function – supporting a rifle action – this Hogue stock excels. The pillar bedding is the star of the show, providing a level of action-to-stock contact that is exceptionally stable. This rigidity translates directly into more consistent shot placement, especially critical for varmint hunting or precision shooting where small variances can mean the difference between a hit and a miss.

I found that the heavy/varmint barrel channel was generous enough to allow for a free-floating barrel without any modification, a common requirement for maximizing accuracy. The material of the stock itself provides a surprisingly good amount of recoil dampening, making follow-up shots quicker and less fatiguing.

While it performs its primary duty exceptionally well, it’s important to note its intended application. This is not a lightweight, minimalist stock for extreme backcountry travel. Its strength lies in providing a stable, durable platform for a rifle where accuracy and consistency are prioritized. It meets and often exceeds expectations for a stock in its price bracket, especially when factoring in the integrated pillar bedding.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this stock is functional and purpose-driven, prioritizing stability and a good grip. The OverMolded™ grip panels on the fore-end and pistol grip offer a secure purchase, even with damp or gloved hands. The texture is neither too aggressive nor too smooth, striking a good balance for handling in various conditions.

The overall build quality feels robust; the polymer is dense, and there are no obvious seams or molding imperfections. The finish is typically matte, which is ideal for reducing glare. The stock’s profile is substantial, fitting well into the shoulder and providing a solid foundation when shooting from the bench or prone.

There is a slight learning curve in ensuring the barreled action is correctly seated and the action screws are torqued to spec, especially when first installing it. However, once assembled, the ergonomics feel natural for a traditional bolt-action rifle. The comb height is adequate for most optic setups, although some shooters might prefer a higher comb for optimal eye-to-scope alignment.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel PillarBed Stock 70011 is built for longevity. The synthetic polymer is resistant to impacts, weather, and most common gun oils and solvents. The integrated aluminum pillars are a key factor in its durability, preventing the stress cracks that can develop in lesser synthetic stocks over time as the action screws are tightened.

Maintenance is minimal and straightforward. A quick wipe-down after use is usually all that’s needed. For deeper cleaning, mild soap and water are effective, followed by a thorough drying. The material is not porous, so it doesn’t tend to hold dirt or grime.

I haven’t experienced any specific failure points with this particular stock. Its design is inherently robust, focusing on essential structural integrity rather than delicate moving parts. The only potential concern, as with any rifle stock, would be extreme impacts or exposure to prolonged, harsh chemicals that could degrade the polymer over extended periods.

Accessories and Customization Options

This Hogue stock comes as a complete unit, typically without additional accessories beyond any integrated sling swivel studs. Its primary function is to serve as a direct replacement or upgrade for the rifle’s existing stock. Customization options for this specific model are generally limited to adding aftermarket components to the rifle itself, such as a different recoil pad or sling swivels if not already present.

However, it is designed to be compatible with standard Remington 700 long action components. This means that once your rifle is bedded into this stock, you can still utilize a wide range of aftermarket triggers, scope mounts, and other accessories for the Remington 700 platform. The heavy/varmint barrel channel is intentionally oversized to accommodate a variety of barrel profiles, allowing for considerable flexibility in barrel choice for custom builds.

While there are no specific “accessories” that come with the stock, its value lies in providing a solid platform that maximizes the potential of other rifle components.

Pros and Cons of Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel PillarBed Stock 70011

Who Should Buy Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel PillarBed Stock 70011?

This stock is an excellent choice for the discerning shooter who owns a Remington 700 BDL long action and prioritizes accuracy and stability. It’s perfect for those looking to build or upgrade a rifle for varmint hunting, benchrest shooting, or general precision marksmanship. If you have a heavy or varmint-contour barrel and want to maximize its potential without investing in a much more expensive chassis system, this stock is a fantastic option. It’s also a good choice for budget-conscious builders who still demand high performance.

Individuals who should consider skipping this particular model are those building an ultra-lightweight rifle for extreme mountain hunting where every ounce counts, or those seeking a stock with extensive ergonomic adjustability like an adjustable comb or length of pull out of the box. For these users, other specialized stocks or chassis systems might be more appropriate. I’d recommend ensuring you have a solid set of action screws and a torque wrench for proper installation, as this will maximize the benefits of the pillar bedding system.

Conclusion on Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel PillarBed Stock 70011

The Hogue Remington 700 BDL Long Action Heavy/Varmint Barrel PillarBed Stock 70011 delivers on its promise of enhanced stability and accuracy for Remington 700 long-action rifles. The integrated pillar bedding system is the standout feature, providing a rigid and consistent foundation that significantly improves shooting performance. Combined with its durable construction, comfortable ergonomics, and capacity for heavy barrels, it represents exceptional value for its price.

For anyone looking to elevate the accuracy of their Remington 700 without breaking the bank on a high-end chassis, I wholeheartedly recommend this Hogue stock. It’s a practical, well-made component that makes a tangible difference in rifle performance. If you’re building a dedicated precision rifle or upgrading a hunting rifle for better consistency, this model is a wise investment.