Was the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel the Right Choice?
Bringing an older rifle platform like the Remington 788 up to modern standards often involves more than just cosmetic upgrades. For a left-handed shooter like myself with a right-hand action, finding comfortable and functional stock options can be a genuine challenge. That’s precisely where the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel entered my radar. I was seeking a reliable, well-built stock that addressed the ergonomic peculiarities of my specific rifle configuration, and this particular offering from Boyds seemed promising. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship; the wood felt substantial and the lines appeared precise, hinting at a quality product. I had briefly considered a more generic synthetic stock or attempting a complex custom inletting job, but the pre-fit nature of this Boyds stock appealed to my desire for a straightforward upgrade. The feeling upon holding it was one of immediate compatibility, a simple solution to a persistent need.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing primarily took place in my personal workshop and at a local outdoor shooting range. I needed to evaluate how the stock would perform both during installation and under live-fire conditions. The installation process itself was remarkably straightforward, a testament to the precise inletting for the Remington 788 short receiver. I did not encounter any significant issues or surprises during the initial fitting, which is a welcome change from some aftermarket parts. The stock felt comfortable and balanced even before live fire, hinting at good ergonomic design for a left-handed shooter operating a right-hand action.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and constant handling in my workshop, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel has held up exceptionally well. I’ve intentionally exposed it to typical workshop dust and the occasional light moisture from a damp rag, and there are no signs of wear, warping, or finish degradation. Compared to previous synthetic stocks I’ve used, this hardwood model feels significantly more robust and resistant to minor impacts. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a damp cloth and occasionally applying a light coat of furniture polish, a process that takes mere minutes.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
Specifications
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is constructed from high-quality hardwood, ensuring a robust and durable platform. It is specifically designed for the Remington 788 short receiver, offering a precise fit for this particular rifle model. The stock features a factory barrel channel, which is crucial for seamless integration with factory-profile barrels, eliminating the need for custom adjustments in this area. Additionally, the stock is drilled and tapped at all screw locations, ensuring secure attachment of the action and bottom metal without any guesswork. This attention to detail in its specifications means less time spent modifying and more time spent shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of this stock is to provide a stable and ergonomic shooting platform. In this regard, the Prairie Hunter performs admirably. For a left-handed shooter with a right-hand action, the design helps to facilitate a more natural cheek weld and trigger finger placement than a standard stock might. The inherent stability of the hardwood construction contributes to consistent shot placement, especially during rapid firing sequences. Its performance meets, and in many ways exceeds, the expectations for a rifle stock in its price range, offering a significant upgrade over older, worn-out factory options.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Prairie Hunter stock is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, offering a significant improvement in ergonomics for the intended user. The hardwood construction provides a substantial feel, conveying a sense of quality and durability that synthetic materials can sometimes lack. The lines of the stock are sculpted to promote a comfortable and consistent grip, and the left-hand orientation for the shooter is clearly evident in its shaping. The finish is smooth to the touch, and the overall build quality feels solid, with no rattles or loose parts.
Durability & Maintenance
In terms of durability, this Boyds stock is built to last. Hardwood stocks are known for their resilience, and this one is no exception. Under normal use, I anticipate this stock will easily outlast many other components of the rifle. Maintenance is refreshingly simple; a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth is usually sufficient. For deeper cleaning or to refresh the finish, a light application of a quality wood stock polish or oil works wonders. There are no obvious weak points or failure points that I have observed, even after consistent handling and exposure to typical workshop environments.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular model is designed to work with the existing hardware of the Remington 788, primarily utilizing the factory barrel channel and screw locations. It doesn’t come with a host of bundled accessories, which is typical for rifle stocks. However, its factory barrel channel is a key feature, ensuring compatibility with factory-profile barrels without requiring additional customization. If you intend to use a custom barrel or a different type of bottom metal, you would need to consider professional inletting work. For its intended purpose, the design is self-contained and relies on the rifle’s existing mounting points.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
Pros
- Excellent fit and finish for the Remington 788 short receiver, minimizing installation hassle.
- Specifically designed for left-handed shooters operating a right-hand action, improving ergonomics.
- Durable hardwood construction offers superior longevity and a premium feel.
- Factory barrel channel simplifies installation with standard Remington 788 barrels.
- Pre-drilled and tapped screw locations ensure a secure and straightforward mounting process.
Cons
- May require professional inletting if non-factory barrels or bottom metal are used.
- Hardwood can be susceptible to extreme moisture or temperature fluctuations if not properly maintained.
- While functional, the aesthetic might be considered traditional by some users accustomed to modern synthetic designs.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel?
This stock is an ideal choice for left-handed shooters who own a Remington 788 rifle with a short receiver and a right-hand action. It’s perfect for those looking to upgrade from a worn or ill-fitting factory stock to something with better ergonomics and a more classic, durable aesthetic. Home gunsmiths or hobbyists who appreciate well-made wooden components will find the installation process and the final result highly satisfying. Anyone seeking a reliable, no-nonsense stock that enhances the shooting experience for a specific rifle configuration should seriously consider this model.
Those who require a stock for highly specialized varmint hunting, competitive bench rest shooting with heavy barrels, or those who prefer the lightweight nature of synthetic materials might want to look at other options. For the intended user, however, minimal additional accessories are needed beyond standard rifle cleaning and maintenance supplies.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 788 Short Receiver Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a superb upgrade for any left-handed Remington 788 owner with a right-hand action. It strikes an excellent balance between precise fit, durable construction, and improved ergonomics, all at a price point that represents significant value. The attention to detail in its manufacturing, particularly the factory barrel channel and pre-drilled screw holes, makes installation a breeze. It transforms the feel and handling of the rifle, making it a more comfortable and capable shooting platform. I would wholeheartedly recommend this stock to any shooter who fits its specific niche, as it delivers on its promises and enhances the shooting experience considerably.