Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock Review

What You Should Know About the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock

For those looking to upgrade the chassis of their venerable Savage 110 first-generation rifle, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock presents a compelling, albeit specific, option. As an experienced gear specialist, I was drawn to this stock primarily because my go-to Savage 110, a trusty companion for countless range days and workshop projects, was sporting its original, rather utilitarian, factory polymer furniture. It felt dated and lacked the ergonomic refinements that truly enhance a shooting platform. This Boyds stock promised a significant aesthetic and functional upgrade, boasting a traditional hardwood construction with modern design sensibilities aimed at improved stability and handling. Compared to the bland plastic I was accustomed to, the thought of a solid wood stock felt like a welcome return to classic craftsmanship. My initial impression upon receiving it was one of robust solidity; the unfinished hardwood felt substantial and well-formed, hinting at the quality that Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks is known for.

Real-World Testing: Putting the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this stock were primarily my dedicated workshop and the local outdoor shooting range. The installation process, while requiring some basic tools and careful fitting, was straightforward. I mounted it on my Savage 110 1st Gen short-action barreled action, ensuring all screws were torqued to spec. During the initial range session, the most immediate difference was the feel of the rifle. The increased heft and solid construction of the Pro Varmint stock provided a more stable shooting platform, particularly noticeable when taking off-hand shots. I tested it across a spectrum of environmental conditions, from a cool, dry morning to a warmer, slightly humid afternoon, and it performed admirably. There were no signs of swelling or warping from minor moisture exposure, and dust from the range easily wiped away.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, including a few longer range sessions and keeping the rifle accessible in my workshop, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock has held up exceptionally well. There are no discernible cracks, the finish (which I opted for a simple oil finish myself) has held up, and the structural integrity feels as solid as day one. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after dusty range trips and an occasional reapplication of furniture polish keeps it looking its best. Compared to the flex and feel of many modern synthetic stocks, this hardwood offering offers a reassuring, consistent tactile experience. I’ve never experienced any loosening of components or any performance degradation, reinforcing its reliability as a replacement part.

Breaking Down the Features of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Specifications

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock is designed specifically for the Savage 110 1st Generation short-action receiver, featuring a blind magazine configuration. It comes with a factory barrel channel, meaning it’s intended to accommodate the standard barrel profile of that generation of rifle without requiring extensive modification. The stock is crafted from select hardwood, providing a significantly more rigid and stable platform than the typical polymer or lesser wood stocks. Its Pro Varmint designation points to a design optimized for accuracy and stability, often featuring a wider forend and a more vertical grip profile. The overall length and stock drop are designed to integrate seamlessly with the original Savage 110 action, ensuring proper cheek weld and eye alignment with standard rifle scopes.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function, this Boyds stock excels at providing a stable bedding point for the Savage 110 action. The inherent stiffness of the hardwood construction minimizes flex, which is crucial for consistent shot placement, especially when firing from improvised positions or at longer distances. The Pro Varmint design is evident in its handling; the wider forend offers a good purchase for sandbags or rests, and the more vertical pistol grip promotes a more natural trigger hand position, reducing wrist fatigue and improving control. For its intended purpose – enhancing the accuracy and handling of a first-generation Savage 110 – it performs admirably. Its primary strength lies in its rigidity and ergonomic enhancements, offering a tangible improvement over less substantial factory options. A minor point to note is that the blind magazine setup, while period-correct for some 110 variants, requires a bottom metal that supports this configuration.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock leans into a tactical varmint hunting aesthetic while retaining classic hardwood appeal. The black textured paint finish provides a sure grip even with gloved hands or when wet, preventing slippage during handling. The pistol grip has a comfortable radius, allowing for a relaxed finger placement on the trigger, and the forend is broad enough to offer excellent support when shooting off a rest or bipod. The traditional stock shape ensures good cheek weld, which is vital for consistent scope use. There’s a subtle modernity in its lines, avoiding the overly ornate look of some traditional stocks while clearly being a step up from basic utilitarian designs.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of a Boyds stock is largely a function of the hardwood chosen and the finish applied. The select hardwood is inherently resistant to impact and stress. The black textured paint is robust and resists chipping and scratching from normal use; after months of handling, it shows only the faintest signs of handling, nothing detrimental. Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A damp cloth is usually sufficient for cleaning, and for deeper cleaning or to refresh the finish, a wood polish or a light coat of furniture oil works well. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish. Unlike some synthetic materials that can become brittle over time or with UV exposure, well-maintained hardwood offers excellent longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific model comes as a complete stock, ready to accept the Savage 110 1st Gen action. It’s designed with a factory barrel channel, which generally means it will accommodate factory-profile barrels without requiring opening up the channel. This simplifies the installation process significantly. While this particular stock doesn’t come with additional accessories, Boyds offers various customization options for many of their stocks, such as different finishes, lengths of pull, and inletting for specialized bottom metal if you wanted to convert to a detachable magazine system down the line, though this specific model is for blind mag configurations. The primary “accessory” is the Savage 110 action itself; the stock is built to integrate perfectly with it, ensuring a secure fit.

Pros and Cons of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Who Should Buy the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock?

This stock is an excellent choice for owners of first-generation Savage 110 rifles in a short action who are looking to improve the stability, handling, and aesthetics of their rifle. If you primarily use your rifle for varmint hunting, bench rest shooting, or general target practice where accuracy and a stable platform are paramount, this stock will serve you well. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate the feel and tradition of hardwood stocks but desire modern ergonomic enhancements. Anyone looking to perform a classic rifle restoration or simply give their older Savage a significant upgrade in both form and function would benefit greatly.

Conversely, if you are building an ultra-lightweight rifle for extended backcountry travel, or if your Savage 110 uses a detachable magazine system and you don’t want to modify it, then this specific blind mag model might not be the best fit. For such scenarios, exploring Boyds’ other offerings or a high-quality synthetic stock would be more appropriate. A must-have accessory for installation is a set of good quality torque-limiting screwdrivers and a proper bedding compound if you plan on glass bedding for ultimate precision.

Conclusion on the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Centerfire Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock is a thoughtfully designed and robust upgrade for the classic Savage 110 first-generation rifle. It delivers on its promise of enhanced stability and improved ergonomics, transforming a utilitarian firearm into a more capable and aesthetically pleasing platform. The build quality is evident, and the black textured paint offers a practical, secure grip. For its price point of $199.99, it represents excellent value, offering a significant leap in performance and feel over the original factory furniture.

I would readily recommend this stock to any owner of a compatible Savage 110 who prioritizes accuracy and a solid, classic feel. It’s a product that bridges the gap between vintage appeal and modern shooting needs, providing a tangible improvement for a modest investment. If you’re looking to breathe new life into an older Savage 110 and want a stock that feels as good as it looks, this Pro Varmint model is definitely worth considering.