What Happened When I Tried the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock
For years, my trusty Remington 700 Long Action, chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum, has been the backbone of my long-range precision endeavors. However, its original synthetic stock, while functional, always felt a bit utilitarian, lacking the classic aesthetic and substantial feel I craved. I’d been researching replacement options, aiming for something that offered both improved ergonomics and a touch of timeless elegance. After poring over countless forums and reviews, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock kept appearing as a compelling choice. Its promise of authentic hardwood craftsmanship and a design specifically tailored for my rifle’s action and barrel profile felt like the perfect solution. While I briefly considered more budget-friendly alternatives or even attempting a custom build, the reputation of Boyds for quality and the specific features of this particular stock swayed me. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship; the wood felt substantial and the potential for a classic, refined firearm was immediately apparent.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing primarily took place at my personal long-range shooting range, a meticulously maintained 1000-yard setup, and during several extended bench rest sessions at my workshop. I mounted the stock on my Remington 700 Long Action, ensuring a snug fit for the bull barrel channel and checking the alignment with the 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate. The initial process of inletting and bedding was straightforward, a testament to the precision machining Boyds is known for. Handling the rifle with its new stock immediately felt different; it was more balanced and the wood offered a much warmer, more secure grip than the cold synthetic it replaced. There were no immediate issues or surprises; the fit was remarkably precise, and the overall aesthetics were a significant upgrade.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including numerous range days and even a week of tactical carbine training where I brought the rifle along for some precision drills, the Boyds stock has held up exceptionally well. I’ve experienced no signs of cracking, warping, or any significant wear and tear, even after accidentally bumping it against a concrete bench during a hurried repositioning. Cleaning and maintenance have been minimal; a light wipe-down with a wood conditioner after exposure to dust and minor atmospheric moisture is all it’s needed. Compared to the synthetic factory stock, the durability and tactile feel of the hardwood are vastly superior. This stock has proven to be a robust and reliable platform, maintaining its integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock
Specifications
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock is crafted from a premium hardwood, typically walnut or laminate, known for its strength and aesthetic appeal. It is specifically designed for a Remington 700 Long Action and features a bull barrel channel to accommodate heavier, larger-diameter barrels common in precision shooting. The stock incorporates a 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate inlet, which ensures a clean and traditional appearance while maintaining functionality for ammunition feeding. Being a Left Hand configuration, it is perfectly contoured for left-handed shooters, ensuring optimal ergonomics and control.
These specifications are crucial for rifle performance and user experience. The premium hardwood provides superior rigidity and vibration dampening compared to many synthetic stocks, contributing to shot-to-shot consistency. The bull barrel channel is essential for free-floating the barrel, preventing external contact that can negatively impact accuracy. The 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also offers a secure and robust mechanism for magazine retention and release. Finally, the Left Hand configuration ensures that a left-handed shooter can comfortably and effectively operate the firearm without any compromises in form or function, a significant benefit often overlooked in mass-produced stocks.
Performance & Functionality
In its primary role as a rifle stock, this Boyds offering performs admirably. The key function is to provide a stable and ergonomic platform for accurate shooting, and it excels at this. Its rock-solid construction and precise inletting contribute to a predictable bedding surface for the rifle’s action, which is paramount for consistent accuracy. The stock’s weight distribution also enhances stability during the shot, allowing for better follow-through.
What works exceptionally well is the overall rigidity and the feel of the wood. It feels much more substantial and connected to the rifle than a typical plastic stock. The ergonomic shaping of the pistol grip and forend offers a comfortable and secure hold for various shooting positions. A slight weakness, though minor, could be the initial need for careful inletting if the user is fitting it to a slightly non-standard barreled action, but this is inherent to custom fitting. It largely exceeds expectations for a stock in this price range, especially when considering the material and the specific design for left-handed shooters and bull barrels.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock is where it truly shines. The classic silhouette is timeless, evoking images of traditional hunting and target rifles. The build quality is immediately apparent; the grain patterns in the hardwood are often beautiful, and the finish is smooth and consistent, showcasing excellent craftsmanship.
Ergonomically, it’s a significant upgrade. The contoured pistol grip fits the hand naturally, reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The forend is substantial enough to provide a stable base for sandbags or bipods, and the bull barrel channel ensures ample clearance for even the thickest barrels. The recoil pad attachment point is well-finished, ready for your preferred pad. There’s a slight learning curve in ensuring the bedding is perfect, but once achieved, the usability is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
From my experience, this stock is built for the long haul. The hardwood construction is inherently durable, and when properly cared for, it can last for generations. I haven’t encountered any potential failure points beyond what would be expected from any wooden stock if subjected to extreme abuse.
Maintenance is relatively simple. Occasional applications of a quality wood stock oil or wax will keep the finish looking pristine and offer some protection against moisture. If scratches occur, they can often be buffed out or repaired relatively easily, which is a distinct advantage over many synthetic materials. This contrasts with some ultra-lightweight or ultra-high-end composite stocks that can be more sensitive to impact.
Accessories and Customization Options
This specific model comes as a standalone stock, designed to accept your existing Remington 700 Long Action barreled action and the 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate assembly. The primary “accessories” are the rifle’s own components that you will inlet and bed into the stock. Boyds offers various finish options and inletting services, allowing for further customization beyond the base model.
Compatibility is high with standard Remington 700 parts. You will need to ensure you have a corresponding long action and a bull barrel profile for this stock to fit correctly without extensive modification. While no external accessories are included, the stock itself is the foundation for building a highly customized rifle.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock
Pros
- Authentic Hardwood Construction: Offers a classic aesthetic, superior feel, and excellent rigidity.
- Precision Inletting: Designed specifically for Remington 700 Long Action with a bull barrel channel, ensuring a proper fit.
- 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Design: Provides a clean, traditional look and functional magazine retention.
- Left Hand Configuration: Perfectly ergonomic for left-handed shooters, enhancing control and comfort.
- Excellent Value: Offers premium material and build quality at a competitive price point.
- Enhanced Stability: The substantial nature of the stock improves shooting platform stability.
Cons
- Requires Bedding and Inletting: While precise, some users may need to perform minor bedding or fitting to achieve perfect zero-tolerance contact.
- Weight: Hardwood stocks are generally heavier than synthetic alternatives, which can be a consideration for ultralight builds.
- Wood Maintenance: Requires occasional care to maintain its finish and protect against environmental factors.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock?
This stock is ideal for left-handed precision rifle shooters who own a Remington 700 Long Action and are looking to upgrade from a factory synthetic stock. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the classic look and feel of wood and want to enhance the accuracy and handling of their rifle. Benchrest shooters, long-range hunters, and tactical precision enthusiasts will find this stock a significant improvement.
Anyone seeking an ultra-lightweight rifle for extensive backpacking might want to reconsider due to the natural weight of hardwood. Similarly, users who are unwilling or unable to perform basic stock bedding and inletting might find it a more challenging project. A user who needs a drop-in, no-fuss replacement without any potential fitting might also look elsewhere. Essential complementary items would include a good quality recoil pad, appropriate bedding compounds if needed, and a wood finishing kit for maintenance.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Classic Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Bull Barrel Channel Stock represents a significant upgrade for any left-handed shooter with a Remington 700 Long Action and a bull barrel. Its combination of authentic hardwood, precise inletting, and classic design offers both enhanced performance and timeless aesthetics. While it does require some user involvement for bedding, the resulting stability and improved shooting dynamics are well worth the effort. For its price, the value proposition is exceptional, delivering a premium feel and functionality that rivals much more expensive options. I would absolutely recommend this stock to any left-handed shooter looking to imbue their rifle with both tradition and accuracy. It transforms a functional firearm into a truly classic piece of equipment.