Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock Review

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock: Final Thoughts from Me

For a firearm enthusiast, the stock of a rifle is more than just a piece of wood; it’s the primary interface between shooter and machine. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock presents itself as a significant upgrade for owners of the classic Remington Model 600 Mohawk. My own Remington Mohawk 600, a rifle I cherish for its historical significance and compact utility, had a rather utilitarian factory stock that, while functional, lacked the ergonomic finesse I desired for more consistent shooting sessions. I was looking for a stock that would improve grip, reduce perceived recoil, and enhance the overall feel and control of this beloved rifle.

After a bit of searching, this particular Boyds offering caught my eye with its distinctive thumbhole design and the promise of a “Featherweight” build. It seemed to strike a balance between enhancing performance and maintaining the rifle’s inherent portability. I considered a few other aftermarket options, including some more modern synthetic stocks, but the allure of classic hardwood and the specific ergonomic benefits of a thumbhole design drew me to this model. Upon receiving it, my initial impression was one of solid craftsmanship; the wood felt dense and well-finished, promising a substantial improvement over the original.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock to the Test

My testing grounds for this stock were varied, reflecting its intended purpose for a sporting rifle. I spent considerable time at my local gun club’s outdoor range, engaging in both rapid fire drills and slower, precision shooting exercises. I also took the rifle, fitted with the new stock, on a couple of longer treks through wooded terrain, simulating hunting scenarios where the rifle’s balance and carry comfort are paramount. The initial fitment was surprisingly straightforward, requiring only minor adjustments to ensure a perfect bedding of the action.

Over several months of regular use, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock has proven its mettle. It has endured dusty range days, a few unexpected drizzles during hikes, and the general rigors of being a firearm accessory. The wood has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of cracking or warping, and the finish remains intact. Compared to other wooden stocks I’ve handled over the years, the durability of this Boyds stock has been consistently impressive, especially considering its lighter-than-expected weight. Cleaning is simple, requiring just a soft cloth and occasional wood polish.

First Use Experience

The first time I mounted the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock onto my Remington Mohawk 600 was a moment of anticipation. I fitted the action into the factory barrel channel which was precisely cut, requiring only careful alignment. The thumbhole design felt immediately natural, encouraging a more consistent hand position and a firmer grip. During my initial range session, the most noticeable difference was the improved stability; the stock seemed to absorb recoil more effectively, making follow-up shots quicker and more accurate.

Extended Use & Reliability

After weeks of consistent use, the stock has become an extension of the rifle itself. Its lightweight feel truly lives up to the “Featherweight” moniker, making the rifle easier to carry for extended periods without fatigue. I have experienced no issues with the stock loosening, despite frequent handling and repeated firing sessions. The wood grain is tight and appears very resilient to minor bumps and scrapes that are inevitable with field use. It’s a testament to the quality of materials and craftsmanship that Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks employs.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Specifications

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is constructed from high-quality hardwood, typically walnut or maple, chosen for its strength, beauty, and natural vibration-dampening properties. The factory barrel channel is precisely cut to accommodate the Remington Mohawk 600’s original short action configuration and factory barrel profile, ensuring a snug and proper fit for the barreled action. The defining characteristic is its thumbhole design, which provides a pistol-grip-like feel with a thumb aperture, promoting a more stable and comfortable shooting grip for many users.

This design choice is significant for several reasons. The thumbhole promotes a more consistent hand placement, which is crucial for repeatable accuracy. It also helps to align the shooter’s hand and wrist in a more natural position, potentially reducing fatigue during longer shooting sessions. The “Featherweight” aspect is achieved through careful shaping and inletting, aiming to reduce overall weight without compromising structural integrity. This is especially beneficial for a rifle like the Mohawk 600, which was originally designed to be lightweight and portable.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of performance, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock excels at its primary function: improving the shooting experience. The thumbhole grip, combined with the slightly more vertical pistol grip, allows for a more natural trigger finger alignment and a firmer hold, which directly translates to better accuracy. I found that the stock’s ability to absorb felt recoil was noticeably better than the original plastic or simpler wooden stocks.

Its greatest strength lies in its ergonomic design, which significantly enhances shooter comfort and control. The slight disadvantage, if one could call it that, is that the thumbhole design might not be ideal for every single shooter’s hand size or preference, especially those with very large hands who might find the aperture a bit restrictive. However, for the vast majority, it offers a substantial upgrade in how the rifle feels and handles.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this stock is both classic and modern. The use of hardwood provides a warm, tactile feel that synthetic stocks often lack. The finish on the stock I received was smooth and consistent, highlighting the natural beauty of the wood grain. The ergonomics are where this stock truly shines; the thumbhole naturally guides your hand into a secure, comfortable position.

The pistol grip portion is well-shaped, and the forend offers a solid platform for off-hand shooting or resting on a bag. The inletting for the action was precise, meaning the barreled action bedded securely without excessive pressure or looseness. Even after extended handling, the wood remains comfortable and does not feel overly cold, a welcome change from some synthetic materials.

Durability & Maintenance

The hardwood construction of this Boyds stock lends itself to excellent durability. I have yet to see any significant wear, such as significant dents or scratches, on the finished surface, despite field use. The finish itself appears to be a durable polyurethane or similar protective coating, which resists moisture and minor abrasions well.

Maintenance is straightforward: a quick wipe down with a soft cloth after use is usually sufficient. For deeper cleaning or to refresh the finish, a good quality furniture polish or a dedicated wood stock treatment can be applied. The biggest maintenance consideration for any wooden stock is to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme moisture or drastic temperature changes, which could potentially lead to swelling or cracking, though this particular stock seems very robust.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock typically comes as a standalone replacement stock. It doesn’t usually include accessories like specialized sling swivels or custom recoil pads as standard. However, its design allows for the easy integration of many common firearm accessories.

For instance, you can readily install standard sling swivel studs into pre-drilled locations. Additionally, the rear of the stock can often accommodate aftermarket recoil pads if you desire even more recoil reduction, though it is designed to be lightweight. The key here is that it’s built to accept standard components, making customization straightforward for those who wish to further tailor the rifle to their needs.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock?

This stock is an excellent choice for owners of the Remington Model 600 Mohawk who are looking to significantly enhance the ergonomics and shooting dynamics of their rifle. It’s ideal for shooters who appreciate the classic aesthetics of wood stocks and desire a more comfortable and stable platform for hunting or general range use. Enthusiasts who find their original stock uncomfortable or who want a noticeable improvement in recoil management will find this a worthwhile investment.

Those who should probably skip this particular stock are individuals who prefer the ultra-lightweight, maintenance-free nature of modern composite stocks, or those with very specific grip requirements that a thumbhole might not meet. Shooters who intend to put their rifle through extreme abuse in harsh environments where wood might be a liability should also consider alternatives. A premium wood finish polish and a good rifle sock for storage would be beneficial complementary items.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington Mohawk-600 Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is, without question, a superb upgrade for the Remington Mohawk 600. It successfully blends aesthetic appeal with tangible performance benefits, offering a significant improvement in handling and accuracy. The lightweight yet durable hardwood construction, coupled with the excellent thumbhole ergonomics, makes it a joy to shoot and carry.

Considering its price point of $189.00, this stock represents excellent value for money, providing features and a level of craftsmanship often found in much more expensive custom options. I would wholeheartedly recommend this stock to any Remington Mohawk 600 owner looking to enhance their shooting experience and bring a touch of classic elegance to their firearm. If you own this rifle and are contemplating an upgrade, this Boyds stock is a decision you’re unlikely to regret.