Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock Review

The Final Word on the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock

As an equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve handled my fair share of firearm components, and the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock is a noteworthy entry in the aftermarket stock arena. It promises a blend of ergonomics and functional design for the Remington 700 Long Action Sendero platform. My search for an upgraded stock began after experiencing some instability with a factory offering during precision shooting exercises, prompting a need for a more rigid and comfortable platform that could also accommodate a heavier barrel profile. While I considered a few other custom stock makers, their lead times and price points were considerably higher, making this Boyds offering an attractive prospect. Upon first impression, the stock presented a solid feel, with a promising shape for improved grip and cheek weld, though I harbored some slight skepticism about the color accuracy based on online representations.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this stock were primarily a static shooting bench at an outdoor range and occasional field excursions for observational accuracy. I mounted it on a Remington 700 Long Action chambered in .300 Win Mag, fitted with a Sendero profile barrel. The initial installation was straightforward, as the stock is designed for a specific action length and barrel channel.

During extended shooting sessions, the featherweight thumbhole design proved beneficial for maintaining a consistent cheek weld, which is crucial for accuracy. The stock felt well-balanced, and the thumbhole offered a comfortable and natural hand position. However, the bull barrel channel, while accommodating the Sendero contour, felt quite snug, hinting at a need for careful inletting if using a slightly different barrel profile.

The most striking observation, and a point of contention, was the color. The material, advertised as green, presented as a distinct, almost neon teal blue in direct sunlight, which was a stark departure from expectations. This color difference, while not impacting functionality, certainly affected the aesthetic appeal.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and numerous range trips, the stock has held up remarkably well, considering its price point. It has endured dusty conditions, occasional light dew from morning shoots, and the vibrations of recoil without any discernible degradation in performance. The bedding area for the action remained solid, and I haven’t noticed any flexing or shifting.

Durability has been a strong suit. The hardwood construction feels robust, and there are no signs of cracks or structural compromise despite being handled regularly and transported in a rifle case. The finish, while not a premium high-gloss, is a practical matte that resists minor scratches.

Maintenance has been minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dust and grime. The one-piece hinged floor plate system integrated into the stock is a significant advantage, reducing potential points of failure and simplifying cleaning of that area. Compared to some older, more complex stock designs I’ve encountered, this integrated approach is a clear win for ease of upkeep.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock

Specifications

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock is engineered for a Remington 700 Long Action receiver and specifically designed to accommodate a bull barrel channel. This means it’s built to house larger diameter barrels, offering better heat dissipation and potentially increased accuracy for magnum calibers. The featherweight designation suggests a focus on reducing overall weight, a common desire for hunting or mobile shooting platforms.

A key design element is the thumbhole grip, which promotes a more relaxed and ergonomic shooting position by allowing the shooter’s thumb to rest comfortably without the need for excessive grip pressure. This feature can significantly improve comfort during long shooting sessions and aid in consistent shot placement. Furthermore, the inclusion of a one-piece hinged floor plate is a notable specification. This integrated system provides a solid foundation for the barreled action and simplifies the removal and reinstallation of the trigger guard and magazine assembly. This particular model is configured for a long action, meaning it is designed to accept barrels and magazines for cartridges that require a longer bolt throw, such as .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, and similar magnum rounds. The stock requires no sanding to fit properly due to its precise inletting, a claim that, in my experience, generally holds true for Boyds products.

Performance & Functionality

In its primary role as a stock for a Remington 700 Long Action Sendero, this Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock performs admirably. The rigidity it provides to the action is immediately apparent; recoil feels more manageable, and follow-up shots seem more consistent due to the stable platform. The bull barrel channel is indeed generous, easily accommodating the Sendero contour barrel without binding.

The thumbhole grip is comfortable and provides a natural resting place for the thumb, which I found reduced hand fatigue during extended shooting. This ergonomic feature directly translates to improved control and a steadier aim. The one-piece hinged floor plate functioned flawlessly, allowing for smooth operation of the magazine release and secure retention of the internal magazine components.

However, the color discrepancy is a significant point of discussion. The “green” I received was a vibrant teal, which, while not a functional flaw, certainly deviates from what most would expect based on product images. This aesthetic issue is the primary weakness of this otherwise competent stock.

Design & Ergonomics

The featherweight thumbhole design is the star here, offering a noticeable improvement in handling and comfort over many standard rifle stocks. The thumbhole provides an intuitive grip, encouraging a relaxed shooting posture that can enhance accuracy. The cheek rest is well-positioned for scopes with moderate objective lens diameters, allowing for a proper sight picture without excessive strain.

The hardwood construction lends a classic feel, and the overall build quality is solid. The inletting for the action was precise, requiring no significant bedding work on my specific rifle. The integrated one-piece hinged floor plate is a clever design choice, contributing to both a clean look and functional integrity.

However, the color is a definite detractor from the design. The teal hue is quite striking, perhaps too much so for those seeking a more subdued aesthetic. While the finish is a practical matte, it does feel less refined than some higher-end aftermarket stocks, though this is often a trade-off for the price point.

Durability & Maintenance

This stock is built to last. The hardwood construction is inherently durable, and with proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. I have not observed any significant wear or tear even after numerous shooting sessions and transport. The finish has resisted minor abrasions, and the structural integrity remains uncompromised.

Maintenance is a breeze. A soft cloth and occasional wood polish are all that’s needed to keep it in good condition. The one-piece hinged floor plate means there are fewer small parts to worry about losing or cleaning individually. The integrated design also means there are fewer potential entry points for dirt and debris around the magazine well.

The primary concern regarding durability, if any, would be the potential for the finish to wear if subjected to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning agents, but this is true for most wood finishes. There are no obvious weak points; it feels like a robust component designed for practical use.

Accessories and Customization Options

This Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock comes as a complete unit ready for installation. It integrates directly with the Remington 700 Long Action, and the one-piece hinged floor plate means the factory trigger guard and magazine box are retained.

While there are no included accessories, the stock’s design is inherently compatible with a wide range of Remington 700 accessories, particularly triggers and bottom metal for long actions. The bull barrel channel is a specific design choice that limits its direct compatibility with lighter barrel profiles without modification, but that is the explicit purpose of this particular channel. Boyds offers various finishes and even custom engraving options on many of their stocks, though this specific model might be limited in those choices, especially regarding color.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock?

This stock is an excellent choice for owners of Remington 700 Long Action rifles, particularly those with a Sendero or similar bull barrel contour, who are looking for an affordable upgrade in ergonomics and stability. It’s ideal for shooters who engage in precision shooting, hunting, or target practice where consistent cheek weld and a comfortable grip are paramount. If you’re seeking to improve your shooting platform without investing in very high-end custom stocks, this Boyds offering is a strong contender.

Those who prioritize exact color matching should proceed with caution, as online representations can be misleading. Individuals with standard or sporter-weight barrels might need to look at different Boyds models or be prepared for potential inletting modifications. For users who value practicality and improved rifle handling over precise aesthetic replication, this stock is a solid investment.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock delivers on its core promise of providing an ergonomic and stable platform for Remington 700 Long Action rifles with bull barrels. Its thumbhole design and solid hardwood construction offer a tangible improvement in handling and accuracy potential over many factory stocks, all at a very reasonable price. The integrated one-piece hinged floor plate adds to its functional elegance.

While the performance and build quality are commendable, the significant color variance is a notable drawback that potential buyers must consider. If the exact shade of “green” isn’t a dealbreaker, and you’re looking for a substantial upgrade in feel and stability for your Sendero-style rifle, this stock represents excellent value. I would recommend it to shooters prioritizing functional improvement and willing to overlook minor aesthetic discrepancies.