What I Found Using the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock
My quest for an improved shooting platform for my Remington 700 Long Action led me to the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock. As someone who spends a significant amount of time at the range and in the field, precision and comfort are paramount, and my factory stock was simply not cutting it anymore. I was looking for a substantial upgrade that offered better ergonomics and a more stable shooting base, especially for those crucial long-range shots where every millimeter of accuracy counts.
The search wasn’t without its detours; I considered some of the more common synthetic chassis systems, but ultimately, the allure of a classic hardwood stock with modern features drew me in. From the moment I unboxed this Boyds offering, I was impressed by the weight and the feel of the certified imported hardwood. It exuded a sense of solid craftsmanship, a departure from the hollow plastic feel of many contemporary alternatives. My initial impression was one of quiet satisfaction, a feeling that I had found a worthy replacement.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds for this stock were the familiar environs of my local outdoor rifle range, specifically on a crisp autumn afternoon. The primary goal was to assess its ergonomic benefits and how it interfaced with my Remington 700 Long Action during sustained firing sessions. I mounted a scope and settled in for a series of drills, focusing on offhand shooting and prone positions to gauge its stability and comfort.
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock immediately presented a significant ergonomic upgrade. The thumbhole design provided a natural and comfortable grip, allowing for excellent trigger control without excessive strain. It felt intuitively designed, requiring very little adjustment to find a comfortable and stable shooting posture.
As for any surprises, the weight was perhaps the most noticeable difference from my previous setup. While not excessively heavy, it added a reassuring heft to the rifle, contributing to a more stable hold. I experienced no immediate issues or quirks; the fitment to my action was precise, and the overall feel was exceptionally solid.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and countless rounds downrange, the Boyds stock has proven itself to be remarkably durable and reliable. It has accompanied me on multiple range days, some in less-than-ideal weather conditions involving light dust and occasional dampness, and has held up exceptionally well. The hardwood finish, while requiring the usual care one would afford any fine wood product, has shown no signs of cracking, warping, or significant wear.
Maintenance has been straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after use, and occasional waxing of the wood, keeps it looking and feeling new. Compared to my previous factory stock, which started to feel a bit loose and “plastic-y” with extended use, this hardwood stock feels exceptionally robust and built to last. There’s a distinct lack of any shifting or creaking, even after being repeatedly shouldered and subjected to recoil.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock
Specifications
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock is constructed from certified imported hardwood, a key differentiator that speaks to its premium feel and inherent durability. It features a classic bull barrel channel that extends the full length of the bedding block, ensuring ample clearance for most any long action Remington 700 Sendero model with a bull barrel contour. This stock is designed for a 1-piece hinged floor plate configuration, which is a standard and robust setup for many Remington 700 variants.
The thumbhole design is a significant ergonomic feature, promoting a more natural hand position and improved trigger finger placement, which can lead to greater accuracy. The extended bedding block area ensures solid support for the action, crucial for consistent shot placement. This design, while visually striking, is engineered for practical performance in the field or at the range. The choice of hardwood, while beautiful, requires a certain level of care to maintain its finish over time, unlike some synthetic materials.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function – providing a stable and ergonomic platform for a Remington 700 Long Action rifle – this stock performs exceptionally well. The thumbhole grip coupled with the slightly elevated comb of the varmint profile allows for a fantastic sight picture, whether using iron sights or a magnified optic. Recoil management feels improved, likely due to the increased surface area and the solid nature of the hardwood construction distributing the felt impulse more effectively.
The main strength lies in its rock-solid bedding and excellent ergonomics. It significantly enhances the shooting experience by allowing for more consistent cheek weld and trigger pull. A minor point of consideration is that for some shooters, a full bull barrel channel might feel slightly oversized if their barrel is only a medium contour, though this allows for future barrel upgrades. The stock meets and often exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, offering a tangible improvement in handling and accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this Boyds stock is where it truly shines. The Varmint Thumbhole profile is well-executed, offering a generous thumbhole that comfortably accommodates various hand sizes without being cumbersome. The hardwood construction feels substantial and premium, with a smooth, consistent finish that looks and feels great.
The ergonomics are top-notch; the pistol grip section is comfortable and provides a secure hold, while the thumbhole facilitates a relaxed and controlled finger placement on the trigger. The comb height is well-suited for scope use, preventing the need for excessive aftermarket cheek risers. Any learning curve is minimal, largely revolving around adapting to the slightly different feel of a thumbhole stock if you’re not accustomed to it.
Durability & Maintenance
This hardwood stock is built for longevity. The certified imported hardwood is dense and less prone to flexing than many synthetic materials, promising a long service life. With proper care, such as occasional oiling of the wood and avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme moisture, it should last for decades.
Maintenance is quite simple: regular cleaning of any debris and a light application of wood polish or wax will keep the stock in excellent condition. There are no complex parts to break or fail. Potential concerns are minimal, primarily related to the natural properties of wood; extreme, prolonged humidity could theoretically affect it, but this is generally not an issue with properly finished hardwood stocks.
Accessories and Customization Options
While this particular model comes as a complete stock, its design is geared towards integration with standard Remington 700 Long Action components. It’s designed to accommodate a 1-piece hinged floor plate, meaning you’ll be fitting it with the corresponding bottom metal if your rifle doesn’t already have it. The bull barrel channel means it’s ready for a wide array of heavy contour barrels, often found on precision or varmint rifles.
There are no specific accessories included with the stock itself, as it is a replacement part for an existing firearm. However, its compatibility with the vast aftermarket for Remington 700 rifles means you can easily pair it with your preferred trigger guard, magazines (if converting from a different floor plate system), and scope mounts. The true customization lies in the rifle you build around this foundation.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock
Pros
- Exceptional ergonomics provided by the comfortable and functional thumbhole design.
- Premium feel and look thanks to the use of certified imported hardwood.
- Rock-solid stability due to the bull barrel channel and solid hardwood construction.
- Designed for 1-piece hinged floor plate systems, a common and reliable configuration.
- Significantly enhances shooting comfort and accuracy over standard factory stocks.
- Offers a classic aesthetic combined with modern performance features.
Cons
- The bull barrel channel might feel slightly oversized if your barrel is not a heavy contour.
- Requires wood care and maintenance to preserve its finish and longevity.
- Can add noticeable weight to the overall rifle configuration.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock?
This stock is an ideal choice for owners of Remington 700 Long Action rifles, particularly those seeking to build or upgrade a precision shooting platform, a varmint rifle, or a hunting rifle where accuracy and comfort are paramount. Shooters who appreciate the tactile feel and classic aesthetics of a quality hardwood stock will find this to be an excellent option. It is also a fantastic choice for those looking to upgrade from a factory synthetic stock and desire a more substantial, ergonomic, and visually appealing rifle.
Those who should likely skip this product are individuals looking for an ultra-lightweight, minimalist stock for extreme backcountry pursuits where every ounce counts, or those who prefer the low-maintenance, rugged nature of pure synthetics and dislike wood care. A must-have accessory for this stock, if your rifle doesn’t already have it, is the appropriate 1-piece hinged floor plate bottom metal. Also, consider a quality scope mount and rings to perfectly complement the stock’s comb height for optimal sight acquisition.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Remington700 LA Sendero Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock represents a significant upgrade for any Remington 700 Long Action rifle owner. Its blend of classic hardwood beauty, thoughtful ergonomic design, and robust construction offers a tangible improvement in both shooting comfort and potential accuracy. The substantial feel and stable platform it provides are immediately noticeable and translate directly to a more controlled shooting experience.
At its price point, the value proposition is strong, offering a premium upgrade that doesn’t require the astronomical cost of custom-machined chassis systems. I would wholeheartedly recommend this stock to any shooter looking to enhance their Remington 700 Long Action rifle, especially if they value traditional materials and modern performance. If you’re ready to elevate your rifle’s handling and aesthetics, this Boyds stock is an investment that pays dividends with every squeeze of the trigger.