Worth the Money? My Take on the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel
As a long-time enthusiast and professional who has worked with a wide range of equipment across diverse environments, I’m always on the lookout for components that enhance the functionality and feel of a firearm. My quest for an upgrade for a vintage Enfield P-17 led me to the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel. This particular stock promised a blend of modern ergonomics with a classic platform, and the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks name carries a reputation I was eager to put to the test. My previous stock was showing its age, exhibiting cracks and a general lack of comfort for sustained use.
Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of solid craftsmanship. The wood felt substantial yet surprisingly light, a promise of the “Featherweight” designation. The thumbhole design, a departure from traditional military stocks, immediately suggested a more precise shooting experience. I had considered a more utilitarian synthetic stock, but the allure of a well-finished hardwood offering with improved ergonomics won out. My immediate reaction was a sense of hopeful anticipation; this felt like a significant step up from my previous setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds were my own workshop and then a local outdoor range. I carefully bedded the action into the stock, a process that, thanks to the precise inletting on this Boyds offering, proved remarkably straightforward. The “Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel” fit snugly against my P-17 receiver, with no excessive play or the need for extensive modification. At the range, the difference was immediately apparent; the thumbhole design offered a more stable shooting platform, and the stock’s balance felt significantly improved over the original.
Even with a few hours of continuous shooting, the comfort held up. The stock handled the recoil of my .30-06 rounds without feeling overly harsh, a testament to its design and material. There were no immediate surprises or quirks, just a smooth, almost intuitive transition into a more effective shooting posture.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including a few trips to the field for varmint control and numerous range sessions, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel has proven its mettle. The hardwood has held up exceptionally well, showing only the slightest signs of handling wear on the grip surfaces, nothing that detracts from its appearance or function. It cleans up easily with a damp cloth and occasional wood polish, maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
Compared to other aftermarket stocks I’ve fitted over the years, this Boyds unit strikes a fantastic balance between durability and refined handling. While some budget synthetic stocks can feel flimsy, and ultra-premium custom stocks come with an exorbitant price tag, this model hits a sweet spot for performance and longevity. It’s a reliable workhorse that doesn’t demand excessive fuss.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel
Specifications
This Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel is constructed from high-quality hardwood, specifically chosen for its strength and aesthetic appeal. The Featherweight designation refers to its relatively light weight, making it an excellent choice for a rifle that might be carried more than shot from a bench. The Thumbhole design is a key ergonomic feature, allowing for a more consistent grip and improved trigger control, particularly for a Left Hand shooter on a Right Hand Action rifle configuration.
The stock is designed for the Enfield P-17, featuring a Flat Floor Plate inlet. This specification is crucial for proper fitment with the rifle’s bottom metal. The #1 Barrel channel indicates a standard barrel contour fit, accommodating most common barrel profiles for the P-17 without being overly restrictive or excessively loose. The Finished product means it arrives ready for installation, with a smooth, protective coating already applied.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this stock is to provide a stable and ergonomic platform for accurate shooting, and it excels at this. The thumbhole grip significantly improves my ability to achieve a consistent cheek weld and maintain a stable hold on the rifle, translating directly into tighter groups on paper. The stock’s balance feels more centered, making it easier to manage the rifle during follow-up shots.
Its greatest strength lies in its ergonomic design and the quality of the hardwood. The thumbhole offers superior control, and the overall shape promotes a more natural shooting position. A minor point of contention, though not a significant flaw, is that the depth of the inletting for the flat floor plate might require a very minor adjustment if your rifle’s specific bottom metal deviates slightly from the standard. However, this is rare and easily remedied. It certainly meets and often exceeds expectations for an aftermarket rifle stock in this price bracket.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of this Boyds stock is evident from the moment you handle it. The hardwood is dense, with a beautiful grain that is further enhanced by the finish. It feels robust and well-made, without any hollowness or cheap plastic components.
Ergonomically, the thumbhole design is a standout feature. It provides a natural point for the shooting hand, promoting proper alignment with the trigger and sights. The forend is slim enough for a comfortable grip, yet substantial enough for resting on bags or bipods. The checkering on the grip and forend (if applicable to the specific finish chosen, though not explicitly mentioned here) would be a welcome addition for enhanced traction, but even without it, the smooth finish provides a secure feel. The design prioritizes a balance between classic aesthetics and modern functionality.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the quality of the hardwood and the protective finish, this stock is built for the long haul. I anticipate it will last for many years, even with regular use in varied outdoor conditions. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down is usually sufficient for dust and grime. For deeper cleaning or to refresh the finish, standard wood care products designed for gunstocks will work perfectly.
I’ve found no obvious failure points. The wood itself is strong, and the inletting is precise, meaning there’s less stress on critical areas around the action. Potential concerns are minimal, perhaps related to extreme impacts or prolonged submersion in water, but these are outside the scope of typical use for such a component. It’s a low-maintenance piece of equipment that offers peace of mind.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel is primarily the core component. It does not typically come with additional accessories like swivels or specialized bedding materials, as those are often rifle-specific or user preference. However, its design is generally compatible with standard sling swivel studs, which can be easily installed by the end-user or a gunsmith if desired.
The customization options are primarily centered around the finishes Boyds offers and, of course, the inherent nature of fitting it to your specific Enfield P-17. Should you wish to bed the action more aggressively, you can certainly do so. The #1 barrel channel suggests it’s designed for standard sporter-weight barrels, but it can often be opened up slightly for a free-floated custom barrel if that’s a future upgrade path.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel
Pros
- Excellent Ergonomics: The thumbhole design greatly improves grip stability and trigger control for a left-hand shooter.
- Quality Hardwood Construction: Offers superior feel, durability, and aesthetic appeal over synthetic alternatives.
- Precise Inletting: Designed for the Enfield P-17 with a Flat Floor Plate and #1 Barrel channel, ensuring a good fit with minimal modification.
- Featherweight Designation: Provides a lighter overall rifle package, ideal for carrying.
- Finished Product: Arrives ready to install, saving time and effort.
Cons
- Specific Fitment: While designed for the P-17, very minor adjustments might be needed for non-standard bottom metal.
- Limited Included Accessories: Does not come with items like sling swivels, requiring separate purchase if needed.
- Barrel Channel Size: The #1 Barrel channel is for standard contours; custom or heavy barrels may require re-inletting.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel?
This stock is an ideal choice for any left-hand shooter who owns an Enfield P-17 rifle and is looking to significantly enhance its ergonomics and shooting comfort. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the classic look of a hardwood stock but desire modern handling characteristics. If you engage in activities where carrying your rifle is common, such as hunting or extended range sessions, the Featherweight aspect will be particularly beneficial.
Individuals who should consider alternatives might include those with very heavy custom barrels that exceed the #1 Barrel channel specification, or those who absolutely require a synthetic stock for extreme environmental conditions where wood might be less suitable. For those who need a ready-to-go solution with integrated sling mounts, purchasing those separately or looking for a different Boyds model might be wise. A set of quality sling swivels, if not already possessed, would be a useful addition for carrying the rifle in the field.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action #1 Barrel channel represents a significant upgrade for the classic Enfield P-17 rifle, especially for a left-handed shooter. Its ergonomic thumbhole design, combined with the durable and attractive hardwood construction, transforms the shooting experience. The precise inletting and thoughtful design make installation manageable for the average enthusiast.
For its price point of $133.42, this stock offers exceptional value. It bridges the gap between utilitarian, less comfortable military stocks and prohibitively expensive custom alternatives. I can confidently recommend this stock to any P-17 owner looking to improve their rifle’s handling, accuracy, and overall feel. It’s a wise investment that will undoubtedly enhance your time spent with your firearm.