The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel: Is It Really That Good?
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel represents a significant upgrade for the Mossberg 100 ATR platform, transforming a utilitarian rifle into something with more tactical flair. As an experienced gear specialist, I’m always on the lookout for components that enhance both the functionality and ergonomics of firearms, and this stock promised just that. My own Mossberg 100 ATR, while a reliable workhorse, felt a bit dated and lacked the modern feel I desired. I was specifically looking for a stock that offered better ergonomics and a more refined shooting platform without a complete rifle overhaul. Initial impressions upon unboxing were positive; the wood felt solid, the finish was consistent, and the overall construction hinted at a quality product. I had briefly considered a less specialized aftermarket stock, but the unique thumbhole design and stated features of this Boyds offering caught my attention. My immediate thought was that this could be the key to unlocking the rifle’s hidden potential, offering a welcome blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing grounds were primarily my workshop and a local outdoor range, scenarios where a rifle stock truly gets put through its paces. I mounted the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel on my Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action rifle. The initial fitment was surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal fuss to align the action within the factory barrel channel. During range sessions, I focused on off-hand shooting and prone positions, observing how the thumbhole design influenced my natural point of aim and stability. The stock felt natural and intuitive from the start, with the thumbhole providing a secure and comfortable grip that reduced perceived recoil. One minor surprise was how well the finished surface handled a light drizzle during an unexpected downpour; it offered good grip even when damp.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, this Boyds stock has proven its worth, enduring regular trips to the range and time spent on my workbench. I’ve used it with various ammunition types and experienced no shift in zero, suggesting excellent bedding. Durability has been impressive; there are no visible cracks, chips, or significant scuffs despite being handled frequently and occasionally set down on rough surfaces. Cleaning and maintenance are also straightforward, requiring just a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional furniture polish to maintain its luster. Compared to the original plastic stock, which felt cheap and flimsy, this hardwood offering is in a different league for both feel and long-term reliability. It’s a substantial upgrade that feels built to last.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
Specifications
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is crafted from high-quality hardwood, offering a robust alternative to synthetic materials. It is specifically designed for the Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action and features a left-hand stock for a right-hand action. The stock includes a full-length aluminum bedding block, a key feature for enhancing rifle stability and accuracy. This bedding block is pre-drilled and tapped on the bottom, accommodating a sling swivel stud, which is crucial for accessory mounting. The factory barrel channel ensures a precise fit for the original barrel contour. The thumbhole design is engineered for optimal scope placement and a secure, ergonomic grip.
These specifications translate directly into tangible benefits for the shooter. The hardwood construction provides a classic aesthetic and a solid, reassuring feel, vastly superior to the lightweight, often hollow-sounding feel of synthetic stocks. The full-length aluminum bedding block is arguably the most critical technical feature; it creates a rigid interface between the rifle’s action and the stock, preventing flex and improving shot-to-shot consistency. This is especially important for precision shooting and when mounting accessories like bipods, which place additional stress on the stock. The left-hand stock configuration is vital for left-handed shooters using a right-hand action, ensuring proper cheek weld and hand positioning.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of any rifle stock is to provide a stable platform for accurate shooting, and this Boyds stock excels in that regard. The combination of the hardwood material and the aluminum bedding block significantly dampens felt recoil, making follow-up shots quicker and more controlled. The thumbhole design guides the hand into a consistent, natural position, promoting a proper cheek weld for optimal scope alignment. Accuracy improvements were noticeable after installation; groups tightened up, particularly at longer ranges, indicating that the stock’s rigidity and precise bedding are effectively translating into better rifle performance.
The strengths of this thumbhole stock lie in its ergonomic enhancements and the stability it provides. The sculpted thumbhole allows for a relaxed grip, reducing shooter fatigue during extended sessions. Its weakness, if one can call it that, is that it’s specifically designed for the Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action with a factory barrel channel. This means it’s not a universal fit and requires the correct rifle model for proper integration. While it exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, potential buyers must ensure compatibility.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a standout feature. The hardwood itself is attractive, with a smooth finish that feels warm and substantial in the hand. The thumbhole is well-contoured, offering a comfortable perch for the shooting thumb, which aids in managing recoil and maintaining a consistent grip. The overall shape promotes a more upright shooting posture, which many users find to be more comfortable and stable.
The ergonomics are excellent; the stock feels solid and well-balanced, enhancing the overall handling characteristics of the rifle. Practical design details include the factory barrel channel, which ensures proper clearance and fit without requiring extensive modification. The drilled and tapped sling swivel stud mount is conveniently located, allowing for easy attachment of slings or bipods. This thoughtful design means the user can focus on shooting rather than wrestling with the equipment.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my extended use, the hardwood construction of this stock suggests a long service life. Wood is inherently durable, and the quality finish applied by Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks protects it from minor abrasions and moisture. Under normal use for a rifle stock, I anticipate many years of reliable service. Maintenance is refreshingly simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient for dust and light grime. For deeper cleaning or to restore shine after heavy use, a good quality furniture polish or wood oil will suffice.
I haven’t encountered any specific failure points during my testing period. The only potential concern for any wood stock is extreme exposure to moisture or physical shock, which could lead to damage. However, for typical field or range use, its durability is more than adequate. It holds up significantly better than the original plastic stock, which is prone to scratching and cracking.
Accessories and Customization Options
While the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel doesn’t come with a host of complex accessories, its design allows for crucial additions. The most notable is the drilled and tapped bottom which is perfect for adding a sling swivel stud. This allows for the easy attachment of a sling for carrying or a bipod for stable shooting platforms. The factory barrel channel ensures compatibility with the rifle’s existing barrel, meaning no need for custom barrel work.
Beyond the integrated sling swivel mount, the stock itself is finished and ready for use. While Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks offers custom finishing options on some of their products, this specific model comes ready to go. Its primary customization lies in the accessories you choose to attach, like a particular bipod or sling, rather than modifications to the stock itself.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
Pros
- Superior Ergonomics: The thumbhole design provides an exceptionally comfortable and stable grip, enhancing control and reducing fatigue.
- Enhanced Accuracy: The full-length aluminum bedding block creates a rigid, stable platform that significantly improves shot-to-shot consistency.
- Durable Hardwood Construction: Made from high-quality hardwood, this stock offers a classic aesthetic and robust durability far exceeding original plastic offerings.
- Precise Fitment: Designed for the Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action with a factory barrel channel, ensuring a near-perfect fit out of the box.
- Sling Swivel Mount Included: The drilled and tapped bottom conveniently accommodates a sling swivel stud for accessory attachment.
Cons
- Specific Fitment: This stock is model-specific to the Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action with a factory barrel channel, limiting its applicability to other rifles.
- No Integrated Grip/Forend Options: Unlike some tactical stocks, this model doesn’t come with integrated accessory rails on the forend, requiring separate mounts for some attachments.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel?
This stock is an excellent choice for left-handed shooters who own a Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action rifle and are looking to upgrade its performance and handling. It is ideal for individuals who appreciate the aesthetic and feel of hardwood firearms and desire improved accuracy and recoil management. Home range enthusiasts and hunters who value stability and a comfortable shooting platform will find this stock a significant enhancement.
However, right-handed shooters or those with different rifle models should look elsewhere. If you are seeking a highly modular tactical stock with multiple accessory rails for a wide array of attachments, this particular model may not meet those specific needs. For those who already have their Mossberg 100 ATR fitted with custom rails or accessories, ensuring compatibility with the factory barrel channel is crucial.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a superb upgrade that delivers on its promises of improved ergonomics and enhanced rifle performance. The blend of attractive hardwood construction, the stabilizing aluminum bedding block, and the intuitive thumbhole design creates a shooting experience that is both more accurate and more comfortable. For its price point, the value is exceptional, offering a significant improvement over the factory plastic stock that transforms the rifle’s handling and feel. I wholeheartedly recommend this stock to any left-handed shooter with a compatible Mossberg 100 ATR Long Action looking for a substantial upgrade. It’s a thoughtfully designed, well-executed piece of equipment that clearly demonstrates Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks‘ commitment to quality craftsmanship.