Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel Review

Breaking Down My First Experience with the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel

My search for a replacement stock for my aging Remington 722 had become a bit of a quest. The original wood, while classic, was showing its age with cracks and an uncomfortable grip that never quite felt right, especially for a left-handed shooter needing a right-handed action. This particular Boyds stock, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel, immediately caught my eye with its promise of improved ergonomics and a thumbhole design. The core appeal was its specific configuration: a left-hand stock designed for a right-hand action, a less common but crucial requirement for my setup.

The motivation behind this upgrade was purely functional. I needed a stock that would not only protect the action but also enhance my shooting experience, particularly with off-hand shooting and long sessions at the bench. The factory stock’s narrow forend and limited palm swell contributed to fatigue and inconsistent follow-through. I had looked at other aftermarket options, but most were either too bulky, too expensive, or didn’t offer the specific left-hand/right-action configuration. My initial impression upon unboxing this Boyds offering was one of solid craftsmanship. The weight felt substantial without being overly heavy, and the wood grain was attractive, hinting at good quality material. It offered a welcome sense of relief and curiosity, knowing I had found a promising solution.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing environment for this stock was primarily the indoor shooting range and my personal workshop. I began by carefully inletting my Remington 722 action into the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel. The factory barrel channel fit the factory barrel profile precisely, requiring only minor bedding adjustments for a perfect fit. The thumbhole design immediately felt natural, aligning my finger with the trigger more intuitively than the original stock ever did.

During my initial range sessions, I noticed a significant improvement in stability and comfort. Shooting off-hand felt steadier due to the increased surface area and the more ergonomic grip. The stock also seemed to absorb recoil a bit more effectively, reducing felt fatigue during longer shooting strings. There were no immediate issues or surprises; the fit was excellent, and the ergonomics felt right from the first shot.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including trips to the range and extended bench rest sessions, this Boyds stock has held up exceptionally well. It’s become my go-to stock for the Remington 722, and I’ve put it through its paces with various ammunition types. The laminate wood construction shows no signs of stress, cracking, or any degradation in finish.

Maintenance has been straightforward. A light wipe-down with a soft cloth after use is usually sufficient, and occasional conditioning with stock oil keeps the wood looking and feeling its best. Compared to some cheaper synthetic stocks I’ve used in the past, which can become brittle or develop squeaks, this hardwood stock offers a more robust and satisfying feel. It has certainly outperformed my expectations for durability and consistent performance over time.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel

Specifications

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is constructed from high-quality hardwood laminate, known for its strength and stability. It’s designed specifically for the Remington Model 722 action, featuring a short action length and a factory barrel channel that accommodates standard factory barrel profiles. A key specification is its left-hand stock configuration, which is crucial for left-handed shooters operating a right-hand bolt action.

This particular model boasts a distinctive thumbhole design, which significantly enhances grip security and provides a more natural alignment for the shooting hand. The stock comes finished, meaning it’s ready for installation right out of the box, saving the user time and effort. The weight of the stock is well-balanced, contributing to the overall feel and handling of the rifle. This focus on specific configurations and quality materials directly translates to improved shooting dynamics and a more pleasant user experience.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this stock is to securely house the rifle’s action and improve its handling, and it excels at both. The inletting for the Remington 722 action is precise, ensuring a tight and stable fit that contributes to better shot consistency. The thumbhole grip provides exceptional support, allowing for a firm, repeatable hand position that aids in minimizing shooter-induced variations.

Its main strength lies in the ergonomic design, particularly the thumbhole and the sculpted grip area. This design fosters a more relaxed hold, which can translate to improved accuracy during extended shooting sessions. A minor point for consideration is that the factory barrel channel is designed for standard barrel profiles; custom or heavy varmint barrels might require modification or a different channel specification. Nevertheless, for its intended purpose and typical Remington 722 barrels, its functionality is top-notch.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a clear highlight. The use of hardwood laminate not only provides durability but also a visually appealing, classic rifle stock aesthetic. The thumbhole design is well-executed, offering a comfortable and secure place for the thumb, which can prevent unnecessary movement during the shot.

Ergonomically, the stock promotes a more neutral wrist position, reducing strain. The grip surface offers good purchase, even with slightly damp hands, thanks to the natural texture of the finished wood. The forend has a comfortable width for resting on bags or shooting sticks. The stock feels solid and well-balanced in hand, a significant improvement over many older, less sculpted factory stocks.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on the construction and my extended use, this Boyds stock is built for longevity. The hardwood laminate is inherently resistant to warping and cracking, common issues with traditional solid wood stocks. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of regular use at the range and in the field.

Maintenance is minimal, which is a huge plus. Keeping it clean involves occasional dusting and wiping down. For added protection and to maintain the finish’s luster, applying a quality stock polish or oil every few months is beneficial. There are no obvious weak points; the inletting is clean, and the finish is robust, suggesting this stock will serve for many years without issue.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific model of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel comes finished, meaning it’s ready for immediate installation. There are no specific included accessories, as the stock is designed to accept the user’s existing barreled action components. However, Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks offers various customization options on their website, such as different wood types, finishes, and sometimes inletting for custom barrel profiles, though this particular model is set up for the factory configuration.

Compatibility with standard Remington 722 action screws and bottom metal is a given, ensuring a straightforward swap. While no extra parts are included, the stock itself is the primary enhancement, and its robust design means it doesn’t inherently require additional accessories for basic functionality. Users might opt for aftermarket recoil pads or sling swivel studs depending on their specific needs, but these are additions rather than necessities.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel?

This Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is ideally suited for left-handed shooters who own a Remington 722 and are looking to significantly improve the rifle’s handling and ergonomics. It’s perfect for those who find traditional rifle stocks uncomfortable, particularly for extended shooting sessions or when transitioning between off-hand and bench shooting. The improved grip and stability make it a great choice for general shooting enthusiasts, small game hunters, and precision shooters who value a consistent shooting platform.

Those who should probably skip this product would be right-handed shooters, as the left-hand stock orientation would be counterproductive. Additionally, individuals planning to install a heavy or custom barrel profile without intending to modify the factory barrel channel might need to look for a different stock option or be prepared for minor gunsmithing. For those who already have a perfectly fitting and comfortable stock, this upgrade might be more of an aesthetic choice than a functional necessity.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Remington 722 Short Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel represents a significant upgrade over the original factory stock for a Remington 722. Its hardwood laminate construction offers exceptional durability and stability, while the thumbhole design provides a remarkably comfortable and secure grip, especially beneficial for left-handed shooters. The precision inletting ensures a snug fit, and the fact that it comes finished makes the installation process refreshingly straightforward.

For its price point of $199.99, the value proposition is strong. It delivers enhanced performance and ergonomics that often come with much more expensive custom stocks. I would absolutely recommend this stock to any left-handed Remington 722 owner seeking to improve their shooting experience. If you’re a right-handed shooter or planning a heavy barrel build that requires significant modification, you might want to explore other options. Otherwise, this Boyds offering is a wise investment for anyone serious about optimizing their classic Remington 722.