Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock Review

It’s Time to Talk About the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

For anyone looking to significantly improve the handling and aesthetics of a Winchester Model 670, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock presents itself as a compelling upgrade. This stock, crafted by Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks, aims to blend traditional materials with a modern, ergonomic design for enhanced shooter comfort and control. My own journey to finding this stock was driven by a specific need: the rather generic feel and limited ergonomic support of the factory original on my Winchester 670 left something to be desired, especially during extended range sessions.

My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship. The hardwood felt dense and substantial, yet the “Featherweight” moniker hinted at a design that wouldn’t unduly add heft. It immediately projected a sense of durable quality, a stark contrast to some of the more utilitarian polymer options on the market. I had briefly considered a more budget-friendly, generic replacement stock, but the promise of a dedicated fit and superior ergonomics steered me towards this more specialized option. My first reaction was a quiet satisfaction, a feeling that I had invested in a piece that would genuinely enhance the rifle’s performance and my enjoyment of it.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing began at my local indoor range, a controlled environment where I could focus purely on the stock’s feel and the immediate impact on my shooting posture. The thumbhole design was immediately noticeable, offering a distinct grip point that felt more secure than a traditional straight stock. I spent about two hours there, firing various loads through the Winchester 670, paying close attention to how the stock managed recoil and facilitated consistent cheek weld.

While the indoor range provided a baseline, I later took the rifle equipped with this new stock to an outdoor range with longer distances. Here, the stock’s contribution to stability became more apparent, particularly when adopting various shooting positions. The feel remained consistent even as the ambient temperature shifted throughout the day.

My primary concern was whether the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock would offer an intuitive shooting experience or require a significant adjustment period. Happily, it was remarkably intuitive; the thumbhole naturally guided my hand into a comfortable and stable grip. The only minor surprise was how much lighter the overall rifle felt compared to my initial expectations, a testament to Boyds’ material selection.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and countless trips to the range, this replacement stock has proven its worth. It has become a permanent fixture on my Winchester 670, a clear indicator of its reliability and performance under consistent use. The rifle has been subjected to varying conditions, from dusty outdoor ranges to the occasional light drizzle, and the stock has held up exceptionally well.

There are no visible signs of significant wear and tear; the finish remains intact, and the wood feels as solid as day one. Unlike some composite materials that can develop micro-fractures or scuffs easily, this hardwood stock has resisted such blemishes admirably. Maintenance has been straightforward, typically involving a light dusting and an occasional wipe-down with a suitable wood conditioner to keep the finish looking its best.

Compared to the original factory stock, this Boyds unit is in a different league. The previous stock felt somewhat hollow and prone to transmitting more felt recoil. This Featherweight Thumbhole, however, absorbs recoil effectively, and its robust construction inspires confidence. It has certainly outperformed any budget replacement options I might have considered in the past, justifying its price point through sheer durability and functional improvement.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Specifications

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is designed specifically for the Winchester Model 670, a long action variant. It features a no floor plate inlet, meaning it’s intended for rifles without a detachable bottom metal or magazine well that protrudes through the stock. The factory barrel channel specification ensures a precise fit for barrels with standard factory contours, simplifying installation for users.

The stock is constructed from high strength hardwoods, which provides a significant advantage in terms of durability and a classic aesthetic over synthetic materials. The Featherweight design implies a careful shaping of the wood to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity. The thumbhole configuration is a key ergonomic feature, designed to offer enhanced grip security and promote a more consistent shooting posture.

The classic look and feel are preserved by using traditional gunstock materials and construction methods, giving it a timeless appeal. This commitment to material quality and precise fitting means less time spent on final adjustments and more time on the range. For a rifle action like the Winchester 670, having a stock inletted specifically for its dimensions is crucial for accuracy and stability.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of any rifle stock is to provide a stable platform for the action and facilitate accurate shooting, and this Boyds stock excels in that regard. The thumbhole design is particularly effective, offering a secure place for the thumb that prevents it from creeping forward and inconsistently contacting the action. This naturally encourages a more stable grip, which translates directly to improved shot-to-shot consistency.

One of the standout strengths is the ergonomic comfort it provides. The thumbhole, combined with a well-designed pistol grip, allows for a relaxed yet firm hold. This significantly reduces shooter fatigue during longer shooting sessions. The stock’s ability to manage recoil effectively is another major plus; the denser hardwood and the shape of the stock seem to dissipate felt recoil better than the original polymer offering.

A minor weakness, though inherent to any aftermarket stock not perfectly custom-fitted to an individual, is the universal nature of the factory barrel channel. While it’s designed to fit standard barrels, extremely heavy or unusually contoured barrels might require minor inletting adjustments. For its intended purpose and price point, however, it meets and often exceeds expectations, offering a significant upgrade in both feel and function.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of this Boyds stock is immediately apparent. The hardwood feels dense and substantial, with a smooth, consistent finish that looks and feels premium. There are no rough edges or imperfections; the inletting for the action is precise, and the overall craftsmanship speaks to years of experience in stock making.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the thumbhole is the star feature. It provides a natural resting place for the thumb, promoting a consistent grip and hand position that helps in acquiring a proper sight picture quickly and repeatedly. The pistol grip portion is also well-shaped, offering comfortable access to the trigger while providing good control.

Practical design elements like the sling swivel stud placement (often integral to the design for traditional slings) add to its usability for hunters and shooters who employ carrying straps. The subtle curvature and overall balance of the stock contribute to a comfortable feel, making the rifle feel like an extension of the shooter rather than an unwieldy tool. There’s a slight learning curve for those entirely new to thumbhole stocks, but it’s minimal and quickly overcome.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the high strength hardwoods used, this stock is built for longevity. Under normal shooting conditions and proper care, it’s reasonable to expect this stock to last for decades, outliving many other rifle components. It is designed for heavy-duty use in field conditions, offering a robust alternative to lighter, less durable materials.

Maintenance is straightforward: a periodic cleaning to remove dust and debris is usually sufficient. For preserving the finish and protecting the wood from minor moisture, applying a quality wood stock finish or wax a few times a year is recommended. This is a simple process that ensures the stock remains in excellent condition.

While the wood is durable, it’s not indestructible. Extreme impacts or prolonged exposure to excessive moisture without proper sealing could potentially cause damage, though this is true for any wooden product. The main potential failure point would be if the inletting were stressed by a poorly fitted action, but since this is designed for a factory Winchester 670 action, this is unlikely to be an issue if installed correctly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock typically comes as a standalone product, focusing on the stock itself. It usually includes a pre-installed front sling swivel stud, a practical addition for hunters and sportsmen who use slings. Given its specific inletting for the Winchester 670 action, it doesn’t come with accessories like scope mounts or specialized triggers, as those are typically rifle-specific.

However, the stock itself offers excellent compatibility for further customization. The classic design means it’s well-suited for various aftermarket sling swivels if a different mounting point is desired. While not directly a customization option for the stock itself, its precise fit allows for straightforward installation of additional rifle components like scopes, specialized trigger guards, or muzzle devices that are compatible with the Winchester 670 platform. Boyds also offers various finish options and sometimes even different inletting patterns, allowing for some degree of personalization if purchased directly from them.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock?

This stock is an excellent choice for Winchester Model 670 owners seeking a significant upgrade in both handling and aesthetics. It’s ideal for shooters who value traditional craftsmanship combined with modern ergonomic benefits, such as hunters, target shooters, and general rifle enthusiasts who appreciate a refined feel. If you find your current rifle stock uncomfortable during extended shooting sessions or want to improve your stability and control, this Boyds stock is a strong contender.

Conversely, individuals looking for a minimalist, ultra-lightweight stock for extreme backcountry use might find the hardwood a bit heavy compared to specialized synthetic options. Those with Winchester 670 models that do feature a floor plate will need to look for a different inletting option. For anyone prioritizing a truly custom, hand-fitted feel, minor inletting adjustments might be necessary, but this is a common consideration for aftermarket stocks.

A crucial complementary item to consider alongside this stock would be a quality wood stock finish or conditioner to maintain its beauty and longevity. Additionally, ensuring you have the correct action bedding screws and potentially a torque wrench for proper installation can further enhance the performance and reliability of the stock.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock stands out as a superb upgrade for the Winchester Model 670. Its blend of traditional hardwood construction with a modern, functional thumbhole design significantly enhances both the rifle’s handling characteristics and its visual appeal. The precision of the inletting and the overall build quality provide a substantial improvement over many factory offerings.

At its price point of $189.00, the value proposition is exceptionally strong. You receive a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and ergonomically superior stock that feels far more premium than its cost suggests. It’s a component that transforms a good rifle into a truly enjoyable shooting platform.

I wholeheartedly recommend this stock to any owner of a compatible Winchester 670 who is looking to invest in a tangible improvement. If you appreciate fine craftsmanship, desire better control and comfort, and want your rifle to look as good as it performs, this Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is an investment well worth making. It’s a choice that will enhance your shooting experience for years to come.