Is the **Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel** All Talk?
My search for a more robust and classic-feeling stock for my Winchester Model 670 long action was a journey fraught with compromise. I’d grown tired of the utilitarian, almost sterile feel of some modern synthetic stocks, yearning for something with the character and tactile satisfaction of traditional woodwork. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel immediately caught my eye, promising a blend of heritage aesthetics and practical ergonomics. The prospect of a thumbhole design, particularly with a left-hand stock configuration for a right-hand action, was intriguing, offering a unique interface for a rifle that was already a bit of a hybrid. My initial impressions upon unboxing were positive; the wood felt solid, with a pleasing weight and a visible grain that hinted at its quality. I had briefly considered a more generic aftermarket synthetic stock, but the allure of true hardwood and the specific design features of this Boyds offering won out. There was an immediate sense of relief, realizing I might have found a piece that could truly elevate the feel and handling of my rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel** to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial fitting and testing took place in my home workshop, then transitioned to the range. I wanted to assess the inletting and overall fit before heading out for a proper session. The stock felt substantial and well-finished right out of the box, a welcome change from raw unfinished blanks.
Handling it, I immediately noticed the distinctive feel of the wood. It wasn’t the slick, plastic-like finish of some synthetics, nor the overly coarse texture of some poorly finished wood stocks. It offered a balanced grip that felt secure, even with slightly greasy hands from other workshop tasks.
The thumbhole configuration, while a departure from traditional hunting stocks, felt surprisingly natural once I cycled the action. It provided a consistent point of contact for my thumb, promoting a stable shooting platform. I experienced no immediate issues with fitment, which was a relief given the specific left-hand stock for a right-hand action requirement.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months, this Boyds stock has seen regular use at the range and has spent time in various conditions, from cool autumn mornings to warmer indoor sessions. It has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of cracking or significant wear.
The hardwood construction has proven to be quite durable, resisting minor scuffs and dings that would easily mar lesser materials. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth, followed by a light polish, keeps it looking as good as new.
Compared to the original factory stock it replaced, this Boyds offering offers a tangible upgrade in both feel and aesthetics. It hasn’t experienced any warping or loosening of the action screws, which speaks to the stability of the wood and the quality of the manufacturing process.
Breaking Down the Features of **Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel**
Specifications
This stock is specifically designed for the Winchester 670 model, featuring a no floor plate, long action configuration. It is a left-hand stock designed to accommodate a right-hand action, a crucial detail for specific builds. The barrel channel is designed for standard factory barrels, ensuring a straightforward fit for many existing rifles.
The Featherweight Thumbhole designation speaks to its design intent: to offer a lighter profile than traditional heavy bench stocks while incorporating the ergonomic benefits of a thumbhole grip. The hardwood used is known for its strength and aesthetic appeal, providing a durable and attractive housing for the rifle action.
The thumbhole break over under side of the forend offers a unique grip point, promoting better control and a more consistent cheek weld. This specification is key to its ergonomic advantage, allowing for a more stable shooting posture.
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 thumbhole design significantly aids in maintaining a consistent sight picture by naturally aligning the shooter’s eye with the sights or scope.
The delicate comb under the thumbhole provides a comfortable resting point for the thumb, reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions. This thoughtful design element contributes to improved shooter stability and accuracy, especially for follow-up shots.
While it’s a fixed stock and doesn’t offer adjustable features, its inherent stability and ergonomic design more than compensate for this. The definite hand-feel lets you know you are handling a quality piece, translating directly into a more controlled shooting experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a standout feature. The thumbhole grip is well-executed, offering a secure and comfortable hold that naturally points the rifle.
The forend shape is slim enough to maintain a lighter feel, yet provides sufficient width for a stable resting point on bags or sand socks. The overall balance of the stock feels much improved compared to the original, contributing to a more manageable rifle.
Materials are clearly a strong suit, with the high-quality hardwood providing both visual appeal and tactile satisfaction. The finish is smooth but offers enough grip, even in cooler conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of this Boyds stock is impressive. Constructed from solid hardwood, it’s inherently strong and resistant to impacts that might crack or splinter less robust materials. The factory barrel channel offers a precise fit, ensuring the barrel is free-floated or properly seated as intended by the original rifle design.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning and an occasional light waxing or oiling are all that’s needed to preserve its appearance and integrity. There are no complex parts to fail or require special attention, which is a significant advantage for a field-oriented piece of equipment.
Potential concerns might arise if the stock is subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations or prolonged dampness without proper care, as with any wood product. However, for typical outdoor and range use, it’s built to last.
Accessories and Customization Options
This specific model, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel, is designed as a direct replacement or upgrade, so it typically comes as a standalone unit. It does not include specific accessories in the traditional sense.
However, the beauty of a Boyds stock lies in its compatibility with standard rifle hardware. You will need to transfer your existing action screws and any necessary bottom metal (if applicable to your specific rifle configuration, though this model specifies “no floor plate”). The factory barrel channel is designed to accept factory barrels without modification.
Boyds does offer various finishes and often allows for customization of things like buttpad types and sling swivel studs on many of their models, though this particular listing doesn’t detail those options. It’s always wise to check the manufacturer’s website for specific customization possibilities.
Pros and Cons of **Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel**
Pros
- Exceptional build quality with a beautiful hardwood finish.
- Ergonomic thumbhole design provides superior control and consistent cheek weld.
- Perfect for left-hand stock, right-hand action configurations, offering a niche but crucial fit.
- Designed for specific Winchester 670 long actions with no floor plate, ensuring accurate inletting.
- Improves the aesthetic appeal and classic feel of the rifle significantly.
Cons
- Limited availability for specific configurations (left-hand stock/right-hand action).
- Requires careful transfer of existing rifle hardware; not a complete drop-in solution with all components.
- Wood requires more care than synthetic stocks against extreme weather and impacts.
Who Should Buy **Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel**?
This Boyds stock is an ideal choice for owners of Winchester Model 670 long action rifles who are looking for a significant upgrade in both ergonomics and aesthetics. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate the feel and look of traditional hardwood and desire the improved control offered by a thumbhole design. Shooters with a left-handed shooting style operating a right-handed action will find this specific configuration invaluable.
Anyone seeking a highly durable, low-maintenance stock for extreme field conditions might consider a synthetic alternative. Those who are not comfortable with basic rifle disassembly and reassembly for fitting may also find this to be a more involved process. For those who do purchase it, ensuring you have the correct action screws and bottom metal (if applicable to your specific rifle variant) is essential.
Conclusion on **Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel**
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 670 No Floor Plate Long Action Left Hand Stock Right Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a testament to Boyds’ commitment to quality craftsmanship. It transforms a functional rifle into a work of art, offering tangible benefits in handling and stability. The price point of $199.99 represents excellent value for a premium hardwood stock with such a specialized configuration. I would absolutely recommend this stock to any Winchester 670 owner who fits the specific criteria and desires a classic, ergonomic upgrade. It’s not just a stock; it’s an investment in the character and performance of your rifle.