Meet the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock: First Thoughts
My search for a new stock for my beloved Winchester Model 70 long action was driven by a desire for improved ergonomics and a touch of modern flair. The original stock, while functional, lacked the grip enhancement and cheek weld that I’ve come to appreciate in other rifles I own. I considered a few synthetic options, but the allure of a traditional wood stock with a more aggressive, modern design kept drawing me back to the hardwood offerings. When I stumbled upon the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock in Forest Camo, it immediately caught my eye. My first impression upon unpacking it was one of solid craftsmanship; the weight felt substantial without being excessive, and the wood grain was pleasingly apparent beneath the camouflage finish. It felt like a significant upgrade even before it was mounted, bringing a sense of anticipation for improved handling and accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing occurred at the local indoor range, followed by some outdoor target practice on a crisp autumn afternoon. I wanted to see how the new stock handled under controlled conditions and then in a more natural environment. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock was installed by carefully following the instructions, ensuring all action screws were torqued correctly. The feel was immediately different; the thumbhole design naturally guided my hand into a consistent grip, and the elevated cheek rest provided a comfortable, stable platform for sighting. Even after a couple of hours of shooting, I didn’t experience the fatigue I sometimes felt with the older stock.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and numerous trips to the range, as well as some casual handling around my workshop, this stock has held up exceptionally well. The Forest Camo finish remains vibrant, with no noticeable chipping or fading despite being exposed to varying temperatures and the occasional dusting of workshop debris. There are a few minor scuffs from being leaned against workbenches, but these are superficial and honestly add to the character of a well-used piece of equipment. Cleaning is straightforward; a damp cloth for the finish and a soft brush for any nooks and crannies is all that’s needed. Compared to some synthetic stocks that can feel flimsy or develop creaks over time, this hardwood stock feels exceptionally solid and reliable, offering a significant improvement in overall rifle feel and handling.
Breaking Down the Features of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock
Specifications
This Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock is designed specifically for the Winchester Model 70 Long Action and compatible Sears models, featuring a 2-piece floor plate configuration and a factory barrel channel. The Featherweight Thumbhole design is key, offering a distinct profile aimed at enhanced shooter control and comfort. Its construction from hardwood provides a traditional feel with modern performance characteristics. The Forest Camo finish offers a practical aesthetic suitable for various environments, blending traditional materials with a contemporary visual.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring proper fit and function. The long action specific design means it’s tailored for rifles chambered in cartridges typically requiring a longer action. The 2-piece floor plate compatibility is essential for users whose rifle is equipped with this specific bottom metal. The factory barrel channel is designed to accept a standard factory barrel profile, minimizing the need for extensive modification for many users. Finally, the Featherweight Thumbhole ergonomic design is intended to promote a more stable shooting position, crucial for accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this stock is to provide a stable and comfortable platform for shooting, and in this regard, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock excels. The thumbhole configuration offers superior grip security and allows for a more consistent trigger finger placement. The raised cheek piece significantly aids in achieving a repeatable and comfortable cheek weld, which is paramount for quick target acquisition and sustained accuracy. Its performance meets, and in many aspects, exceeds my expectations for a replacement stock in this price range.
The key strength lies in its ergonomics; the thumbhole and cheek rest are game-changers for shot consistency. A minor point that could be considered a weakness for some is that the factory barrel channel might require slight adjustments if you are using a non-standard or aftermarket barrel with a different contour, though for a factory barrel, it is a perfect fit. Overall, it provides a noticeable improvement in handling and shooting comfort.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this stock is its standout feature. The hardwood construction lends a pleasing weight and solid feel, a welcome change from some lighter synthetic options. The Forest Camo finish is applied evenly and provides a durable surface that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for blending into natural surroundings. The thumbhole is well-contoured, offering a secure and comfortable grip that actively encourages proper hand placement.
The ergonomics are where this stock truly shines. The thumbhole allows for a more relaxed wrist position, and the built-in cheek rest ensures your eye is perfectly aligned with the scope or sights. The overall feel in hand is substantial and reassuring, with no creaks or flex that you might find in less robust materials. This design choice directly contributes to improved shooting control and comfort during extended use.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its hardwood construction and durable Forest Camo finish, this stock is built to last. Under normal use for a hunting or target rifle, I anticipate this stock will endure for many years without issue. It resists the kinds of scratches and dents that can plague less durable materials, and the finish seems to repel minor stains and moisture effectively. Maintenance is refreshingly simple; a wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional application of a wood polish will keep it looking its best.
There are no obvious failure points that I have encountered. The fit and finish suggest a high level of quality control from Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks. While wood can always be susceptible to extreme moisture or impact damage, for its intended purpose, this stock feels robust and well-prepared for regular field use.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular model, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock, is primarily a replacement part rather than a platform for extensive customization. It is designed to fit a specific action type and floor plate configuration. However, the beauty of a quality hardwood stock is its inherent compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket scope mounts, sling swivels, and other rifle accessories.
The stock itself comes as a finished unit, meaning you won’t be adding custom inlets or bedding materials unless you are undertaking advanced gunsmithing. It is designed to accept standard Winchester 70 Long Action bottom metal and factory-profile barrels. For those seeking to personalize further, the natural wood beneath the finish offers potential for custom checkering or inletting if desired by a skilled craftsman, though this is beyond the scope of a standard user.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock
Pros
- Excellent ergonomic design featuring a comfortable and functional thumbhole grip.
- Hardwood construction provides a solid, traditional feel and good weight distribution.
- Forest Camo finish is attractive, durable, and suitable for outdoor environments.
- Significantly improves cheek weld and shooting stability for enhanced accuracy.
- Designed for a precise fit on Winchester 70 Long Action rifles with a 2-piece floor plate.
Cons
- The factory barrel channel may require minor fitting for non-standard barrel profiles.
- Wood, while durable, is inherently less resistant to extreme abuse than some synthetic materials.
- Limited direct customization options as it is a replacement component.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock?
This stock is an excellent choice for owners of Winchester Model 70 Long Action rifles (or compatible Sears models) who are looking to upgrade the ergonomics and aesthetics of their firearm. It is ideal for shooters who prefer the feel and traditional appeal of wood but want modern design elements like a thumbhole for improved control and comfort. Hunters and target shooters who value a stable shooting platform and consistent cheek weld will find this stock particularly beneficial.
Those who should probably skip this product would be individuals seeking an ultra-lightweight stock for extreme mountain hunting where every ounce counts, or those who require a stock specifically designed for heavy contour or bull barrels without modification. It’s also not the best fit for someone looking for a completely synthetic, low-maintenance option that can withstand extreme moisture without any concern. Recommended accessories would include quality action screws and perhaps a good recoil pad if one is not integrated, along with standard rifle scope and sling attachments.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole Winchester 70 Long Action 2 Piece Floor Plate Factory Barrel Channel Stock offers a compelling blend of traditional material quality with modern ergonomic design. For its price point of $199.99, the value proposition is strong, delivering a significant upgrade in both feel and function over many factory stocks. The hardwood construction feels robust, and the Featherweight Thumbhole design truly enhances shooter control and comfort, leading to improved accuracy.
I would personally recommend this stock to any owner of a compatible Winchester Model 70 Long Action seeking a more ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing rifle. It’s a sound investment for those who appreciate the craftsmanship of wood but desire the performance benefits of advanced stock design. If you prioritize a comfortable and stable shooting experience and your rifle features a 2-piece floor plate and factory barrel profile, this stock is an excellent choice that should not disappoint.