Taking the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole ZastavaM70 Bolt Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel for a Spin
As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I’ve learned that the right tool can make or break a task. My Zastava M70 long action rifle, a trusted companion for many years, recently required a stock upgrade. The factory original, while functional, lacked the ergonomic refinements needed for extended shooting sessions and a more stable shooting platform. This led me to seek out the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole ZastavaM70 Bolt Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel, specifically for its left-hand configuration and promise of improved handling. I considered a few synthetic options, but the appeal of a well-crafted hardwood stock with a thumbhole design ultimately swayed my decision. Upon arrival, the initial impression was one of solid craftsmanship, a reassuring weight, and a promise of enhanced control.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole ZastavaM70 Bolt Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing occurred at my local indoor range and then extended to an outdoor field on a crisp autumn afternoon. The left-handed action of this specific stock, paired with a left-hand action, provided an immediate and noticeable improvement in my shooting posture. The thumbhole design offered a significantly more natural and consistent grip compared to the standard pistol grip I was accustomed to. Even after several hours of firing, the stock felt comfortable and reduced fatigue. There were no immediate issues or surprises; it fit the Zastava M70 action seamlessly, which is always a welcome relief with aftermarket components.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the past few months, this stock has become an integral part of my shooting setup. It has seen regular use on the range and during several field excursions. Despite exposure to dust, a light morning mist, and varying temperatures, the hardwood construction has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of warping or degradation. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a soft cloth and occasional application of a wood finish are all that’s required to keep it in pristine condition. Compared to the plastic stock it replaced, the durability and feel are miles apart. The previous synthetic stock began to show scuffs and a slight wobble after a year, whereas this Boyds stock feels as robust as the day I installed it.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole ZastavaM70 Bolt Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
Specifications
This particular offering from Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks is the Featherweight Thumbhole ZastavaM70 Bolt Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel. It’s constructed from hardwood, a material known for its strength and aesthetic appeal. The design specifically caters to a Zastava M70 rifle with a long action and a one-piece hinged floor plate. Crucially, it is a left-hand stock designed for a left-hand action, ensuring proper ergonomics for left-handed shooters. The factory barrel channel is designed to accommodate standard factory barrels without modification.
The hardwood construction contributes to the stock’s overall rigidity, which is essential for consistent accuracy by providing a stable bedding platform for the rifle’s action. The featherweight designation suggests a design that balances durability with a manageable weight, avoiding excessive bulk. The thumbhole design is a significant ergonomic feature, promoting a more natural and stable shooting grip by allowing the thumb to rest in a dedicated channel. This can lead to improved control and reduced shooter fatigue during extended use.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of any rifle stock is to provide a stable and ergonomic platform for aiming and firing. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole excels in this regard. The thumbhole grip significantly enhances control, allowing for a more consistent cheek weld and trigger finger placement. This translates directly to improved shot placement, especially during rapid follow-up shots or when shooting from less-than-ideal positions.
The stock’s performance is largely due to its solid construction and the precise inletting for the Zastava M70 long action. My experience showed it to be incredibly stable, with no noticeable flex or shifting that could negatively impact accuracy. While it’s not a “target” stock designed for extreme precision benchrest shooting, for its intended purpose – enhancing the shooting experience for a hunter or general marksman – it performs admirably. It comfortably meets, and in terms of ergonomics, exceeds the performance of many factory synthetic stocks.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The hardwood offers a warm, classic look that many shooters prefer over synthetic materials. The thumbhole grip is the standout ergonomic feature, providing a secure and comfortable hold that aligns the shooter’s hand and wrist in a natural position.
The finish on the Boyds stock I received was smooth and well-executed, with a pleasant feel in the hand. The texture of the wood provides good grip, even with gloves on. The inletting for the action was precise, minimizing the need for extensive bedding work. The left-hand orientation is a critical design element for left-handed shooters, ensuring that all controls and the action are ideally positioned for them.
Durability & Maintenance
In terms of durability, Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks are generally well-regarded. The hardwood used in this model is dense and resilient, offering good resistance to dings and scratches from typical field use. The featherweight construction does not seem to compromise its structural integrity.
Maintenance is relatively simple. A periodic application of a quality wood stock finish or oil will protect the wood and maintain its appearance. For cleaning, a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I have not encountered any specific failure points in this stock. It feels built to last, and with proper care, I anticipate many years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
This Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole ZastavaM70 Bolt Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel typically comes as a standalone stock, with no specific accessories included. However, its design is intended to work with the rifle’s existing hardware, such as the one-piece hinged floor plate.
While this specific stock model doesn’t come with a plethora of included accessories, its design allows for common aftermarket enhancements. For instance, a shooter might choose to add a slip-on recoil pad for further recoil mitigation or customize the length of pull with aftermarket spacers if the fixed length isn’t ideal. The factory barrel channel is a key aspect, meaning it is designed to accept barrels as they are from the factory, simplifying installation and avoiding the need for custom barrel work.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole ZastavaM70 Bolt Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
Pros
- Superior Ergonomics: The thumbhole design provides a significantly more natural and stable grip for left-handed shooters, improving comfort and control.
- Enhanced Accuracy Potential: The hardwood construction and precise inletting create a rigid platform, contributing to better shot consistency.
- Durable Hardwood Build: Offers excellent longevity and a classic aesthetic, standing up well to varied environmental conditions.
- Left-Hand Specific Design: Perfectly caters to left-handed actions, ensuring optimal handling and accessibility of controls.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The natural beauty of hardwood adds significant visual appeal to the rifle.
Cons
- Weight: While designated “featherweight,” it is still heavier than many modern synthetic stocks, which could be a consideration for extreme backcountry hunters.
- Limited Customization: Comes as a fixed-length stock, requiring potential addition of spacers or pads for length-of-pull adjustments.
- Requires Dedicated Inletting: While precise, it’s specifically for the Zastava M70 long action with a hinged floor plate; it’s not a universal fit.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole ZastavaM70 Bolt Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel?
This stock is an excellent choice for left-handed shooters who own a Zastava M70 long action rifle and are seeking an ergonomic upgrade. It’s particularly well-suited for hunters and sport shooters who value a comfortable, stable shooting platform and appreciate the classic look and feel of a hardwood stock. If you find standard pistol grips uncomfortable or wish for more positive control, this thumbhole design will be a significant improvement.
Individuals who absolutely require the lightest possible rifle for extensive mountain travel might want to consider more modern synthetic options. Likewise, those looking for a stock that can be quickly adapted to various barrel profiles without modification should investigate models with adjustable barrel channels. However, for a dedicated left-handed Zastava M70 owner prioritizing comfort, control, and aesthetics, this Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks offering is hard to beat. A quality wood finish and a soft cleaning cloth are highly recommended for maintaining its beauty and longevity.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole ZastavaM70 Bolt Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Featherweight Thumbhole ZastavaM70 Bolt Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Left Hand Stock Left Hand Action Factory Barrel Channel is a superb upgrade for any left-handed Zastava M70 long action rifle owner. It successfully blends enhanced ergonomics with the timeless appeal of hardwood, providing a stable and comfortable shooting experience. The precise inletting and robust construction offer reliable performance that far surpasses many factory offerings.
Considering its price point of $199.99, the value proposition is exceptionally strong. You get a meticulously crafted, durable, and highly functional stock that significantly improves the handling and feel of your rifle. I wholeheartedly recommend this stock to any left-handed shooter looking to elevate their Zastava M70. It’s a true investment in your shooting platform, promising years of enjoyable and accurate use.