The Most Honest Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate #1 Barrel Channel Stock Review Online
My quest for a more traditional, robust feel for my aging Lee-Enfield P17 led me to the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate #1 Barrel Channel Stock. After more than a decade navigating the quirks and demands of various tools and equipment across workshops, labs, and rugged outdoor environments, I’ve developed a keen eye for what makes a piece of gear truly stand out—or fall flat. This stock, manufactured by Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks, promised a blend of classic aesthetics and modern craftsmanship for a rifle that’s seen its share of history. I was hoping to inject new life into a rifle that had become more of a display piece than a shooter, thanks to its worn, utilitarian original stock. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship; the wood felt substantial, the grain attractive, and the inletting looked precise, hinting at a thoughtful manufacturing process. While I briefly considered simply refinishing the original, the promise of an improved grip and a more refined profile from this Boyds offering was too compelling to ignore. A sense of quiet optimism, tempered with the realistic expectation that not all upgrades live up to the hype, washed over me.
Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate #1 Barrel Channel Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
The testing grounds for this particular stock were my personal workshop and a familiar shooting range. I spent an afternoon carefully bedding the action into the new stock, a process that felt remarkably smooth, a testament to the precise inletting. The wood’s natural grip felt good in my hands even before any finishing was applied, providing a secure purchase that my original stock lacked. The feel was immediately different, more solid and substantial, a significant improvement over the worn, almost slick surface of the old wood.
Later, at the range, the difference was palpable. The stock offered a stable platform, absorbing recoil more effectively and contributing to tighter groups. Even after a hundred rounds, the feel remained consistent, with no signs of the wood becoming slick or uncomfortable. This stock performed admirably under repeated firing and in the moderate temperatures of an indoor range.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months, this Boyds stock has become a permanent fixture on my P17. It’s seen regular trips to the range, sat on my workbench during other projects, and even endured a few days out in the field during a hunting trip. Despite constant handling and occasional exposure to the elements, the wood has held up exceptionally well. There are no visible cracks, no warping, and the finish remains intact, showing only minor character marks from its use.
Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe-down with a quality wood polish is all it takes to keep it looking its best. Compared to other aftermarket stocks I’ve encountered, especially those made from synthetic materials that can sometimes develop squeaks or feel cheap, this hardwood stock has proven to be incredibly reliable. It’s significantly outperformed budget wooden stocks I’ve used in the past, offering a level of durability and feel that rivals more expensive options.
Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate #1 Barrel Channel Stock
Specifications
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate #1 Barrel Channel Stock is crafted from select hardwood, typically maple, walnut, or birch, depending on the customer’s choice and availability. This particular model features a flat floor plate inletting, designed to accommodate the specific action of the Enfield P17 rifle with its standard floor plate configuration. The #1 barrel channel signifies a standard or “sporter” style channel that offers a comfortable clearance for most factory barrels, providing a good balance between free-floating capabilities and a substantial feel.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring a proper fit and optimal performance of the rifle. The select hardwood offers superior strength and rigidity compared to lesser woods or synthetics, contributing to a more consistent point of impact. The flat floor plate inletting ensures the action sits flush and securely, preventing any shifting that could degrade accuracy. The #1 barrel channel is designed to prevent forend pressure on the barrel, which is essential for maintaining consistent shot placement, especially with varying ammunition types or environmental conditions.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function, the Prairie Hunter stock excels at providing a stable and comfortable shooting platform. Its ergonomic design promotes a natural hold, allowing for better control during the firing sequence. The stock’s rigidity directly translates to improved accuracy, as it minimizes flex and vibration during recoil, ensuring the rifle returns to its intended position with greater consistency.
The strengths of this Boyds stock lie in its superb balance of classic aesthetics and practical performance. The weight distribution feels well-managed, and the overall feel is substantial without being overly heavy. A minor area that could be seen as a limitation, depending on user preference, is the pre-finished nature of the stock. While convenient, some enthusiasts might prefer to apply their own custom finishes to achieve a specific look or feel. However, for most users seeking an immediate upgrade, the factory finish is more than adequate.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Prairie Hunter stock is a clear nod to classic hunting rifle profiles, featuring clean lines and a traditional shape. The hand-selected hardwood not only looks appealing with its natural grain patterns but also feels warm and substantial in the hand. The forend is comfortably contoured, offering a secure grip, while the pistol grip is well-proportioned, promoting a natural wrist angle for improved trigger control.
Ergonomically, the stock is a significant upgrade over many military surplus rifle stocks. The shape encourages a consistent cheek weld, which is vital for repeatable accuracy. The factory finish, while durable, provides a pleasant texture that doesn’t feel slippery, even with light moisture or sweat. Small design details, like the smoothly blended inletting for the action and the clean lines of the stock itself, contribute to an overall feel of quality and attention to detail from Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my extended use, this stock is built to last for generations, much like the rifles it’s designed to enhance. The hardwood construction is inherently durable, and the factory finish offers good protection against minor abrasions and environmental factors. It’s designed for the rigors of regular use, not just display.
Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. A gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and occasional application of a quality wood wax or stock finish will keep it in top condition. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, though like any wood product, extreme, prolonged exposure to moisture without proper care could eventually cause issues. For typical outdoor use and bench work, however, its durability is more than sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate #1 Barrel Channel Stock typically comes as a standalone item, meaning it doesn’t include a wide array of accessories out of the box. However, its design allows for standard rifle hardware such as swivels for sling attachment, which can be easily installed into pre-drilled or easily drillable points. The precise inletting means it integrates seamlessly with the rifle’s existing metal components, such as the trigger guard and floor plate.
While Boyds offers various finishing options and some customization for certain models, this specific stock is designed for a particular rifle platform. The key “customization” here is the choice of wood species and finish color, allowing users to tailor the aesthetics to their preference. Compatibility with aftermarket scope mounts or bases would depend on the rifle’s receiver and any modifications made to it, rather than the stock itself.
Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate #1 Barrel Channel Stock
Pros
- Exceptional build quality: Made from select hardwood, offering superior strength and a premium feel.
- Precise inletting: Ensures a snug and secure fit for the Enfield P17 action, minimizing bedding work.
- Improved ergonomics: The Prairie Hunter profile provides a comfortable and natural grip, enhancing shooting stability.
- Classic aesthetics: Offers a beautiful, traditional look that significantly enhances the rifle’s appearance.
- Durable finish: The factory finish provides good protection against wear and tear for regular use.
Cons
- Limited wood choices: While options exist, the specific wood species may vary, and not all might be available at all times.
- Requires bedding (potentially): Although inletting is precise, some users may still prefer custom bedding for maximum accuracy potential.
- Not a drop-in for all variations: While designed for the P17 flat floor plate, minor fitting might be needed for very specific sub-variants or heavily modified rifles.
Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate #1 Barrel Channel Stock?
This stock is an excellent choice for owners of the Lee-Enfield P17 rifle who are looking to restore or significantly upgrade its appearance and handling characteristics. It’s ideal for the hobbyist gunsmith, the collector seeking to improve the aesthetic and functional appeal of their rifle, or the shooter who wants a more comfortable and stable platform for target practice or hunting. Anyone who appreciates the beauty and feel of natural wood in their firearms will find this offering from Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks highly appealing.
Those who should probably skip this stock are individuals looking for a tactical or modern synthetic stock, or those who require a guaranteed, absolutely perfect, “drop-in” fit on a highly customized or non-standard P17 variant without any potential for minor adjustments. For users who prefer a very lightweight, modern aesthetic, a synthetic stock might be a better alternative. A must-have complementary item would be good quality gun oils or waxes for maintaining the wood finish over time.
Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate #1 Barrel Channel Stock
The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Enfield P-17 Flat Floor Plate #1 Barrel Channel Stock is a superb upgrade that breathes new life into the classic Enfield P17 rifle. It offers a compelling blend of traditional beauty, robust construction, and improved handling that far surpasses many original stocks, especially those that have seen hard use. The $199.99 price point represents excellent value for the quality of material and craftsmanship delivered by Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks. I wholeheartedly recommend this stock to any P17 owner looking to enhance their rifle’s performance, aesthetics, and overall shooting experience. It transforms a historical firearm into a truly enjoyable and reliable companion for the range or field.