Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock Review

Let Me Walk You Through the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

As a seasoned gear enthusiast with over a decade of diverse experience, from the rugged outdoors to precision laboratory work, I’ve learned to appreciate when a piece of equipment truly delivers. My search for an upgrade to my Remington 700 platform led me to the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock. This particular stock promised a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern functionality, aiming to enhance both the feel and performance of a well-loved rifle. It’s not just about looks; it’s about how a stock interfaces with the shooter and the action, translating intent into accurate fire.

The catalyst for this upgrade was a desire for a more stable and precisely fitted platform for my Remington 700 BDL short action rifle. While the factory stock served its purpose, I craved a more substantial feel and the potential for improved bedding, which is crucial for consistent accuracy. I considered a few other synthetic options, but their often utilitarian appearance and lack of the classic wood aesthetic ultimately pushed me toward a traditional material. My initial impression upon unboxing this Boyds stock was one of solid craftsmanship and a promising, albeit unfinished, potential.

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this Prairie Hunter stock took place on my home workbench and then at the local indoor range. The most critical aspect was fitting the Remington 700 BDL short action, and it became immediately apparent that this wasn’t a drop-in affair. The user feedback about inletting and pillar bedding being required was spot on. I spent a significant amount of time carefully working on the inletting to ensure a perfect fit for the barreled action.

Once the initial fitting was complete, the rifle felt markedly different. The slender profile of the stock, combined with its traditional pistol grip, offered a comfortable and familiar hold. At the range, the difference in stability was noticeable, even before any formal bedding. The stock’s weight distribution felt well-balanced, and the improved grip surfaces made for a more secure aiming platform.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the subsequent weeks and months, this stock has become a permanent fixture on my rifle, and it has held up exceptionally well. The hardwood construction, while requiring a bit of initial customization, has proven to be incredibly robust. I haven’t encountered any cracks, significant wear, or performance degradation despite regular handling and range sessions.

Maintenance has been straightforward. A light application of wood oil periodically keeps the finish looking its best, and it’s easy to wipe down after a day at the range. Compared to some of the more basic synthetic stocks I’ve used, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock offers a level of tactile satisfaction and perceived durability that truly stands out. Its ability to be meticulously bedded means the rifle’s inherent accuracy is preserved and often enhanced.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks
  This renowned manufacturer has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality wooden gunstocks. Their expertise in wood selection and finishing is evident in the materials used for this stock.

• Gun Type: Rifle
  Designed specifically for sporting and hunting rifles.

• Gun Make: Remington
  Tailored to fit Remington firearms, ensuring compatibility with popular models.

• Gun Model: Remington Model 700 SPS ADL, Remington Model 700 XHR, Remington Model 700 CDL, Remington Model 700 XCR, Remington Model 700
  This stock is manufactured for various Remington Model 700 configurations. My specific rifle is a BDL short action.

• Action Length: Short Action
  This is critical for proper fit; the stock is designed to accommodate the shorter receivers found on many Remington 700 variants. A short action stock prevents excess forend length and ensures correct balance.

• Additional Features: Finished
  The stock arrives with a protective and aesthetically pleasing finish. This saves a significant amount of labor compared to unfinished stocks, though some users might prefer to re-finish it themselves.

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is crafted from dense hardwood, offering a substantial feel that synthetic stocks often lack. The factory barrel channel is designed to accept standard factory barrels, though as noted, some minor adjustments might be necessary for optimal bedding. The full length top rail, a unique feature for this style of stock, provides a rigid platform for optics and accessories, enhancing its modern utility. The traditional pistol grip combined with a slender profile offers a comfortable and ergonomic hold, allowing for precise control during aiming.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of any gun stock is to provide a stable platform for the rifle’s action and barrel, thereby contributing to accuracy. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock excels in this regard, especially after proper bedding. The hardwood construction minimizes flex, and the rigidity of the full length top rail adds a considerable benefit for mounting scopes and other accessories without compromising structural integrity.

Its main job is to be a solid, dependable foundation for a rifle, and it achieves this with aplomb. The slender profile makes it quick to shoulder, and the traditional pistol grip offers good control, especially for follow-up shots. The main strength lies in its potential for creating a highly accurate rifle through meticulous bedding and its robust build. A minor weakness for some might be the initial inletting required, but this is typical for high-quality, semi-finished stocks aimed at customization.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this stock is a tasteful blend of classic hunting rifle aesthetics and tactical utility. The hardwood itself has a pleasing grain, and the Black Matte finish is understated and functional. The traditional pistol grip feels natural in the hand, promoting a consistent grip that aids in accuracy.

The slender profile is a welcome departure from some bulkier modern stocks, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods. The full length top rail is a functional element that doesn’t detract from the overall classic look. Ergonomically, it’s excellent once fitted to the shooter’s preferences; the forend offers enough width for a solid rest without being overly cumbersome.

Durability & Maintenance

Hardwood stocks are known for their durability, and this model is no exception. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock is built to last, with the inherent strength of the wood providing resistance to impacts and stresses. With basic care, such as occasional oiling and keeping it clean, it should provide many years of reliable service.

Maintenance is relatively simple. A periodic wipe-down and a light coat of wood finish will keep it in excellent condition. There are no complex moving parts or delicate electronics to worry about, making it a low-maintenance choice for serious shooters. Potential concerns would be extreme moisture exposure without proper sealing, which could lead to swelling or warping over long periods, but this is inherent to any wooden product.

Accessories and Customization Options

The most significant customization for this stock is the inletting and pillar bedding process itself, which allows the user to achieve a perfect fit for their specific barreled action. The full length top rail is a key feature that accepts standard Picatinny or Weaver-style mounts, providing a versatile platform for optics. While the stock comes finished, some users might opt to add custom checkering or change the finish to their personal preference.

The rear of the stock typically accepts a standard recoil pad; this model specifies a wood recoil pad, which is a unique and aesthetically pleasing touch, though it may offer less recoil absorption than modern rubber alternatives. The removable safety feature is also noteworthy, offering a degree of customization for shooters who prefer a different safety mechanism or operation.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock?

This stock is ideal for Remington 700 BDL short action owners who are looking to significantly upgrade their rifle’s performance and aesthetics. It’s perfect for shooters who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and are willing to invest a little extra time and effort into achieving a custom fit. If you’re a hobbyist gunsmith or a shooter who values precision and is comfortable with minor stock work, this is an excellent choice.

Conversely, those seeking a quick, drop-in upgrade for an ultralight hunting rifle might want to look elsewhere. Individuals who prioritize maximum recoil reduction above all else might also find the wood recoil pad to be a limiting factor. It’s best suited for shooters who understand that true customization often involves more than just a simple part swap.

For those considering this stock, having a good set of inletting tools and perhaps a pillar bedding kit would be essential. Familiarity with firearm bedding techniques is highly recommended to get the most out of this excellent piece of hardware.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 BDL Short Action Factory Barrel Channel Stock represents a substantial upgrade for any Remington 700 BDL short action rifle. While it requires a degree of user involvement in terms of fitting and bedding, the end result is a stock that offers superior stability, enhanced ergonomics, and a classic aesthetic that is hard to beat. The price point of $180.49, considering the quality of the hardwood and the added feature of the full length top rail, represents excellent value for money for those willing to put in the work.

I would absolutely recommend this stock to any shooter who values precision, appreciates traditional craftsmanship, and is prepared to fine-tune their rifle for optimal performance. It’s a testament to Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks’ commitment to quality, turning a standard rifle into something truly special. If you’re looking to elevate your Remington 700 experience, this Prairie Hunter stock is a fantastic investment.