Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock Review

What You Should Know About the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments – from rugged outdoor expeditions to meticulous workshop projects and precise lab work – I approached the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock with a seasoned eye. This stock isn’t just another piece of wood; it’s a carefully crafted component designed to elevate the performance and handling of a Remington 700 long action rifle, particularly those chambered for larger calibers or intended for heavy barrel profiles. My previous Remington 700 stock, while functional, had developed some play and wasn’t ideal for the bull barrel I’d recently installed, prompting my search for a more robust and precisely fitted solution.

The initial impression of this Boyds stock was one of solid craftsmanship and thoughtful design. The hardwood construction felt substantial, and the promised features, like the integrated hinged floor plate and the generous bull barrel channel, immediately suggested a significant upgrade over a standard factory offering. I had considered a few other aftermarket options, including some composite stocks, but the allure of traditional hardwood and Boyds’ reputation for precision machining drew me to this particular model. My first reaction was a quiet sense of satisfaction, a feeling that I had found a component that would likely solve my rifle’s handling issues.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock to the Test

My testing ground for the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock was multifaceted, beginning in my workshop for the installation and initial fitting, followed by extended use at the shooting range, and culminating in field testing during a recent extended prairie dog hunt. The installation process itself provided an immediate tactile understanding of the stock’s precision. The bull barrel channel accommodated my Shilen barrel perfectly, with no excessive looseness or need for significant bedding work beyond the initial torque settings.

During range days, I focused on how the stock affected pointability, recoil management, and overall consistency. Firing from various positions—prone, bench rest, and standing—revealed how the stock’s design contributes to a stable shooting platform. The flat forend, specifically mentioned as being ideal for bipod attachment, proved to be a significant advantage, offering a solid base that reduced wobble and allowed for more precise aiming during extended shooting sessions. Even after repeated firing cycles and exposure to the typical dust and temperature fluctuations of an outdoor range, the stock maintained its structural integrity and felt every bit as solid as it did on day one.

First Use Experience

My initial experience with this Boyds stock was centered on fitting it to my Remington 700 long action, chambered in .22-250, with a heavy contour barrel. I performed the swap in my home workshop, a familiar environment for me where I’ve assembled and modified countless firearms. The clarity of the inletting for the action and the substantial clearance for the bull barrel were immediately apparent, making the installation a straightforward affair.

The true “first use” for me, however, was taking it to the range. I was eager to see how the beefier profile and the improved bedding would translate to accuracy and handling. The first few shots were almost uncanny; the rifle felt more planted, and the perceived recoil seemed to be better managed by the hardwood. I noticed that the forend, with its broad, flat surface, was exceptionally stable when rested on sandbags, a noticeable improvement over my previous stock. There were no initial issues, no binding or unforeseen complications, just a smooth transition to a demonstrably better shooting experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including multiple range trips and a week-long hunting excursion, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock has held up exceptionally well. The hardwood finish, which I opted for in a classic walnut, has resisted scuffs and minor impacts that are inevitable in the field. There have been no signs of the wood checking, cracking, or any degradation in its structural integrity.

Cleaning and maintenance have been refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down of the exterior with a damp cloth and a mild wood cleaner is usually sufficient, and I’ve found no areas where dirt or debris tends to accumulate. Compared to some synthetic stocks that can become slick with sweat or oils, or older wood stocks that require more diligent care, this Boyds model strikes an excellent balance between durability and ease of maintenance. It feels like a stock designed to be used, not just admired.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock

Specifications

This stock is specifically designed for the Remington Model 700 Long Action and features a 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate configuration. The most critical specification for many users will be the Bull Barrel Channel, which accommodates barrels with significant diameter, providing proper clearance and support. The action bedding is designed with two large swells to center the action, minimizing unwanted contact and promoting consistent lock-up, a key factor for accuracy.

The use of a solid piece of hardwood for the floor plate ensures a robust feel and function, eliminating potential flex or looseness that can sometimes plague multi-piece designs. The forend’s flat, broad surface is intentionally shaped to provide an ideal platform for mounting a bipod, enhancing stability for long-range shooting or hunting scenarios where a steady rest is crucial. The overall construction emphasizes Finished Hardwood, suggesting a durable and aesthetically pleasing surface that requires minimal additional treatment.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock significantly enhances the handling and accuracy potential of a Remington 700 rifle. The precise inletting for the long action and the ample bull barrel channel ensure that the barreled action sits perfectly within the stock, free from undue stress. This proper bedding is instrumental in achieving consistent shot placement, especially with heavier barrels that can be sensitive to stock contact.

The ergonomically designed pistol grip and the substantial forend contribute to a comfortable and stable shooting platform. When paired with a quality bipod, the forend’s flat profile allows for very precise adjustments, which was invaluable during my prairie dog hunts where quick target acquisition and stable shooting were paramount. The 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate operates smoothly, a testament to the quality of the mechanism and the precise machining.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Prairie Hunter model is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The choice of hardwood provides a classic, substantial feel that many shooters prefer over synthetic alternatives. The finish on the stock I received was smooth and consistent, showcasing the natural grain of the wood.

The pistol grip has a comfortable palm swell that naturally guides the hand into a consistent firing position, and the forend is broad and flat, offering excellent stability whether resting on a bag or a bipod. The overall profile of the stock is not overly bulky, yet it provides enough mass and surface area to contribute positively to the rifle’s balance and recoil mitigation. The design prioritizes a secure and repeatable shooting position, which is crucial for precision marksmanship.

Durability & Maintenance

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock is built with durability in mind, leveraging the inherent strength of hardwood. The finish is applied to resist moisture and minor abrasions, making it suitable for field use. I’ve found that typical gun oils and cleaning solvents do not adversely affect the finish, provided they are wiped off promptly.

Regular maintenance primarily involves keeping the exterior clean and, perhaps annually, applying a light coat of gunstock wax to maintain the luster and protect the wood. Unlike some composite stocks that can develop stress cracks or wear down in high-contact areas, this hardwood stock feels robust and capable of withstanding years of hard use. The absence of complex moving parts in the stock itself, aside from the floor plate mechanism, further contributes to its long-term reliability.

Accessories and Customization Options

While this stock is a complete unit in itself, the primary “accessory” it facilitates is a Bipod due to its specifically designed flat forend. The stock comes ready to accept a standard Remington 700 long action and barreled action, and the 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate is integrated, meaning it works with standard Remington floor plate assemblies.

Beyond the direct integration, the stock’s design allows for standard scope mounts and other traditional rifle accessories to be attached without issue. For those looking for further customization, the raw wood versions of Boyds stocks can be further shaped, stippled, or finished to a user’s exact preference, though the finished model I tested was excellent out of the box. Compatibility with most aftermarket Remington 700 long action components is generally excellent.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock?

This stock is an ideal choice for shooters who own a Remington 700 long action rifle and are looking to upgrade from a standard factory stock, especially if they have fitted or plan to fit a bull barrel. It is particularly well-suited for those who engage in precision shooting, such as varmint hunting (like prairie dogs) or long-range target practice, where stability and consistent bedding are paramount. Enthusiasts who appreciate the classic look and feel of traditional hardwood will also find this model highly appealing.

Conversely, individuals who prioritize ultra-lightweight rifle configurations for extensive backcountry trekking might want to explore lighter synthetic options. Those seeking a “drop-in” solution with absolutely zero need for any bedding work whatsoever might find that even with precise inletting, minor adjustments are sometimes required for truly custom-fit scenarios. For most users, however, this stock offers a fantastic blend of form and function. A quality bipod is a highly recommended complementary accessory to fully leverage the forend’s design.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Prairie Hunter Remington 700 Long Action 1 Piece Hinged Floor Plate Bull Barrel Channel Stock is a thoughtfully engineered and beautifully crafted upgrade for any Remington 700 long action rifle, especially those with heavy barrels. It delivers on its promises of improved stability, enhanced ergonomics, and reliable functionality, all wrapped in a classic hardwood package. The precise inletting and the dedicated design for bipod use make it a standout choice for serious shooters.

At its price point, the value offered by this Boyds stock is exceptional. It provides a significant improvement in rifle performance and handling without the exorbitant cost associated with some high-end custom stocks. I would wholeheartedly recommend this stock to any Remington 700 long action owner seeking a more stable, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing platform, particularly if they intend to use a bull barrel and a bipod. It transforms a good rifle into a truly exceptional shooting instrument.