Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock Review

Is the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock Worth It? Let’s Find Out

For anyone looking to enhance the stability and handling of their Savage Model 64, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock presents a compelling upgrade. Crafted by Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks, this stock promises to deliver a solid platform for accuracy and longevity. My own journey to this particular stock began with a desire for greater consistency and a more substantial feel from my Savage 64, which, while a reliable plinker, could benefit from a more refined interface. The original factory stock, functional as it was, lacked the mass and ergonomic refinement I sought for extended shooting sessions. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship; the hardwood felt substantial and well-finished, a clear step up from the molded polymer often found on factory firearms. I had briefly considered other aftermarket options, including some synthetic stocks, but the allure of traditional hardwood and Boyds’ reputation for quality steered me towards this model. My immediate feeling was one of satisfaction – a tangible improvement in hand before even fitting it to the rifle.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock to the Test

My testing grounds for this stock were primarily the local shooting range and my own workshop. I fitted the stock to my Savage Model 64, ensuring a snug fit before heading out for initial firing sessions. The stock was tested under various conditions, including cool morning air and warmer afternoon temperatures, with no noticeable expansion or contraction affecting its performance. Its stability on the bench was immediately apparent, providing a firm rest that translated to tighter groups downrange.

First Use Experience

The first time I mounted my Savage 64 into this stock, the process was straightforward. The fit was precise, requiring no excessive force or modification. I spent a good hour at the range, cycling through various magazines and firing positions, from prone to standing off-hand.

The difference in handling was palpable. The added weight and improved balance of the hardwood stock significantly reduced felt recoil and allowed for quicker follow-up shots. There were no unexpected quirks or issues; the stock simply performed as intended, feeling solid and reassuring.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months of consistent use, roughly twice a month for range trips, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock has held up exceptionally well. Despite numerous trips to the range and occasional exposure to the elements (a light dusting, no heavy rain), there are no visible signs of wear such as cracks, warping, or significant scuffs. The finish remains intact, and the stock maintains its solid feel.

Maintenance has been minimal, requiring only a light dusting after each range session and an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth. Compared to the factory plastic stock, which felt flimsy and prone to flexing, this hardwood upgrade offers a vastly superior shooting experience. The durability and consistent performance make it a standout replacement for the original.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock

Specifications

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock is constructed from high quality hardwood, a significant differentiator from typical synthetic rifle stocks. It is specifically designed for the Savage Model 64 rifle, featuring a clip feed design and a channel precisely shaped for a bull barrel. This specific channel accommodates barrels with a larger diameter, offering improved rigidity and potentially better heat dissipation compared to standard barrel profiles.

The bull barrel channel is crucial for shooters who have or plan to upgrade their Savage 64 with a heavier barrel for enhanced accuracy. The hardwood itself provides a density that absorbs recoil better than lighter materials, contributing to a more stable shooting platform. Its intended application is for rifles, and the black finish offers a classic yet understated aesthetic.

Performance & Functionality

This stock excels at its primary function: providing a stable and ergonomic interface for the Savage 64. The bull barrel channel ensures a snug, free-floating fit for heavier barrels, preventing any contact that could negatively impact accuracy. The increased mass of the hardwood material noticeably dampens muzzle rise, allowing for more consistent follow-up shots.

Its strength lies in its sheer solidity; there’s no flex or creak when shouldering the rifle, which instills confidence. The main weakness, if one can call it that, is that it’s a fixed upgrade; it doesn’t offer the modularity of some synthetic systems, but for its intended purpose, this is a minor point. It meets and exceeds expectations for a premium replacement stock, particularly considering its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Pro Varmint stock is all about practical performance. The high quality hardwood construction gives it a substantial feel, a welcome change from the often hollow-sounding plastic stocks. The finish is smooth yet provides enough purchase to maintain a secure grip even with gloved hands.

Ergonomically, the stock is shaped to promote a more natural and stable shooting posture. The forend is generous in width, offering ample surface area for resting on sandbags or rests. The grip is contoured for a comfortable hand placement, leading to less fatigue during longer shooting sessions.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its hardwood construction and robust design, this stock is built to last. Under normal shooting conditions, it should endure for decades, far outlasting the lifespan of many firearms. Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a soft cloth and perhaps an occasional application of wood polish will keep it looking its best.

There are no obvious weak points that I’ve identified during my testing. The finish is durable and resists minor abrasions well. The only real concern would be extreme impacts or prolonged immersion in water, which could potentially damage the wood, but these are outside the scope of typical use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary “accessory” is the stock itself, designed as a direct replacement. However, its design also allows for potential customization. For instance, the bull barrel channel is specific, but the overall design provides a solid foundation for future stock treatments like custom painting or decorative inlays, should one desire.

The clip feed design ensures compatibility with standard Savage 64 magazines. There are no proprietary systems or unique connection points to worry about. It integrates seamlessly with the rifle’s existing hardware, making the installation process hassle-free.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock?

This stock is ideal for Savage Model 64 owners who are serious about maximizing their rifle’s accuracy and handling. If you have, or plan to install, a bull barrel, this stock is almost a necessity for proper fitment and performance. It’s perfect for the hobbyist shooter looking to move beyond the basic factory setup and achieve greater precision and a more refined shooting experience.

Conversely, if you prefer a lightweight rifle for hunting or are perfectly content with the performance of your standard-barreled Savage 64, this upgrade might be overkill. Those looking for extreme modularity or a tactical aesthetic might also want to explore synthetic options. For enhancing a varmint hunting rig or a dedicated precision plinker, though, this stock is an excellent choice. A good set of shooting gloves could also complement the natural hardwood grip.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock represents a significant upgrade for any Savage Model 64 owner looking for enhanced stability, accuracy, and a more premium feel. Its high quality hardwood construction, coupled with the specific design for a bull barrel and clip feed mechanism, makes it a standout choice for serious shooters. While it does add weight, this is a trade-off for the superior handling and recoil mitigation it provides.

At its price point, the value offered by this stock is exceptional, delivering a level of quality and performance typically found in much more expensive custom builds. I wholeheartedly recommend this stock to anyone seeking to elevate their Savage 64’s potential, especially those aiming for greater accuracy with a heavier barrel. It’s a solid investment that transforms the shooting experience, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing platform for years of reliable use.