Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 93E/93R MKII Bull Barrel Channel Laminate Stock, Fits Savage Mark II, Stevens 315 Review

Is the Hype Real? Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 93E/93R MKII Bull Barrel Channel Laminate Stock, Fits Savage Mark II, Stevens 315 Reviewed

There are certain components on a firearm that, when upgraded, can transform the entire shooting experience. The stock is one of those critical pieces, and for anyone looking to significantly improve the handling and aesthetics of their Savage Mark II or Stevens 315 rifle, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 93E/93R MKII Bull Barrel Channel Laminate Stock, Fits Savage Mark II, Stevens 315 is a compelling option. This is not merely a cosmetic addition; it’s a functional upgrade designed to enhance accuracy and comfort. My own journey to this particular stock began with a persistent issue of accuracy degradation with my factory Savage MK II FVSR. The original polymer stock, while lightweight, offered little in the way of rigidity or a consistent platform, leading to frustrating flyers on the range.

After considerable research, I found myself looking at aftermarket options, and Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks kept surfacing as a reputable name for quality laminate stocks. I considered a few other brands, but the specific bull barrel channel and the reputation for durability of Boyds’ laminate construction tipped the scales. Upon receiving the stock, my initial impression was one of solid craftsmanship. The weight felt substantial, the laminate layers were visually striking, and the overall finish exuded a quality that the factory offering sorely lacked. It offered a sense of immediate relief, knowing I had a more robust foundation for my rifle.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 93E/93R MKII Bull Barrel Channel Laminate Stock, Fits Savage Mark II, Stevens 315 to the Test

My testing began the moment I unboxed this stock. The primary scenario was at my local outdoor shooting range, specifically targeting accuracy improvements for my Savage MK II FVSR. I mounted the rifle in the stock, ensuring a snug fit for the bull barrel, and proceeded to fire groups at 50 and 100 yards. I also subjected it to less controlled conditions, like placing the rifle on a workbench with concrete floors and handling it during brisk walks through wooded areas to simulate field carry, though its primary use is precision shooting.

The ease of installation was surprisingly straightforward, though it required careful alignment of the barreled action into the bull barrel channel. There was a slight learning curve in fully seating the barreled action due to the precise inletting, but once in place, it felt incredibly solid. One initial surprise was the slight gap noticed by another user at the buttpad; while mine was a good fit, it’s worth noting that minor fitting might be required for some rifle actions.

First Use Experience

The first range trip was revelatory. The increased rigidity of the laminate stock provided a dramatically more stable shooting platform. My groups tightened significantly, with shots clustering much more predictably than before. The stock felt comfortable in hand, offering a natural grip angle that improved my ability to hold the rifle steady.

During extended shooting sessions, the laminate construction proved its worth. It didn’t flex or warp under the heat of repeated firing, maintaining its consistency. I haven’t subjected it to extreme moisture, but the clear coat finish gives me confidence in its resistance to light dew or brief rain showers.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and hundreds of rounds through this Boyds stock, its reliability has been exceptional. Daily handling, moving between the safe and the range, and simply resting it on various surfaces have shown no adverse effects. There are no signs of cracking, stiffness, or performance degradation in its core function.

Cleaning is as simple as wiping down the laminate with a damp cloth and applying a wood polish or protector periodically. It’s significantly easier to maintain than a traditional varnished wood stock that might be prone to scratches or water damage. Compared to the original polymer stock, which often feels “plasticky” and prone to flexing, this laminate upgrade is in a different league for durability and a premium feel.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 93E/93R MKII Bull Barrel Channel Laminate Stock, Fits Savage Mark II, Stevens 315

This rifle stock is designed with precision and durability in mind, aiming to elevate the performance of rimfire rifles like the Savage Mark II and Stevens 315. Its construction and features directly impact how a rifle handles and shoots, making a tangible difference for the end-user.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks
  This reputable company has been a long-standing provider of quality rifle stocks for various platforms. They are known for their innovative use of laminate wood.
• Gun Type: Rifle
  This product is specifically designed for rifles, not shotguns or handguns.
• Gun Make: Savage
  The stock is engineered to fit Savage rifles.
• Gun Model: Stevens 315, Savage Model 93E, Savage Stevens Model 315, Savage Stevens Model 310, Savage Stevens Model 305, Savage Stevens Model 300, Savage Mark II, Savage Model 93R
  This broad compatibility ensures it fits a wide range of popular rimfire models from Savage and its sub-brands. The critical aspect here is its compatibility with the bull barrel channel variants of these models.
• Color: Black
  The specific model reviewed here features a black laminate finish, which is sleek and understated. Other color options may be available from the manufacturer.
• Condition: New
  This product is sold as new, meaning it has not been previously used or returned.

These specifications are crucial. The bull barrel channel is essential for rifles fitted with thicker barrels, providing adequate clearance and proper bedding. The laminate construction is key to its rigidity and moisture resistance, which are primary functional benefits over traditional wood or synthetic stocks.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of a rifle stock is to provide a stable, repeatable platform for the barreled action, and the Boyds Pro Varmint stock excels at this. My Savage MK II, which was prone to inconsistencies with its factory stock, now demonstrates a marked improvement in accuracy. The rigid laminate structure minimizes barrel whip and harmonic disturbances, allowing the ammunition’s potential to be fully realized.

Its main strength lies in this enhanced stability and the resulting accuracy improvements. A minor area for potential improvement could be the inletting, which while generally good, might require minor adjustments for perfect bedding on every single rifle due to manufacturing tolerances. Overall, it meets and often exceeds expectations for a stock in this price bracket, especially when compared to the often underwhelming factory offerings.

Design & Ergonomics

The Pro Varmint profile of this Boyds stock offers a comfortable and functional grip. The design provides a more vertical pistol grip angle than many traditional stocks, which I found beneficial for prone shooting and offhand stability. The forend is substantial enough to provide a solid rest without being overly bulky, and the bull barrel channel is precisely machined to accommodate larger diameter barrels securely.

The laminate itself has a pleasant texture, offering a non-slip surface even with slightly damp hands. The clear coat finish feels smooth but not slippery. The overall build quality feels robust and durable, giving the impression that this stock is built to last through many years of use and abuse.

Durability & Maintenance

This laminate stock is built for longevity. The multiple layers of hardwood bonded together with proprietary agents create an exceptionally strong and stable material. I anticipate this stock will hold up far better than a traditional wooden stock under harsh conditions or heavy use.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple: a regular wipe-down to remove dust and debris is usually sufficient. For deeper cleaning, a mild soap and water solution can be used, followed by a light application of a furniture polish designed for sealed wood. There are no obvious wear points or potential failure points that I’ve encountered, unlike some polymer stocks that can develop stress cracks or become loose.

Accessories and Customization Options

While the stock itself is the main upgrade, it’s designed to integrate seamlessly with existing rifle components. The key “accessory” is the correct fit for your specific bull barrel configuration. The stock comes ready to accept your barreled action, trigger guard, and magazine well.

The trigger guard and magazine guard might require sourcing separately if your original rifle did not come with compatible metal components; some users have noted needing to purchase these from third-party manufacturers like DIP (DIP Inc.). This is a common consideration when upgrading stocks on many rifle platforms.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 93E/93R MKII Bull Barrel Channel Laminate Stock, Fits Savage Mark II, Stevens 315

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 93E/93R MKII Bull Barrel Channel Laminate Stock, Fits Savage Mark II, Stevens 315?

This stock is an excellent choice for owners of Savage Mark II, Savage 93E/93R, and Stevens 315 rifles who are looking to significantly improve their rifle’s accuracy and handling. It is particularly well-suited for shooters who engage in precision rimfire activities, target shooting, or varmint hunting where enhanced stability is paramount. Those who appreciate a solid, high-quality firearm component that offers both aesthetic and functional upgrades will find this stock ideal.

Conversely, individuals seeking the absolute lightest rifle for strenuous backcountry treks might want to weigh the added mass. Those who are not comfortable with potentially minor fitting adjustments or sourcing separate hardware like trigger guards might also want to consider their technical comfort level. For those looking to maximize their rifle’s potential, I’d strongly recommend pairing this stock with a quality scope and perhaps an upgraded trigger.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 93E/93R MKII Bull Barrel Channel Laminate Stock, Fits Savage Mark II, Stevens 315

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Pro Varmint Savage 93E/93R MKII Bull Barrel Channel Laminate Stock, Fits Savage Mark II, Stevens 315 is a stellar upgrade that delivers on its promises. It transforms a utilitarian rimfire rifle into a more precise and enjoyable shooting instrument. The combination of rigid laminate construction, ergonomic design, and specific fit for bull barrels makes it a worthy investment for any serious shooter looking to get the most out of their Savage or Stevens rimfire.

For its price point, the value proposition is exceptionally strong, offering a level of quality and performance that far surpasses many factory options. I wholeheartedly recommend this stock to anyone seeking to enhance their shooting experience with one of the compatible rifle models. It’s a testament to Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks’ commitment to producing reliable, high-performance firearm furniture.