Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rimfire Hunter Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock Review

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rimfire Hunter Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock and What It Taught Me

My quest for a more stable and adaptable platform for my Savage Model 64 rimfire rifle led me to the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rimfire Hunter Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock. As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I’m always on the lookout for components that enhance firearm functionality without unnecessary complexity. The stock on my Savage 64, while serviceable, felt a bit… basic. It lacked the specific features I needed for improved handling, especially when fitting aftermarket optics and accessories that are increasingly common for precision rimfire shooting.

The core issue was the original stock’s limited profile. It didn’t offer the ideal cheek weld for scopes, and the forend was too narrow for any meaningful accessory mounting. I considered a few generic synthetic stocks, but my gut instinct pointed towards the proven quality of Boyds. Their reputation for solid craftsmanship and wood stocks that offer both aesthetic appeal and robust performance is well-earned. This particular model promised a significant upgrade.

My initial impression upon unpacking was one of solid craftsmanship. The wood felt substantial, the checkering crisp, and the inletting looked precise. It immediately felt like a significant step up from the injection-molded plastic I was used to. There was a tangible sense of quality that gave me confidence that this would be more than just a cosmetic change; it was a functional enhancement.

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

First Use Experience

My testing began on a crisp autumn afternoon at my local outdoor range. I had brought along my Savage Model 64, stripped and ready for the new stock. The installation process itself was straightforward; the inletting was tight but accommodated the barreled action without excessive force, a testament to Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks‘ precision machining.

The moment I shouldered the rifle, the difference was immediately apparent. The higher comb provided a much more natural and comfortable cheek weld, perfectly aligning my eye with the scope. This alone was a game-changer for consistent shot placement. The forend’s profile felt more substantial in my off-hand, offering a stable grip that inspired more confidence.

During extended shooting sessions, the stock performed admirably. It handled the moderate recoil of the .22 LR without any issues, and the wood construction seemed to absorb some of the vibrational feedback. Even after several magazines, the feel remained consistent, with no signs of shifting or loosening. The forend’s shape also proved beneficial when resting the rifle on a sandbag for precise shooting, offering a wider, more stable platform than the original.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the subsequent months, this Boyds stock has become a permanent fixture on my Savage 64. It has seen a variety of conditions, from dusty outdoor ranges to humid workshop environments where I often tinker with firearms. The hardwood has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of warping or degradation from minor temperature fluctuations.

Durability has been a strong suit. I’ve accidentally bumped it against workshop benches and even dropped a small tool near it, and there are no significant dents or scratches beyond minor superficial marks that are easily buffed out. The finish remains intact, and the inletting has shown no signs of loosening or separating from the wood. Cleaning is a simple matter of a damp cloth and occasional wood polish, keeping it looking sharp with minimal effort.

Compared to previous experiences with aftermarket stocks, this Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rimfire Hunter Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock stands out. It offers the tactile and visual appeal of a premium wood stock, but with the ruggedness and practical functionality one expects for a rifle used in various scenarios. It doesn’t have the synthetic slickness of some modern designs, but that’s a trade-off I’m more than willing to make for the overall quality and feel.

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

Specifications

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rimfire Hunter Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock is crafted from select hardwood, a significant upgrade from polymer. It features a bull barrel channel, which is crucial for accommodating the wider diameter of a bull barrel, ensuring a precise fit without any binding or excessive play. The stock is designed with a high cheek weld, essential for proper scope alignment, and offers an ambidextrous forend attachment point, which is a practical consideration for shooter comfort.

The integral storage compartment in the butt pad is a clever, albeit small, addition that can be useful for stowing spare batteries or small tools. It also includes sling loops on the forend, adding versatility for carrying the rifle when not in use. These specifications translate directly to improved handling and customization potential. The bull barrel channel, for instance, ensures optimal support for heavier barrels, leading to better accuracy by minimizing barrel contact.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of core performance, this Boyds stock excels at its intended purpose: providing a stable and ergonomic platform for the Savage Model 64. The bull barrel channel provides excellent support, keeping the barrel free-floated or properly seated depending on the rifle’s configuration. This superior barrel support is key to achieving the potential accuracy of the rifle.

The primary strength lies in its ergonomic design. The higher comb significantly improves the shooting experience, especially with optics, by reducing the need to cant the head. The forend offers a comfortable and secure grip, which is vital for maintaining control during rapid fire or when shooting from unconventional positions. A minor point of consideration might be the inherent weight of a hardwood stock compared to some synthetics, but for a rimfire rifle like the Savage 64, this is usually a negligible increase that contributes positively to overall stability.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of this stock is immediately apparent. The hardwood construction feels robust and durable, and the finish is smooth and even, offering a pleasant tactile experience. The checkering is sharp and well-defined, providing reliable traction without being overly aggressive on the hands.

The ergonomics are a significant improvement over the factory offering. The stock’s profile is designed to guide the shooter into a consistent shooting position, making follow-up shots more natural and accurate. The high cheek weld is particularly noteworthy; it’s not just a higher piece of wood, but a thoughtfully shaped area that perfectly cradles the cheek.

The ambidextrous forend attachment is a subtle but appreciated detail, allowing for consistent grip regardless of whether one is right or left-handed. The inclusion of the storage compartment is a neat design element, though its utility is limited by its size. Overall, the design prioritizes both form and function, creating a stock that looks as good as it performs.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its hardwood construction and solid finish, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rimfire Hunter Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock is built to last. Under typical range use and general handling, I anticipate this stock will endure for many years. The wood is sealed, protecting it from minor moisture and dust, which is important for long-term preservation.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after use is usually sufficient. For deeper cleaning or to refresh the finish, a quality wood polish or stock wax can be applied periodically. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points or areas that seem prone to wear, which is indicative of a well-manufactured product.

Compared to a factory plastic stock, the durability is in a different league. While plastics can become brittle or crack under impact, hardwood offers a more forgiving and resilient material. The potential for scratches is there, as with any wood product, but these are typically cosmetic and can often be repaired.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rimfire Hunter Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock comes as a singular component, but its design inherently allows for significant customization of the rifle it’s attached to. The bull barrel channel is the primary feature that enables the use of aftermarket bull barrels, which can significantly improve accuracy. The ambidextrous sling loops allow for easy attachment of slings for carrying or shooting support.

While the stock itself doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories, it is designed to work seamlessly with common firearm accessories. For example, the forend can accommodate aftermarket sling swivels if desired, and the butt pad’s storage compartment is a small but useful addition. The key customization it enables is the fitting of different barrel profiles and the improved interface for optics due to the enhanced cheek weld.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rimfire Hunter Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rimfire Hunter Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock?

This stock is ideally suited for Savage Model 64 owners looking to significantly upgrade their rifle’s ergonomics, stability, and aesthetic appeal. It’s perfect for shooters who primarily use their rifle for target shooting, plinking, or small game hunting, especially when paired with an aftermarket bull barrel and an optic. Those who appreciate the classic look and feel of a quality wood stock will also find this an excellent choice.

Anyone prioritizing ultra-lightweight firearms or those who prefer the feel and durability of modern synthetic materials might want to look elsewhere. This stock is designed for enhanced stability and a premium shooting experience, not for extreme weight reduction. For users who are content with their rifle’s original stock and don’t plan on using optics or heavier barrels, the upgrade may be unnecessary. A high-quality optic and perhaps a bipod would be excellent complementary additions to fully leverage the stability this stock provides.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rimfire Hunter Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Rimfire Hunter Savage 64 Clip Feed Bull Barrel Channel Stock is an outstanding upgrade for the Savage Model 64. It transforms a utilitarian rimfire rifle into a much more refined and capable platform. The thoughtful design, robust hardwood construction, and practical features like the bull barrel channel and high cheek weld combine to offer exceptional value.

At $175.99, it’s an investment, but one that pays dividends in terms of improved shooting experience, accuracy potential, and aesthetic appeal. If you own a Savage Model 64 and are looking to elevate its performance and handling, particularly if you’re considering a bull barrel or an optic, I wholeheartedly recommend this stock. It strikes an excellent balance between premium quality and practical functionality, making it a wise choice for any serious rimfire enthusiast.