Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock Review

My Real Take on the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock

As someone who’s spent over a decade putting gear through its paces in everything from dusty workshops to rigorous lab environments and out in the field, I’ve learned to appreciate a product that offers a genuine upgrade. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock is one such item, a thoughtfully crafted replacement part that aims to bring new life and improved handling to a classic firearm. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about enhancing the functional interface between shooter and rifle.

My search for this particular stock was driven by a Savage 99 I inherited. While mechanically sound, its original stock felt a bit rudimentary for my hand, particularly in how it presented the grip for a more dynamic shooting posture. I needed something that offered a more secure and ergonomic hold without compromising the rifle’s classic lines. After a brief look at generic, utilitarian replacements, the allure of a purpose-built, hardwood option from a reputable maker like Boyds became undeniable.

Initial impressions upon unboxing were positive. The wood grain of the walnut finish was attractive, and the overall shape promised a more substantial and comfortable feel. It seemed a solid piece of craftsmanship, a significant step up from many of the utilitarian or synthetic options available for older firearms. I briefly considered some less refined, off-brand alternatives online, but their quality and fit were often questionable. This Boyds stock, however, immediately felt like a more serious contender, offering a promise of both form and function.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial installation of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock took place on my workbench, a familiar territory for fine-tuning equipment. The process itself was straightforward, requiring basic tools and a bit of careful alignment. Once fitted, the immediate sensation was a noticeable shift in how the rifle balanced in my hands. The pistol grip naturally brought my hand into a more controlled position, offering a more secure anchor point than the traditional straight stock.

I took the rifle out for a day at a private range, focusing on how the new grip handled various shooting positions. From a standing rest to a more dynamic kneeling stance, the enhanced purchase provided by the pistol grip was immediately apparent. Even with gloves on, the textured wood offered a reliable grip, and the overall feel remained comfortable throughout extended shooting sessions. There were no immediate surprises, only a pleasant confirmation that this stock was designed with shooter comfort and control in mind.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several months, this Savage 99 has seen regular use, and the Boyds stock has proven itself to be a robust upgrade. It has endured several trips to the range and has been handled frequently during routine cleaning and maintenance. Despite consistent use, there have been no visible signs of wear or tear; the wood remains solid, the finish is intact, and the fit to the rifle’s receiver is as snug as day one.

Compared to the original stock and some of the more budget-friendly synthetic alternatives I’ve encountered over the years, this hardwood option stands out. It’s significantly more durable than some flimsy plastic stocks and offers a superior feel to generic wood replacements that can sometimes warp or splinter. Cleaning has been minimal, usually just a wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dust and a light polish with appropriate wood care products every few months. It’s a piece of equipment that requires little fuss and delivers consistent performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock

Specifications

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock is crafted from select hardwood, specifically noted as Walnut Finished. This material choice immediately conveys a sense of quality and traditional craftsmanship. It is designed for the Savage Model 99 rifle platform, but also accommodates variants like the Sears 49 .448, Otasco 60, and Glenfield 65/60 (early models). The key design feature is the Pistol Grip, which fundamentally alters the ergonomics of the rifle.

The Finished aspect means it arrives ready for installation without requiring further sanding or sealing, a significant time-saver. This specific stock is designed as a direct replacement, meaning it should fit the existing inletting of compatible Savage 99 receivers. The inherent density and thermal properties of hardwood contribute to a solid feel and can help absorb some recoil, enhancing shooter comfort. Compared to a standard straight stock, the pistol grip offers a more natural wrist angle for many shooters, improving control.

Performance & Functionality

In its primary role, the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock performs admirably. The shift to a pistol grip geometry significantly improves handling, especially during off-hand shooting or when transitioning between targets. The grip feels more secure in the hand, allowing for finer control over the rifle’s movement. It’s a change that feels intuitive from the moment you shoulder the rifle.

The main strength of this grip stock is undoubtedly the ergonomic improvement it offers. It allows for a more relaxed wrist position, which can lead to better accuracy and reduced fatigue over longer shooting periods. A minor point for consideration might be that some older Savage 99 variants can have slight variations in receiver dimensions, potentially requiring minor fitting. However, for most intended models, it provides a rock-solid interface with the rifle.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock is a blend of classic aesthetics and practical functionality. The use of Walnut Finished hardwood lends a premium look and feel, a stark contrast to synthetic or less refined wooden stocks. The pistol grip itself is well-shaped, offering a comfortable swell that fills the hand without being overly bulky.

Its ergonomics are a clear step up from the original straight stock. The transition from the receiver to the grip is smooth, and the angle promotes a natural pointing capability. The texture of the finished wood, while not aggressively checkered, provides sufficient purchase even in less-than-ideal conditions. It feels substantial and well-balanced, contributing to the overall shooting experience.

Durability & Maintenance

From my experience, this Boyds stock is built to last. Hardwood, when properly finished and maintained, is inherently durable. The Finished surface protects the wood from moisture and minor abrasions, which is crucial for a rifle stock that might be exposed to various environmental conditions. It’s designed as a permanent upgrade, not a disposable part.

Maintenance is thankfully minimal. A simple wipe-down after use to remove dust or grime is usually sufficient. For deeper cleaning or to preserve the finish over time, a quality wood stock polish can be applied periodically. I have not encountered any specific failure points, and the density of the hardwood suggests it will resist impacts and stress far better than many alternatives.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary “accessory” included with the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock is, of course, the Pistol Grip itself, offering a significant functional upgrade. This model comes as a finished product, ready for direct installation. There are no additional components like screws or special hardware included beyond what is necessary to attach the stock to the rifle’s action.

While Boyds offers various wood types and finishes on their other products, this specific model focuses on delivering a high-quality, pre-finished walnut grip stock. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Savage 99’s existing hardware. There are no user-replaceable parts within the stock itself, but its robust construction means it’s unlikely to require them.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock?

This stock is an excellent choice for any owner of a Savage Model 99 rifle (or compatible variants like the Sears 49, Otasco 60, Glenfield 65/60 early) who is looking to improve the ergonomics and aesthetics of their firearm. It’s particularly well-suited for shooters who find the traditional straight stock uncomfortable or who desire a more modern, controllable grip without resorting to synthetic materials. If you appreciate fine woodworking and want to enhance the handling of your classic rifle, this is a compelling option.

However, individuals seeking the absolute lowest-cost replacement part, or those who prefer the robust, often-indestructible nature of modern polymer stocks, might want to look elsewhere. If your Savage 99 is purely a safe queen and never intended for active use, the functional benefits of this upgrade might be less crucial. For those who plan to shoot their rifle regularly and want a tangible improvement in feel and control, this stock is a worthy investment. A basic cleaning kit for wood stocks would be a sensible companion purchase.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Savage 99 Pistol Grip Stock is more than just a replacement part; it’s an upgrade that genuinely enhances the shooting experience. Its blend of classic hardwood aesthetics and improved ergonomic design makes it a standout accessory for the discerning Savage 99 owner. The quality of the wood and the precision of the fit provide a tangible sense of value, justifying its price point for those seeking a lasting improvement.

I would confidently recommend this stock to anyone who wants to breathe new life into their Savage 99 and experience a more comfortable, controlled way to handle this iconic rifle. It delivers on its promise of a better grip and a more refined shooting posture, proving that some traditional materials, when expertly crafted, still hold their own against modern innovations. If you own one of these rifles and have always felt the stock could be better, this Boyds offering is a thoroughly considered solution.