Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock Review

Is the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock Right for You?

As a gear specialist with over a decade of putting equipment through its paces, I’m always on the lookout for components that promise to enhance performance and ergonomics. My Savage 110, a reliable platform I’ve relied on for various field applications, was starting to feel a bit dated in its stock configuration, particularly during extended shooting sessions where fatigue can impact accuracy. This led me to seek out an upgrade, something offering better stability and a more refined shooting platform. The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock immediately caught my eye with its promise of a thumbhole design and laminated hardwood construction. I’d previously considered a more basic synthetic stock, but the allure of a natural material with superior craftsmanship pulled me toward this offering. My first impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship; the wood felt dense and the finish, while not perfect, was a significant step up from many factory offerings.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing involved fitting the stock to my Savage 110 action. This was done in my home workshop, a space familiar with the tactile feedback of wood and metal. The fit was surprisingly precise, requiring only minor adjustments to ensure a snug engagement with the action screws. I then took it to my usual range, a controlled environment with distances ranging from 100 to 300 yards, ideal for assessing stability and ergonomics. The stock performed admirably in the relatively stable conditions of the range, offering a noticeable improvement in cheek weld and a more consistent grip.

After an afternoon of shooting, I noticed that the stock retained its shape and feel, with no immediate signs of warping or loosening. Its substantial weight, a byproduct of the laminated hardwood, provided an excellent counterpoint to the rifle’s recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots. One minor quirk I encountered was that the factory barrel channel was a hair tight for my preferred aftermarket barrel, but a light sanding quickly resolved this. This is a common consideration when moving away from factory-specific components.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, this Boyds stock has become a permanent fixture on my Savage 110. I’ve used it on various field excursions, including some longer treks where the rifle was subjected to more variable environmental conditions. The laminated hardwood has proven remarkably resilient; it hasn’t shown any significant signs of swelling from occasional dampness or shrinking in drier heat, unlike some solid wood stocks I’ve encountered.

Cleaning and maintenance have been straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and a periodic application of furniture polish has kept the finish looking sharp and the wood protected. Compared to the original synthetic stock, which felt hollow and offered less feedback, this laminated hardwood stock offers a much more substantial and tactile connection to the firearm. It’s definitely a step up from budget replacement options and provides a feel closer to higher-end custom stocks, without the astronomical price tag.

Breaking Down the Features of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Specifications

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock is crafted from top-grade laminated hardwood, a material choice that immediately signifies durability and stability. This isn’t your typical hastily dried wood; Boyds ensures it’s dried to perfection, which is crucial for preventing future warping or cracking. The stock features a varmint profile, which typically means a wider forend and a more substantial feel, contributing to a stable shooting platform.

Its defining characteristic is the thumbhole design, which encourages a consistent and comfortable grip, promoting better trigger control. The wide cheek bar is another key element, providing a substantial and adaptable surface for a solid cheek weld, vital for repeatable accuracy. This specific model is designed for the Savage 110 1st Generation with a short action and a blind magazine, meaning the magazine well is integrated and not exposed. The factory barrel channel ensures a direct fit for rifles configured with a standard factory barrel profile, simplifying installation for many users.

Performance & Functionality

In practice, this Boyds stock excels at providing a stable shooting platform. The laminated hardwood construction is inherently resistant to environmental changes, meaning your point of aim stays consistent whether it’s a humid morning or a dry afternoon. The thumbhole grip, combined with the wide cheek bar, allows for a very natural and repeatable posture behind the rifle. This significantly aids in minimizing unintended movement during the shot, directly translating to tighter groups.

The primary job of a stock is to interface the action with the shooter and the environment; this model does that exceptionally well. Its weight is a significant benefit for a varmint rifle, helping to absorb recoil and keep the rifle steady on target for follow-up shots. While it’s designed for a factory barrel profile, I found it to be perfectly adequate for a semi-heavy contour, demonstrating good clearance and no undue pressure points. The blind magazine configuration is a clean aesthetic and functions without issue, keeping the profile sleek.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The laminated hardwood provides a warm, natural feel that many shooters prefer over synthetic materials. The finish, while hand-applied, is remarkably uniform and durable, offering a level of protection that surpasses most factory stocks.

Ergonomically, the thumbhole design is a standout feature. It guides your hand into a consistent position, promoting a relaxed yet firm grip that aids in accurate trigger pull. The generous cheek bar offers ample surface area, allowing for fine-tuning of your eye position relative to the scope. The forend has a comfortable width for resting on bags or improvised rests, contributing to overall stability.

Durability & Maintenance

Laminated hardwood is known for its robustness, and this stock is no exception. It’s significantly more resistant to dents and scratches than solid wood and far less prone to the “flex” that can sometimes plague hollow synthetic stocks. Under normal use for its intended purpose – varmint hunting, range shooting, or general field use – this stock is built to last for decades.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A regular cleaning regimen involving a soft cloth and occasional wood conditioning wax or polish is all that’s needed. There are no complex mechanisms or hard-to-reach crevices that accumulate dirt and debris, making it easy to keep clean and functional. The only potential durability concern, as with any wooden stock, is extreme, prolonged immersion in water, but the lamination process and finish offer excellent resistance.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular model from Boyds is primarily focused on being a direct replacement or upgrade for the Savage 110 1st Generation action with a blind magazine. Therefore, it typically comes as a standalone stock, with no specific accessories included. However, its strength lies in its compatibility with the Savage 110 platform itself.

Users can, of course, customize the rifle further by selecting their preferred aftermarket trigger, scope mounts, and other accessories that integrate with the Savage 110 action. Boyds also offers various finish options and inletting choices on many of their stocks, though this specific model is designed for the factory barrel channel. The true customization here is the choice of the stock itself, which fundamentally alters the rifle’s handling and aesthetics.

Pros and Cons of Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock

Who Should Buy Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock?

This stock is an ideal choice for Savage 110 1st generation owners who are looking to significantly improve the ergonomics and stability of their rifle. It’s perfect for shooters who engage in varmint hunting, spend extended periods at the range, or simply appreciate the tactile feel and classic aesthetics of a well-made wooden stock. Those seeking a more natural and consistent grip that aids in accurate shot placement will find the thumbhole design particularly beneficial.

However, if you are building an ultra-lightweight rifle where every ounce counts, or if your rifle features a significantly different barrel profile (e.g., a heavy bull barrel) that won’t fit the factory channel without extensive modification, you might want to explore other options. Shooters who prefer the maintenance-free nature of synthetic stocks or require a magazine system other than the blind configuration should also look elsewhere. For those using a factory barrel and wanting a substantial upgrade, consider a quality bipod for added stability during long waits in the field, and ensure you have proper cleaning tools to maintain the beautiful hardwood finish.

Conclusion on Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock

The Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks Varmint Thumbhole Savage110 1St Generation Short Action Blind Mag Factory Barrel Channel Stock delivers on its promise of enhanced accuracy, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. For its price point of $199.99, you receive a meticulously crafted component that vastly outperforms the typical factory offering. The combination of stable laminated hardwood, an ergonomic thumbhole grip, and a supportive wide cheek bar transforms the shooting experience.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this stock to any owner of a compatible Savage 110 1st generation rifle looking for a tangible upgrade. It offers exceptional value by blending durability, performance, and classic style, making it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters. If you value a solid, predictable platform for your rifle, this Boyds stock is an excellent choice.