What’s Special About the Hogue Remington 700 BDL L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock OD Green 70201?
When the stock on my reliable Remington 700 BDL L.A. started showing its age, I knew it was time for an upgrade. The original wood, while classic, had become a bit too accommodating of moisture and dings from years of honest use. I needed something that offered better environmental resistance and a more consistent bedding surface for my long action rifle. The Hogue Remington 700 BDL L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock OD Green 70201 immediately caught my eye with its promise of modern materials and proven design principles. Hogue’s reputation for durable, well-engineered firearm components gave me confidence, and the OD Green finish offered a subtle aesthetic update I was looking for.
I was facing a common issue with older rifle stocks: the bedding was no longer as precise as it once was, potentially affecting accuracy. Every shot is critical for my needs, whether for precision shooting or for consistent performance in various conditions, so a stable platform is paramount. I considered a few alternatives, including custom bedding of the original stock or a different aftermarket option, but the PillarBed system offered a significant advantage. My first impression of the Hogue stock was positive; the polymer felt robust, the OD Green color was deep and consistent, and the integral pillars suggested a superior method of action mounting. It felt like a sensible, no-nonsense upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Remington 700 BDL L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock OD Green 70201 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of this Hogue stock took place in a familiar setting: my workshop and then at a local outdoor range. The installation was straightforward, a testament to its precise molding. I torqued the action screws down, and the PillarBed system immediately impressed with how securely the receiver sat. At the range, the real test began.
I ran several magazines through the rifle in a variety of shooting positions, from prone to off-hand, at distances up to 300 yards. The weather was cool and slightly damp, conditions where a traditional wood stock might start to swell or warp. This polymer unit, however, showed no such effects, maintaining a solid feel throughout the session. Its ergonomic design also felt natural, with a comfortable grip that didn’t fatigue my hand during extended shooting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of intermittent use, including a few hunting trips and countless range days, the Hogue Remington 700 BDL L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock OD Green 70201 has held up exceptionally well. The OD Green finish has resisted scuffs and scratches from brushing against rocks and brush, maintaining its appearance. Its ability to withstand temperature fluctuations without any noticeable shift in the bedding has been a consistent benefit.
Maintenance is almost non-existent; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth or a soft brush is usually all it needs to keep it clean. Unlike previous wooden stocks that required careful storage and periodic waxing, this Hogue unit is remarkably forgiving. It has outperformed every budget synthetic stock I’ve used in the past, offering a rigidity and consistency that rivals more expensive, custom-bedded options.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Remington 700 BDL L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock OD Green 70201
Specifications
This particular stock is designed for the Remington 700 BDL Long Action with a Standard Barrel contour. The OD Green color is a deep, non-glare finish that blends well in natural environments. A key feature is the PillarBed system, which uses molded-in pillars to provide a precise and solid mating surface for the rifle’s action.
This PillarBed design is crucial because it eliminates the need for traditional bedding compounds and ensures consistent torque without damaging the stock material. It creates a rigid interface between the receiver and the stock, which is essential for consistent accuracy. The stock’s material is a durable polymer, offering excellent resistance to the elements and impacts.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function—providing a stable platform for the Remington 700 action—this stock excels. The PillarBed system ensures that the action is mounted securely and consistently every time. This translates directly to improved shot-to-shot consistency, especially after repeated firing or when transitioning between different shooting positions.
Its strengths lie in its robustness and predictable performance. The rigidity of the polymer and the pillar bedding mean I don’t have to worry about changes in accuracy due to temperature or moisture. While it’s not designed for extreme lightweight builds, its weight is manageable for a hunting or general-purpose rifle and contributes to its solid feel.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hogue Remington 700 BDL L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock OD Green 70201 is both practical and functional. The stock features a slightly textured grip area on the pistol grip and forend, which aids in maintaining a secure hold, even with gloves or when hands are damp. The OD Green finish is not just cosmetic; it’s a matte, non-reflective surface that reduces glare in bright conditions.
Ergonomically, the stock feels well-balanced for a Remington 700. The comb height is suitable for most standard rifle scopes, and the pistol grip angle allows for a comfortable and natural trigger finger placement. There’s no significant learning curve; it feels familiar and comfortable from the moment you shoulder the rifle.
Durability & Maintenance
This Hogue stock is built to last. The polymer construction is inherently resistant to cracking, warping, and impact damage. After months of hard use, I haven’t found any signs of significant wear or tear, which is impressive given its price point.
Maintenance is exceptionally easy; a simple wash with soap and water is usually sufficient to keep it looking and performing its best. There are no complex parts to worry about, and the PillarBed system requires no special attention. It’s a low-maintenance component that allows you to focus more on shooting and less on upkeep.
Accessories and Customization Options
As a drop-in replacement stock for the Remington 700 BDL, this model is designed to fit the action and barrel contour precisely. It comes ready to accept standard Remington 700 BDL bottom metal (for the magazine floorplate and trigger guard). No specific accessories are included with the stock itself, as it’s a primary component rather than an accessory item.
However, its design allows for standard sling swivel studs to be easily installed if needed for hunting or field carry. The Remington 700 platform itself is highly customizable, so while this stock doesn’t add unique accessory points beyond the basic sling stud provision, it provides a solid foundation for any further modifications you might make to the rifle’s optics or trigger.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Remington 700 BDL L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock OD Green 70201
Pros
- Superior Bedding Stability: The integrated PillarBed system offers exceptional action-to-stock contact, promoting consistent accuracy and eliminating the need for custom bedding.
- All-Weather Durability: Constructed from robust polymer, this stock is impervious to moisture and temperature changes, making it ideal for hunting and field use in varied conditions.
- Easy Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep, typically just a quick clean with soap and water, making it a hassle-free component.
- Comfortable Ergonomics: The design provides a natural grip and feel, reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
- Excellent Value: Offers features typically found in much more expensive stocks at a highly competitive price point.
Cons
- Standard Barrel Contour Only: This model is specifically for a standard barrel profile, meaning bull barrels or heavy varmint contours would require a different stock.
- Limited Aesthetic Customization: While OD Green is a classic color, it’s a fixed option, and further aesthetic changes would require paint or hydro-dipping.
- No Integrated Sling Swivels: Requires separate purchase and installation of sling swivel studs for attaching a sling.
Who Should Buy Hogue Remington 700 BDL L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock OD Green 70201?
This stock is an excellent choice for owners of the Remington 700 BDL Long Action who are looking to upgrade from a factory wood or basic synthetic stock. It is particularly well-suited for hunters, sport shooters, and anyone who demands reliable accuracy from their rifle across a wide range of environmental conditions. If you’re seeking a cost-effective way to enhance your rifle’s stability and performance, this Hogue unit is a prime candidate.
Those who should consider alternatives are individuals who require a stock for a non-standard barrel contour (like a heavy varmint or Sendero profile) or those who prioritize ultra-lightweight designs for extreme backcountry endeavors where every ounce counts. For users who need a highly specialized stock with adjustable features like a cheekpiece or length of pull, this particular Hogue model might be too basic. A must-have complementary item would be a good set of torque-limiting drivers to ensure proper installation of the action screws into the pillars.
Conclusion on Hogue Remington 700 BDL L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock OD Green 70201
The Hogue Remington 700 BDL L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock OD Green 70201 is a fantastic upgrade for any Remington 700 BDL L.A. rifle. Its PillarBed system provides a level of action bedding stability that significantly benefits accuracy, while the durable polymer construction ensures it can handle harsh conditions without issue. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to shoot for extended periods, and the OD Green finish is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Considering its performance, durability, and the accuracy improvements it facilitates, the $135.96 price tag represents outstanding value. I would readily recommend this stock to anyone with a compatible Remington 700 who wants a robust, reliable, and more accurate rifle without breaking the bank. It’s a smart investment that offers tangible benefits for both the field and the range.