Bell and Carlson vs McMillan

powdergun

powdergun

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I know that these two replacement stocks are at very different levels. However, my question is about how Bell and Carlson stack up against the McMillan In particular forearm flex while using a bipod.


Considering the B&C are pretty much half the cost they have me very curious as how they stack up. in particular the Varmint/ Target categories.

Thanks in advance for all input and advice
 
Owned 2 Bell and Carlson stocks and both had crooked barrel channels. I'm a huge HS Precision fan. Stock is much stiffer and QC is much higher. Can't comment on McMillan as I've never owned one.



EDIT: I forgot that my Winchester M70 Extreme Weather also has a B&C stock and I have had no issues with that stock. It's a bit bulky for a hunting rifle stock which some people complain about but I have large hands so I find it fits me well.
 
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try a third of the price of a new McMillan, B&Cs are 400.00 new. they are thicker and a different process etc. If you have 400 for a stock get one, if you have 1000 - 1200, get a McMillan, if you have 1200 - 1400, get a Wildcat. I have one of each on 3 different rifles, the Wildcat is my favourite, then McMillan, then B&C last....... the B&C is on a 350 Rem Mag, its robust and perfect for that carbine.
 
The B&Cs that I own are well made stocks, stiff and a lot less expensive than the McM or Bansner or Browns that I own also. They fit me well and serve me well but are heavier, esp the B&C Medalist with the aluminum bedding block.

I just sent away one of those B&C Medalist SA sporters with a 700 action and fast twist JC sporter bbl to Black Art Rifles to be made up to a 6mm CM. It will be a heavy sporter overall with a bigger scope. The gear snobs will attest otherwise, but that stock will be a perfect fit for that rifle and serve me well along with the others that I own.
 
I've owned several of both and they all serve a purpose. B&C stocks usually have a full aluminium bedding block and are very rigid. B&C Alaskan stocks usually have pillars and are a bit lighter. They're light enough but not as light as McMillan edge stocks. McMillan stocks are usually better finished and their molded in finishes are very nice. B&C stocks can sometimes chip revealing the fibers beneath the shell. McMillan painted stocks are very durable and McMillan molded in stocks can sometimes be slippery when wet. As far as I'm concerned the best finish on any stocks is with the Manners stocks that you can see the carbon fiber under the camo finish but that's a matter of personal taste.

The main advantage of B&C stocks is they're easy to get. Prophet River usually stocks most popular models and have regular shipments coming in. For McMillan stocks, if you're building next year's hunting rifle you might want to order now, same for Manners.
 
SuperCub said:
The B&Cs that I own are well made stocks, stiff and a lot less expensive than the McM or Bansner or Browns that I own also. They fit me well and serve me well but are heavier, esp the B&C Medalist with the aluminum bedding block.

I just sent away one of those B&C Medalist SA sporters with a 700 action and fast twist JC sporter bbl to Black Art Rifles to be made up to a 6mm CM. It will be a heavy sporter overall with a bigger scope. The gear snobs will attest otherwise, but that stock will be a perfect fit for that rifle and serve me well along with the others that I own.
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Yer gonna end up with a beauty shootin' rifle fer sure. Terry puts out top rate work.:)
I had a B&C stock set on a Browning Auto 5 slug gun years back and found it to be well made & very durable. I appreciated the extra weight when tossing lots of slugs in a session.
 
I have both McMillan and b&c stocks. I would say the stiffness of the stocks depends on the design you chose. My b&C is stiffer than the McMillan I have but only because the forend is much thick. The fit and finish on the McMillan however is head and shoulders above the b&C I have. Like others have also said the McMillan was three times the price, both work, depends how picky you are.
 
I have two custom rifles that are made with the Bell and Carson stocks. They are very stiff/rigorous and robust. I have complete confidence in the B&C stocks which will last a very long time.
 
B&C stocks are made of chopped fibres that are poured over a heavy aluminum chassis to create a rigid design. They are heavy and ill shaped. Options are limited. McMillan are hand laid sheets of fibreglass or carbon fibre and then filled and inlet with a cnc machine. Options are extensive.
 
chuck nelson said:
B&C stocks are made of chopped fibres that are poured over a heavy aluminum chassis to create a rigid design.
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Rigid is good, right?

chuck nelson said:
They are heavy and ill shaped.
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I have lighter stocks for lighter rifles. I also have some rifles that I don't want to be uber-light. B&Cs are perfect for those.

As for "ill shaped", maybe it's you that is ill shaped and thus they don't fit you. :)

chuck nelson said:
Options are limited. McMillan are hand laid sheets of fibreglass or carbon fibre and then filled and inlet with a cnc machine. Options are extensive.
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The B&Cs cover a lot of shooter's basic needs. Options are limited to basic, but so is the expense to buy one is limited as well.

You want lightweight and options, spend a grand on an Edge. I have one of those too and like it.
 
chuck nelson said:
McMillan are hand laid sheets of fibreglass or carbon fibre and then filled and inlet with a cnc machine. Options are extensive.
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IIRC, you are lefty. That would explain your need for more options outside what B&C would offer. Lefties need more options and lots of those are expensive.
 
McMillan have priced themselves out of contention, I won't be buying any more at current inflated prices.
I've had a bunch of B&C and they're good stocks for the money, maybe a bit thick in the wrist area. The paint chips and scratches just like a McMillan and if I go rolling down the side of a mountain, stock condition will be the least of my worries.
 
I have used the B&C, HS, and McMillans.

The B&C is the most affordable but they are not consistent. I have encountered bedding blocks that were bent or off centre, some were completely twisted and corkscrewed in the barrel channel. The holes for action screws were not aligned, angled, etc. The stocks have a fair bit of flex, even with a bedding block. And worst of all, there is zero customer support from B&C. They do not return any correspondence. Once the stock goes out of the factory, they are done.

McMillans are excellent. You get what you pay for. Lots of choices in styles, weights, colours, geometry, etc. The only problem is that because they are expensive, too many shooters think the expensive stock will improve their skills.

HS Precision stocks are a great choice if the McMillans are too pricey. I have yet to have a problem with an HS stock or rifle. The stocks are reasonably priced. Their bedding blocks are solid. No flex in the barrel channels when shooting from a bipod.
 
Weren't the old Remington Titanium and LVSF stocks made by Bell and Carlson? While not super stiff, they were light and well suited for the rifles they were on.
 
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