Boyds Gunstocks Experience and Opinion

[WhelanLad]

Laminates typically are heavier than walnut stocks...although I haven't weighed mine to be able to say exactly how much more.
Hogue stocks are grippy and nice for wet r colder temps, but tend to flex more. Should not be a concern for a shorter range brush gun, where one isn't as demanding in utmost accuracy vs function. (And why Ruger used them on some of their Alaskan Guide models in the 300 and 338 RCM, and 375 and 416 Ruger for use in the inclement weather and alder tickets.)
I could see you using them on the North Island for sambar!

im half interested in upgrading my ruger mkii 35 whelen stock, it been repaired but would like a new one.
problem is, the hogue rrp is 300 for pillar bed, and full bed is like $500...
big difference per say-

so i have been questioning, how much difference and does it matter for my bush hunting 35 whelen??

they say its alot more flexible-- hmm

 

[BlackRam]

im half interested in upgrading my ruger mkii 35 whelen stock, it been repaired but would like a new one.
problem is, the hogue rrp is 300 for pillar bed, and full bed is like $500...
big difference per say-

so i have been questioning, how much difference and does it matter for my bush hunting 35 whelen??

they say its alot more flexible-- hmm

In the end, I think you would be happier with a basic laminated stock for overall fit, function, and overall performance over the coming years...if you can live with the extra weight. In know that I can, and have! (But this is just my own opinion based on my own personal experience and preferences.)

 

[bearhunter]

WL, if you're shooting your 35 Whelan in matches, the very slight flexibility in Boyd' laminate stocks might matter, or if you're shooting 1000 meters/yds. I think you're shooting less than 400 meters 99% of the time or all of the time.

I have several Boyd's stocks on my rifles, and have installed several on well over a hundred other rifles, without any complaints.

When they're installed properly, they work very well.

If you decide to buy an unfinished stock and finish it yourself, then have issues?????????????????.

When they are glass bedded to the receiver, with a free floating barrel, you might be able to move the fore end if you grip the barrel and fore end together at the tip of the stock, but then again, you can do that with any stock.

Another good stock maker in the US is Stocky's, and prices are what they are, but they're also easier to talk to if you query them, and they will tell you exactly what needs to be done on your end for satisfaction after it's installed.

 

[fade2black]

I've owned many Boyd's stocks over the years, probably close to a dozen but I bedded all of them and cleaned up the inletting where needed. None of them have cracked or delaminated.

However, in the past 5-6 years the quality has gone downhill and their customer service is non existent for Canadians. I had one stock where the checkering on the grip vs the foreend were completely off, one was shallow and smooth the other was deeply cut with sharp edges.

On another stock there was a clearly visible smidge / stain under the finish (upgraded walnut stock). They suggested sanding it down to bare wood and refinishing with truoil. I did not do that, it would create a flat spot and the finishes weren't going to match.

All the recent stocks have needed more inletting, cleaning up of the barrel channel, modifying holes for the action screws, etc.