Savage rifle stocks

[kmw1954]

Well boys and girls I come seeking advice and wisdom. As posted in my other thread I experienced a catastrophic incident with my about finished Richards Walnut stock. So I suppose I will be starting over with another one.

My question is this; the barreled action Model 11 I purchased to build this rifle with came with the broken polymer stock, which I didn't think too much about until I experienced this accident and broke my build stock in exactly the same place.

I was told back then that this is a weak area on the Savage stocks, through the bolt cutout and down to through the bottom metal. So I am curious as to whether a laminate wood stock would be stronger or would the same Walnut with a blind magazine be stronger?

Sadly I really liked the way that first one turned out and loved the look of the walnut. As this is going to be a target rifle and not a hunting rifle I can do away with the DBM and comfortably live with a blind mag. Question I have to ask myself is do I want another Walnut or a Laminate finish.

 

[jmr40]

A laminated stock as a rule is a lot tougher than solid wood. They are also a lot heavier if in the same size, but it sounds like weight isn't an issue for you.

A "QUALITY" synthetic would be the toughest. B&C and HS-Precision both make stocks with an aluminum chassis that runs from the pistol grip all the way to near the front end of the stock. The synthetic parts of the stock are molded around this metal chassis.

I'm not crazy about those on a hunting rifle because they do tend to be heavier than needed. And with the metal inside the stock they can be a little thick and chunky. But once again for the type of rifle you're putting together this would be my choice.

Just be careful when ordering aftermarket Savage stocks. Savage has changed their stock design over the last 10-20 years at least twice and it is easy to get the wrong stock for your specific rifle.

 

[kmw1954]

Yes I have been all through the Savage Stock changes and action bolt spacing's.
You are correct in your assumption that weight isn't an issue here.

 

[Skylerbone]

The magwell through the wrist on all wood stock rifles is vulnerable. The below is a Richards replacement for the factory M70 composite. Note the brass pins that have been drilled through, threaded together, then ground flush to reinforce the wood. Almost glass clothed the inside but it’s filled with Acraglas so I’m leaving it be.

 

[BigBL87]

I have a couple laminates (both Boyds, and both on Savages) and a couple synthetics molded around aluminum bedding blocks (one Choate on a Savage and one Hogue on a Weatherby). All are definitely solid especially compared to the OEM stock.

Never had a hardwood stock so can't really compare to the laminates. However I believe laminates are less prone to swelling due to humidity/temperature/etc compared to hardwood so that's a big plus in my book.

This is the Nutmeg option from Boyds, personally my favorite finish from them. If you liked the walnut it may strike your fancy.

 

[kmw1954]

Never had a hardwood stock so can't really compare to the laminates. However I believe laminates are less prone to swelling due to humidity/temperature/etc compared to hardwood so that's a big plus in my book.

For me the issue has nothing to do with wood swelling due to moisture or humidity but everything to do with structural strength. This is the second stock from a Savage Bottom Bolt Release that has fractured in the same place. One was a Polymer stock and then this one which is a Walnut hardwood. Again both broken on the same place.

I am beginning to believe that the inletting of these stocks because of the Bottom Bolt Release and the position of the rear action screw right up against the cutout for the trigger sear is weakening this area.

This picture will show just how little material there is around the rear action screw. Then if you look closely you can see there is already a chip out of the wood between the screw hole and the trigger hole inletting.

Now I also do have two Boyds laminate stocks. One a Spike Camp and one a Thumbhole. Both are nice and sturdy stocks but neither of them are as smooth and comfortable as this Richards Field Trekker. So now to decide which way to proceed with a replacement. Another Walnut lick this one or this same model from Richards in Laminate. Either of which with have a 10-12 week lead time or go with a Boyds Pro Varmint which I can get in about 2 weeks but again not exactly what I want. It used the same Butt shape as the Spike Camp which is OK but still not nearly as well fitting as the Richards.