Suggestions For VTR Stock Replacement

[EdLaver]

Guys (and gals),

I'm looking to replace the stock on my VTR .308 for hunting season, any suggestions? I want a light stock not a target/bench stock. Preferably camo design or OD green to match the original stock. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
- Ed

 

[DougW]

Ed, I am also searching for a new stock for my .308 VTR. I think any short action 700 stock for a heavy barrel would be fine. A Hogue or origional Remington Sandero stock would be fine. I need a stock more rigid than the factory stock which flexes too much for me. I used a dremmel to float the barrel, but the stock has too much movement for me.

 

[back40]

i could be wrong, but i don't think thevtrstock is all that heavy. at least not what i would consider a bench rest stock. your best bet is likely finding an sps takeoff stock, but i'm not sure how much weight you'd lose. you'd probably be more succesful with a shorter, sporter weight barrel.

 

[DougW]

back40, the issue is not that the stock is too heavy, it is too flexable and light. My rifle is very light in weight, but the stock flexes more than I like. It works like it is,but I would like it to feel a bit more solid.

 

[Skylerbone]

Ed, it all depends on what your budget dictates. Try Stocky's Stocks and run a search for available models. I chose an HS Precision for my BDL (long action) and even with the aluminum bedding block it's lighter than the OEM walnut.

 

[jmr40]

I chose an HS Precision for my BDL (long action) and even with the aluminum bedding block it's lighter than the OEM walnut.

Did you put it on some postal scales, or are you just guessing. I've weighed quite a few stocks and find this doubtful. HS stocks are quite heavy. The ones I've weighed run 40-44 oz. Most walnut stocks run 30-36 oz.

If you want a better quality stock there is nothing wrong with HS as long as you don't want to build a lightweight rifle. But in my experience the B&C Medalist is just as good and a little over $100 cheaper. HS usually sell for around $350, B&C can be found for $220 ish. A B&C sporter style stock similar to the one currently on your gun will be a little lighter than HS, around 30-36 oz and be slightly heavier than your factory stock without being burdensome. If you select one of the tactical type stocks they run a bit heavier.

This one in olive with black webbing would look good on your gun and be an improvement.

http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/the-33/medalist-aluminum-bedding-block/Detail

Here is a photo of my FN Patrol rifle in the same stock. Much better than the Hogue that came on it.

http://s1129.photobucket.com/albums/m513/jmr40/?action=view&current=guns1018.jpg

If you want a truly lightweight, you'll have to spend some serious money to buy a stock under 30 oz. I have several McMillans that weigh 20-23 oz, but they are $500+ stocks.

 

[303 hunter]

Guys (and gals),

I'm looking to replace the stock on my VTR .308 for hunting season, any suggestions? I want a light stock not a target/bench stock. Preferably camo design or OD green to match the original stock. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
- Ed

What exactly is it that you don't like about the stock? I've been hunting and target shooting with a VTR 308 for years,and have been very happy.

 

[Skylerbone]

JMR, I may be mistaken but my Pro 2000 Thumbhole sure seemed lighter side by side, at worst it's only a few ounces difference, a wash in my book (for most situations). In any case I'm not terribly brand-centric, I simply had a good experience with both HS and Stocky's.

 

[back40]

doug, my response was to the op.

as far as the stock being too flexible, bell and carlson and hs both make decent stocks for a decent price. imho, hs has better overall fit and finish. as for quality, im sure they would both serve you well. but your gun will gain some weight with either. not something i'd want to be toting around all day.

 

[Skylerbone]

I carried mine for six days last fall in Alberta through the muskeg and a full day pack. We put about 8 miles in every day and while everything gets heavy at that point it comes with the territory. For the record, I bought a nice used Mod. 70 with OEM "composite" stock to have along as a back-up and it was such a nice shooter I took it out the first day. Below is the result of day one.

 

[EdLaver]

303hunter, as Doug said, its not very rigid and there is flex in it. I left it out in the sun for about an hour or so accidentally while hog hunting and it felt like it was about to melt! I just want a better option, the accuracy hasnt been hurt from what I can tell so far.