Wood rifle stocks

[kmw1954]

Was looking at replacement stocks for a couple of Savage rifles; model 10 and Axis. I have seen hours of videos on Boyd's stocks and just last night came across Richards Microfit Stocks. They look interesting only I don't find a lot of information on them. Has anyone here used them and what feedback can you give?

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

They've done some reasonably inexpensive work for me, and are (or were) willing to take on small, unusual jobs.

Two of their jobs for me (laminated Destroyer Carbine stocks) came out pretty good. Their quality control on another of my special orders was poor -- the barrel channel on a K31 stock was cut asymetrically and required a lot of Acraglas to fix.



I haven't ordered any custom wood from them in a couple of decades, so I'm not sure my own experiences are relevant to Richard's work today. My feeling is that they are accomodating and do decent but not spectacular quality work.

BTW, I'm still pretty satisfied with the Encore thumbhole stock I ordered a couple years ago from Boyds.

 

[kmw1954]

So far I have interest in these models from Richards;
https://richardsmicrofitgunstocks.com/product/hardwood-wolverine-style/
https://richardsmicrofitgunstocks.com/product/hardwood-field-trekker-tactical-grip-style/
https://richardsmicrofitgunstocks.com/product/laminated-wood-marksman-style/

Not sure about a thumbhole style.

 

[LoonWulf]

I used one on a savage build a few years ago.
I think I had 4-5hrs worth of work in it, which isnt bad on a stock thst cost 120 bucks.
Ill be using another one for my X-bolt I think.

 

[kmw1954]

You wouldn't happen to still have it? Picture? Was that a lot of fitting or just finishing?

 

[gotboostvr]

I keep thinking about having them do up a manlicher style stock for me.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

I keep thinking about having them do up a manlicher style stock for me.

Here's a pic of a Richard's laminated full stock on a customized Spanish Destroyer carbine (minus the triggerguard) -- I sold it off some years later and don't have a better pic, but their laminates finish up nicely:

 

[LoonWulf]

You wouldn't happen to still have it? Picture? Was that a lot of fitting or just finishing?

Major fitting in the barrel channel, and drilling the forward actjon screw hole were really all there was. Action dropped in a little loose which was nice as removing material for the bedding wasnt necessary.....ill find pictures of it, i traded it to my ffl buddy a while ago.

 

[LoonWulf]

 

[kmw1954]

Thank you folks for the gun porn. That's some nice looking work guys!

 

[lightman]

A few friends have Boyd's stocks and are happy with them. I don't know anything about Richard's stocks. I saw a video once titled stress free bedding by a fellow named Richards. Maybe the same guy? Is so, he knows his stuff. I think it was on the AccurateShooter site.

 

[troy fairweather]

Here's a Richards I have on my 09 Argentine, it's not quite finished here I had just finished doing the stippling. They have nice wood it's up to you to finish it. Believe this is there Carlo walnut, can't remember the grade it's been a on and off project the last 20 years.

 

[kmw1954]

Thanks Troy that is a very nice piece. I'm beginning to moreso like this product.

 

[Archie]

I bought a Myrtlewood stock for a Y1903 Greek Mannlicher. Then had to hire a local guy to fit and bed it. (I have difficulty fastening my belt at times.)

Good looking and fair value for price.

 

[Oldschool shooter]

I have used Richards stocks on a couple of Mausers, large and small ring. Nice wood with minimal fitting.

 

[Flycaster1977]

I have a boyds thumbhole on a custom savage 30-06 that i put together about 5 years ago. It has served me well and i am happy with it.

 

[kmw1954]

Again I am not sure I would like a Thumb Hole stock. I feel more comfortable with the thumb over the top of the heel. Wish I knew of someone close by with one that I could try. I have shouldered a few of these style grips and I like this; https://richardsmicrofitgunstocks.com/product/hardwood-wolverine-style/

 

[BigBL87]

I will say while I still prefer a more traditional style stock, the Boyds Spike Camp (thumbhole) stock on my Axis has grown on me. Its admittedly not pretty now that I have it set up for night vision, BUT actually with the added weight I think the thumbhole is probably a bit more comfortable.

 

[troy fairweather]

The thumb holes feel much better then they look.

 

[kmw1954]

Unfortunately Boyd's does not offer the Pro Varmint for the Model 10 Blind Mag.

 

[Archie]

Just for information and consideration:
Boyd's has largely all laminated stocks. Laminated stocks are excellent in that moisture (or lack of) does not warp or deform the stock. But I have seen few that appeal to my eye. I am not a fan of high contrast artificial colors. Consequently, Boyd's just does appeal to me. Not having used them, I cannot speak to their 'fit' of rifle actions.

I have had a thumbhole stock. They are not suited to fast acquisition and mounting to the shoulder. They are best when they are less than quickly mounted and firing posture assumed. I rather think they would be good for bench rest deliberate shooting. Not really doing that sort of thing, not for me.

These two factors may or may not apply. But they are factors and may impinge on one's final decision.

 

[kmw1954]

Not a huge fan of some of the colors also, a bit too bold for my tastes. Though I do understand the ply strength aspect. Right now my Model 10 Savage already has a factory hardwood stock which I like and of course the Axis is the weak plastic stock. Which I do not like the feel of the grip in the heel area. Too narrow.

 

[Armorer 101]

I have a few Richards. More importantly have had a problem with a Richards, which they fixed immediately, without any question, to my complete satisfaction.

These two bottom stocks are Richards, just cheap standard grade walnut. The top is a copy, done on my duplicator using one of my mesquite blanks, with English walnut tip. The top is a bit more expensive piece of wood and gun, they all do the same job. I do have a classic by Richards on a 700, these pictured are all dual grip.


This is a AAA Quilted Maple on a custom 96 I built for my wife. They make an excellent high quality stock as you can see.



The Richards action fit in their cut wood, is good and the barrel channel is 1/2”, so do not think you can just drop the barrel into one of their standard barrel cut stocks. They intend for you to fit the barrel to your actual barrel. I glass bed my actions 100%, top and bottom metal, and free float the entire barrel, from the action to the for-end tip. So what I get from them is exactly what I want for my finish.

I currently have stocks cut by Boyd, Fajen, Bishop, Richards, Royal, Show Me, Ed Schulen and my own cut stocks. By actual comparison Richards does a good job and provides good service, although, they do get backed up on occasion.

 

[kmw1954]

Armorer 101 Those are superb! Very nicely done. The bottom two in the top photo looks like you have two different finished. One gloss and one satin. Also I may have to relook at that Dual Grip model. Thank you so very much for sharing!

 

[Space Ghost]

Boyd's has always been my go to for replacement wood stocks.

My son's .308 Savage Axis (original, not Axis II)

My Swedish Mauser.