Laminate Stocks on Dangerous Game Rifles

[Petey J]

I keep looking at options for a DG rifle. One of the options I've been looking at recently is putting something in a laminate stock. One idea is to have an AHR #2 upgrade done to a CZ 550, and then drop it into either a Boyd's or Richard's laminate stock. I do like the looks of laminate stocks, as long as they aren't crazy. So something in 2 shades of brown, or the pepper grey are really the only colors I would consider (I don't need a gunstock that looks like someone puked a box of crayons).

So who has:
A. Experience doing this and wants to share pros and cons
B. Pictures of a DG rifle with a laminate stock to share
C. Experience with Boyd's or Richard's (or others) on DG Caliber rifle stocks

Further, I've found a few posts that mention doing glass bedding on laminate stocks. Who has experience with doing this work? Worth it? What about pillar bedding in a laminate stock (Boyd's offers a front aluminum pillar)?

Is there any reason to add magnum crossbolts to a laminate stock? Anyone have experience with this process?

 

[Graham Hunter]

I keep looking at options for a DG rifle. One of the options I've been looking at recently is putting something in a laminate stock. One idea is to have an AHR #2 upgrade done to a CZ 550, and then drop it into either a Boyd's or Richard's laminate stock. I do like the looks of laminate stocks, as long as they aren't crazy. So something in 2 shades of brown, or the pepper grey are really the only colors I would consider (I don't need a gunstock that looks like someone puked a box of crayons).

So who has:
A. Experience doing this and wants to share pros and cons
B. Pictures of a DG rifle with a laminate stock to share
C. Experience with Boyd's or Richard's (or others) on DG Caliber rifle stocks

Further, I've found a few posts that mention doing glass bedding on laminate stocks. Who has experience with doing this work? Worth it? What about pillar bedding in a laminate stock (Boyd's offers a front aluminum pillar)?

Is there any reason to add magnum crossbolts to a laminate stock? Anyone have experience with this process?

I have used a lot of Boyd's stocks and have been very satisfied. I have one on a 375 and a 416 Rem. I do bed all of the stocks and some times pillar bed. Have not had any issue with Boyd's.

 

[Rick Cox]

I keep looking at options for a DG rifle. One of the options I've been looking at recently is putting something in a laminate stock. One idea is to have an AHR #2 upgrade done to a CZ 550, and then drop it into either a Boyd's or Richard's laminate stock. I do like the looks of laminate stocks, as long as they aren't crazy. So something in 2 shades of brown, or the pepper grey are really the only colors I would consider (I don't need a gunstock that looks like someone puked a box of crayons).

So who has:
A. Experience doing this and wants to share pros and cons
B. Pictures of a DG rifle with a laminate stock to share
C. Experience with Boyd's or Richard's (or others) on DG Caliber rifle stocks

Further, I've found a few posts that mention doing glass bedding on laminate stocks. Who has experience with doing this work? Worth it? What about pillar bedding in a laminate stock (Boyd's offers a front aluminum pillar)?

Is there any reason to add magnum crossbolts to a laminate stock? Anyone have experience with this process?

Good post. I am going to follow this one. I have a CZ550 Safari Classic that I love, except the 'hog's back' stock directs the muzzle upwards when recoiling. You totally loose your sight picture. I would love to find a stock such as you describe to replace the wood, even though the wood is very nice.

 

[Patton63]

I have a Ruger Alaskan Guide fun in .375 Ruger that came with a laminate stock. I like the feel of the stock, but want a big fan of the colors - so it ended up with a homemade paint job

 

[mdwest]

The biggest caliber I've used a boyd's on has been a 35 Whelen.. but based on the performance I've seen with that rifle and the many others I have used them on (ranging from 308, 30-06, 7x57, 7 mag, etc).. I dont see you having any problem at all.. they are well designed and structurally sound...

They are heavy... so, they should offer a little help in recoil control/reduction over most factory stocks.. I like the extra heft you get out of a laminate.. but, if youre looking for a "light" rifle, laminates are probably not a good way to go for you..

The standard 1/2" boyds recoil pad sucks.. its too thin, and its hard.. on a 375 or 416 I think you'll want to take advantage of their decellerator option...

All boyds stocks I have purchased (mostly for LR and SR mausers.. but I have also purchased them for a couple of Ruger Americans) have come with a crossbolt (with black plugs)... Depending on what stock you are buying, it likely will come with a crossbolt..

Ive never pillar bed any of my boyds stocks.. but I have glass bedded a few.. I generally do bedding work myself.. its honestly not hard to do at all.. Everyone seems to have their own favorite product and process.. for me brownells acraglass works well.. and I just follow the standard instructions.. never had a problem..

 

[mdwest]

Wait...

I lied...

I actually have a 416 Taylor thats in a boyds stock..

Its not a laminate though.. its just simple walnut stock.. but shares the same template, etc.. that the laminates do..

Like the laminates, its not pilar bedded, but is glass bedded.. and came with double crossbolts... I've got a few hundred rounds through the rifle at this point.. never had any problems with it at all (the rifle is built on a LR Mauser action with a #5 contour barrel)..

 

[BeeMaa]

Another option would be a new rifle that already comes with a laminate stock.

Ruger has the Hawkeye Guide Gun available in 375RUGER and 416RUGER.
Sako has the Model 85 Kodiak available in 375H&H.
Both of these have stainless steel actions & barrels as well.

Edit - Found a Sako 85 Kodiak 375H&H on GB for ~$1600.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/875706593

 

[mdwest]

Ruger has the Hawkeye available in 375RUGER and 416RUGER

Ive got a Ruger Hawkeye FTW with the laminate stock.. Mine is in 308.. but Ruger makes the exact same rifle in 375 Ruger..

You cant visibly tell that the stock is a laminate since Ruger applies the FTW paint job to them.. but you can definitely tell by the heft when you pick it up that its a laminate..

Its a wonderful rifle IMO.. extremely accurate.. and tough as nails with the heavy duty stock, and matte finished stainly barrel, reciever, and bottom metal..

I wouldnt hesitate to use an FTW as a DG rifle.. CRF, proven action, proven quality, in a proven caliber, etc..etc..

 

[Petey J]

Another option would be a new rifle that already comes with a laminate stock.

Certainly an option. However, one of my reasons for going aftermarket is then I have more options for stock dimensions. In particular, length of pull. I really need 14-1/2" LOP, and I like monte carlo stocks so I can get more drop in the heel, otherwise I only end up with about half the butt on my shoulder.

I think stainless guns in a grey pepper laminate look particularly good.

 

[chashardy]

Guess I'm a traditionalist. I want walnut stocks on my rifles and shotguns. Only exception is my duck/goose shotgun that has a composite stock for wet weather.
The weight of a walnut stock is a big help on recoil. Also it get better with age.

 

[Petey J]

Guess I'm a traditionalist. I want walnut stocks on my rifles and shotguns. Only exception is my duck/goose shotgun that has a composite stock for wet weather.
The weight of a walnut stock is a big help on recoil. Also it get better with age.

Absolutely nothing wrong with that. I love a traditional walnut stock, too. And have several guns with them. Actually, places like Boyd's and Richard's offer walnut and other solid wood stock in their different styles.

 

[JLF]

Rifles I like with wooden butts and blued metal.
The great advantage of laminated woods is that they are resistant to weather changes.

 

[Bullthrower338]

My buddy has this CZ for sale, it is a 416 Rigby, PM me if interested and I will set you up with him.

 

[SAFARIKIDD]

I highly recommend the Synthetic Stocks for those of you that want one for your DG rifle..
I have built many on 378..458..460..500 Jeffery..600 Overkill..
The Jeffery had a laminate and I had 600s with both laminate and synthetic ...
Plus you can go heavier or lighter!
This is some of them..
L-R
600..500..458Lott..600..458Lott..600

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I would look at McMillan stocks. They are fiberglass, but are tough as nails and come in all sizes, shapes and colors.

 

[curtism1234]

Regarding Boyds, I asked them if they could do an Xbolt 375. They said they could but they would offer zero warranty on it bc they felt it would break.

I might be worth asking them about a specific model

 

[krish]

My buddy has this CZ for sale, it is a 416 Rigby, PM me if interested and I will set you up with him.
View attachment 365194View attachment 365195

What is he expecting for it.
Krish

 

[Luvthunt]

McMillian are good but very long lead times

 

[Dirtdart]

The stock pictured on the .416 Rigby is a factory laminated stock from CZ. They discontinued that offering and sold the remaining inventory through their web store. The one I bought for a .416 Rigby came complete with cross bolts and recoil pad. I can not remember the exact cost but you couldn't go wrong if you wanted a laminate stock. I have the factory brown laminate on a 550 in .404 that has served me well. If you are like me and can't get into synthetics but want something extremely tough that "feels" like wood that is the way to go. The photo attached is from a 2005 CZ catalog.

 

[AZDAVE]

I have worked with both Richards microfit and Boyds. The largest Cal I have put into a laminated is a 375 and I put cross bolts in addition to glass bedding it. I have a 416 ruger that came from the factory and it is holding up fine.

Boyds are more finished than richards. Richards will require more work to get fitted, Boyds are closer to a drop.