Hey gang, having a custom 7 PRC built, action was ordered Thursday. Looking at stocks from AG, Manners and McMillan in no particular order. It seem like the trend is towards a more vertical grip with a large palm swell. I have only been able to handle a Manners EH1 and a Game “something “ and really do not care for the massive palm swell. This will not be used as a PRS, but mainly Midwest whitetail, an upcoming antelope hunt and maybe an elk hunt. I have looked at chassis systems, but not my style. What are your thoughts/recommendations on current stock offerings? Thanks!
I just got a Manners LRH in which is similar but about a pound lighter than the EH1. I think my next build will be on one too for my long action. I have larger hands (like I could palm a basketball when I was 10 or 11) so I think they’re about perfect in feel no had the stock lengthened a bit too for my LOP. I just find that most rifle stocks don’t fit me well without being in an unnatural bunched up state.
Never really handled the McMillan or the AG Composites so no comments on that. Grayboe also makes nice sticks that many averages rifles utilize. You could also go for a traditional stock like a Bell & Carlson or Manners has the UC (I believe) that has traditional stock lines.
I just ran a poll about hunting stocks on a couple different groups since I’ve been planning my components for custom build and these were the most popular results and I’ve added my current opinion on them (Feel free to change my mind😀)
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Gunwerks Clymr
I love the look of this stock. Comes with the QD cups, a hybrid grip, negative comb, and just got put on a diet where it’s coming in around 26 oz. Gunwerks is retooling for it right now and you may not be able to order it until close to the beginning of the year. Not sure if it’s worth waiting for shot show to see what’s new before ordering if it takes that long to retool. -
Manners Pro Hunter
Awesome lightweight stock that comes with both a picatinny and arca rail. I have 2 concerns that may or may not matter. First is whether the location of the arca rail gets in the way if you’re making an offhand shot or really any shot without a bipod/tripod. Second is me being vain, but it has a little screw by the bolt notch…I get why it’s there, but it drives me nuts and makes me wonder if your going to scrape knuckles or something on it. -
AG Alpine Hunter
Don’t know a ton, but it’s been used in a ton of builds and comes well reviewed. 6 or so oz heavier than the first 2 stocks. -
Manners EH1
I expected this stock to win the poll when first posted. It’s been used in a ton of builds and overall is very well reviewed. -
MDT HNT26
Another great option. It’s higher priced than the others, but is insanely light and a true vertical grip. It’s not your “traditional” hunting stock which may turn some people off to it. My questions/conerns would be dust/dirt getting into all the open areas and if it’s comfortable to pack around the mountain or not with that verticals grip or does it dig into your back. -
Peak 44
Dark horse that wasn’t even on my radar but was mentioned by several people. I’m still really skeptical of this stock, especially their recoil pad, but wanted to add it for transparency.
Thanks, I will have to look at those when we get back from the beach. My top 3 at the AG sportsman, very traditional 700 style. The AG Alpine hunter or the HTG by McMillan(the M40 stock). Not many folks know, but AG will sell you a styrofoam stock so you can check out the ergonomics, I ordered one of the Alpine Hunter Thursday. I own a Bergara Stalker so know the egos on the sportsman. I was reading forums today an learned McMillan will send you a stock to try with a credit card number, if you send it back they don’t charge the card. Will try that with the HTG next week. I love the concept of the HNT26, but it is 2x $ of anything else and I am reading it has poor recoil management.
If anyone wants to check out the foam alpine Hunter I will forward it on for shipping costs!
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I think the HNT26 stocks are really popular because MDT raised the price $3-400 since launch. The XLR Element 4.0 is probably the other popular lightweight chassis that sees dual use for hunting. My choices came down to Manners and the XLR but I got the Manners in a lot fast with the new paint schemes. I bought it the day after the posted it on their site this summer.
Didn’t know that about the AG but knowing that I’ll consider them on my next build for sure. It’s hard to drop that sort of money without being able to handle them first. Really wish more stores were into “gun fitting” but that thing sorts to be more of an option in foreign countries given that firearms are more expensive and people have to deal with more hurdles to buy them over there.
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