stock

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Strike Industries Dual Folding Adapter

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  Strike Industries recently brought out their Dual Folding Adapter. It is a unique folding stock, or brace, for mounting on a picatinny rail, hence the “adapter” part of the name. From pistols to rifles, the Dual Folding Adapter (DFA) has a variety of uses. 

  The Dual Folding Adapter comes with everything needed for multiple mounting options. It comes in the box set up to be used as a pistol brace. Also in the box is a buttplate. The buttplate is to use the DFA on a rifle or registered Short Barrel Rifle (SBR). Do not put the buttplate on the DFA while it’s on a pistol. The buttplate also has a rubber buttpad attached to it. To mount the DFA to anything, you need a firearm with a rear vertical picatinny rail. Then you just slide it on the pic rail, insert the screws, and tighten it down. The stabilizer has a QD socket at the top rear, for use with a single point sling. This lets you put pressure against the sling, to help stabilize the pistol. The buttplate is pretty explanatory for a rifle. The buttplate also has 2 QD’s, one on either side, for mounting a sling. To switch between the buttplate and the stabilizer, there is a torx head screw that goes through the end of either one of them, and screws into the strut.

  Now for the best part. The Strike Industries Dual Folding Adapter folds both ways! There are 2 buttons on the top, by the picatinny rail mount. These buttons unlock the DFA so it can fold. If looking at it like you hold a pistol or rifle, push the left button down, into its recess, and the DFA  can then be folded to the right. Or, push the right button and it can be folded to the left. The DFA has a slight 3 degree downward angle, when folded. This is to help clear ejection ports, so that a rifle can still be fired with the DFA folded. To unfold the DFA, you have to push up slightly and then pivot the DFA out to lock it in the unfolded position. If you push up by the stabilizer or buttplate, nothing happens. You have to push up closer to the hinged portion, or the DFA won’t unfold. I like how this worked because you aren’t accidentally unfolding the DFA. It is also really easy and quick to unfold the DFA. Just push up a little with your thumb and you are in business. There is a small price to pay for the ability to fold both directions. That comes in the way of the picatinny rail mount and folding mechanism. The folding mechanism is 2” wide, so it is the widest part on the whole DFA. One typically mounts the DFA up by the firearms receiver, so it’s not as bad as it sounds. 

  Other than the folding point, the Dual Folding Adapter is quite slim. The strut on the DFA extends rearward from the folding mechanism, it has some lightening cuts and is only about ½” wide. The whole DFA weighs under 10 ounces, so it’s not heavy at all. Total length on the DFA is about 9.25”. In the folded position it adds, a tiny bit over, an inch to your firearm. If, for some reason, you want to take the DFA off, you can push both the buttons and slide it off of the picatinny mount. Why, I am not sure, because it folds. Strike Industries also sent me out their Cheek Riser. This is for using the DFA as a rifle stock. The cheek riser clamps on through 2 holes in the strut. It has 3 height positions. The cheek riser makes the strut much more comfortable to lay your cheek against. Plus those height adjustments let you get your eye in the right spot for your optics. I was impressed with how comfortable and useful this little piece of polymer was.

  The Dual Folding Adapter was used mainly on a Strike Modular Chassis. So it was used in the pistol stabilizer configuration. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the DFA stabilizer brace worked for me. It rested nicely against my arm and really did help stabilize the pistol. There is a tiny bit of up down movement in the whole system, but it’s less than some M4 stocks, so no complaints about stability. Speaking of stability, Strike Industries has little rubber bumpers that go inside the DFA to help with lockup and cushion the impact of that lockup. I ended up using the thickest ones provided, as they gave the best feel and tightness. I probably have opened and closed the DFA more than I should have. It’s kind of a fidget spinner for firearms. 

  If you happen to be in the market for a folding stock or brace, why not let it fold both ways. The Strike Industries Dual Folding Adapter does just that. It makes an excellent stock, as it is sturdy, and it really shines as a foldable brace. Strike Industries has really stepped up their accessory game in the last few years, The Dual Folding Adapter is definitely one to check out.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Dual Folding stock or brace

Target Market:

Those wanting a folding stock

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Pre Assembled as stabilizer and includes a separate stock rear piece for rifle or registered Short-Barrel Rifle (SBR)

  • Patented Picatinny dual folding adapter with intuitive unfolding system

  • Folds left or right anytime without flipping or reconfiguring hinge

  • Adds [Stabilizer] 9.24" (234.64mm) or [Stock] 9.18” (233.14mm) to overall weapon length

  • Adds 1.02” (26.00mm) to overall weapon length in folded position

  • Positive lock in the folded position, included rubber pads for folding adapter indentation to adjust desired locking tension when fully deployed

  • Pull up on bar near hinge and back for quick deployment when folded

  • 3-degree down tilt to help prevent interference with ejection port when folded to right side

  • Mounts directly to 1913 Picatinny interface with 2 built-in locking lugs

  • Single rear QD [Stabilizer] and ambidextrous QD sling mounting points [Stock]

  • Rubber anti-slip buttpad [Stock]

  • Steel hinge with 6061-T6 Aluminum base, adapter & strut

  • Lightweight at under 10 ounces

  • Modular system with interchangeable parts sold separately

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Nothing found

Link to other reviews:

The Firearm Blog  

Price point:

MSRP = $219.95

Cheek Riser = $31.95

Retail = $199.95 at Brownells   

I need it now! Availability:

Strike Industries or Brownells

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Folds both ways

  • Switchable between rifle and pistol options

  • Easily deployed

  • QD points

  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Wide picatinny rail folding mount

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  JSD Supply

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Adaptive Tactical EX Stock & Tactical Grip

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  Years ago I had the opportunity to use one of Adaptive Tactical’s shotgun stocks. I was impressed with the recoil pad it had. So when they offered to send their new M4 stock and pistol grip, I was all for it. This EX Performance stock has received some upgrades recently over their previous version. Coupled with the Lightweight Tactical grip, you have a nice combination for just about anything needing a new stock and grip.

  The EX M4 style stock still has a bunch of the normal stock stuff. It fits on your standard mil-spec extension tube. It is adjustable with controls similar to an M4 stock. The cheek piece gives a better feel than a lot of adjustable stocks. There is also a bunch more.

  Adaptive Tactical gave the new EX stock a few upgrades. Some of these might be noticeable, others, not so much. It has a larger stock adjusting lever for easier adjustments. They put in an oversized lock pin to hold the placement of the stock better. This pin also adds strength when using the stock on a shotgun or AR10 style rifle. The pins holding the adjustment lever are also covered. Adaptive Tactical says it’s for easier stock removal and installation, I think it just makes it look more refined. Also included is a reversible QD mounting socket. Lastly, it uses their fantastic recoil pad.

  As far as specs on the EX stock, here they are. It weighs in at 12 ounces. But lose the recoil pad, and it drops to 8 ounces. It’s 7 ¼ inches long with the recoil pad. You’ll lose a little over an inch if you remove the pad. The extra pad length also can make the stock work better for tall people, or those with long arms.

  Newly added to the Adaptive Tactical lineup is their Lightweight Tactical Grip (LTG). The grip pairs nicely with the EX stock. As one can guess, the LTG is highly skeletonized to reduce weight. It is made from reinforced polymer and includes mounting hardware. The LTG also has a 25 degree grip angle with a medium beavertail. Lastly, it weighs in at a tiny 2.6 ounces. 

  I’ve had the pleasure of using both the EX stock and LTG grip on different shooting outings. One of those was a shooting match that consisted of mainly rifle and pistol drills. This meant there were quite a few transitions from pistol to rifle, etc. I was worried that the super soft recoil pad would get caught on my gear. I was pleasantly surprised when it didn’t. An added bonus was that there is little to no recoil with that pad on there, yes it was only a 5.56 AR, so not much anyhow. Making adjustments with the oversize adjustment lever was super easy too. The EX stock has a little more play, on the buffer tube, than I would have liked. It didn’t seem to bother any, but I’d like it a little tighter as it rattled a bit. During the match, I also had a sling attached in the QD socket. It did what it was supposed to do, hold the sling. It is not a non swivel QD, so the sling could possibly twist on you. I didn’t have this happen, but it is possible. Overall, I liked how the stock worked for me.

  The Lightweight Tactical Grip wasn’t used during the match, but has been used a bit. It is light, but gives me a pretty good grip on the rifle. The way the LTG is shaped, works well for both small and large handed shooters. It is shaped so that the grip is smaller toward the top, and larger toward the bottom. I found that it felt like my hand was getting forced up toward the top. This gave me a really good grip and made it easy to use the controls. The grip may not be for everyone, as my son said it felt weird to him, but he didn’t have any problems using it. The grip angle seemed to work well for me too.

  The EX stock and Lightweight Pistol Grip are good performers. They work as intended and have some really nice features. If you're building a rifle, or have something with some major recoil, the stock could be perfect for you. The LTG really is personal, you may like it, you may not. It’s very light, so when weight is a concern, Adaptive Tactical has you covered. You can check the stock/grip combo out and more at Adaptive Tactical.  

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Adjustable stock with super soft pad and lightweight pistol grip

Target Market:

AR builders and users or anyone wanting a M4 style stock with a recoil pad

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Stock:

  • Compatible with Mil-Spec sized extension tubes

  • Reversible QD socket

  • Oversized adjustment handle

  • Weight: 12 oz

  • Length: 7.25"

  • Made in the U.S.A.

Grip:

  • One-piece polymer construction

  • Ergonomic shape; comfortable with aggressive design

  • Beavertail

  • Includes mounting hardware

  • Weight: 2.6 oz.

  • Grip Angle: 25 degrees

  • Dimensions: 4.75” L x 2.25” W x 1.125” H

  • Made in the U.S.A.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

FDE

What others are saying?:

Stock:

Jim S - 5/5 stars @adaptive tactical 

Adaptive Tactical Stock is a superior product, strong design, fit and function is excellent, felt recoil is reduced to a minimum, adds value to any rifle. Thicker recoil pad is a plus, adds that extra length needed for better fit and comfort, especially for shooters with longer arms.

Grip:

Country Girl - 5/5 stars @adaptive tactical

Awesome grips, lightweight yet seem heavy duty, feel good in hand, perfect angle, and great customer service. 

Link to other reviews:

The Truth About Guns

Price point:

MSRP = $59.99 combo price

Retail = $49.99 for the stock

             $17.99 for the grip

I need it now! Availability:

Adaptive Tactical or Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super soft recoil pad

  • Multiple sling mounting options

  • Skeletonized grip

  • Made in USA 

Cons:

  • Stock fit is loose

  • Rotational QD mount

Score: 7.00 Good

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research

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Occam Defense Hex 2.0 stock

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  Occam Defense is mostly known for their AK products. However, some of their products can be adapted to other firearm platforms. The Hex 2.0 fixed stock is one of those offerings. In fact, I installed it on an Enoch 10/22 chassis. It might be a little overkill, but that is kind of what I expected from the Hex stock.

  When I was looking for a stock, for the little 10/22, I remembered Occam Defense. Since the Hex 2.0 uses a picatinny attachment, it would mate up nicely to the Enoch’s picatinny rear rail. Guess what? It did. The stock slid onto the pic rail tightly. I had to push pretty hard to get it on. Occam had mentioned that this could be a problem. Something about most picatinny rails not being cut to the original specifications. Either way, the Hex 2.0 worked without much trouble. The clamping portion of the Hex 2.0 is made for a 4 slot vertical rail. The chassis I used only had a 3 slot rail but the hex 2.0 still clamped solidly to it.

  This little Hex 2.0 stock is stout. Being made from billet 6061 aluminum helps make it that way. It weighs under a pound. Occam then hard coat anodizes it black. I would bet that you could beat this thing on concrete, and not bend it a bit. But really, it’s a solid stock. 

  Occam put a few nice touches into the Hex 2.0 stock. It has 3 built-in, anti-rotation QD mounts. 2 are at the rear of the stock, 1 at the top, and 1 at the bottom. The third QD mount is in the center of the stock, more toward the front. Machined in around the third QD is also a slogan: “By the Free, for the Free.” Pretty fitting for a stock made in the USA and, ironically, mainly being used on AK platform rifles. This variety of QD mounts will give you plenty of options for different sling mounting. I found them to come in useful, especially since I was using the stock on a 10/22 and didn’t have any way to mount a sling at the rear of the rifle.

  I really appreciated the details that went into making the Hex 2.0 stock. Occam machined a nice ribbed pattern on the butt of the stock. It’s not sharp, but more smooth, and gives a nice feel on the shoulder. Well, at least better than a lot of other metal stocks do. Something I immediately noticed on the Hex 2.0 stock, were the steel inserts for the picatinny rail clamping screws. Definitely a top notch idea. Occam could have skimped here and just tapped the aluminum for these screws, but they didn’t! Thanks to these metal inserts and the Torx head screws, you can really clamp this stock down tight on the picatinny mounting rail. As an added bonus, the stock comes packed in straw, like an AK might have years ago.

  The dimensions of the Hex 2.0 could seem small to some. They look this way because the stock is primarily designed for AK’s. So it has a shorter length than an AR15 stock. Coming in at 9” long, or 8 ¾” from the back of the picatinny rail. This length gave me the shortness I was looking for on the 10/22 build, as I wanted to keep it shorter, but still utilize a fixed style stock. The Hex 2.0 worked perfectly for it. 

  I am very pleased with the Occam Defense Hex 2.0 stock. Even though it is an AK stock, in my opinion, it works very well for my purpose. The Hex 2.0 is super sturdy, looks super nice, and has some other nice features to it. I wouldn’t hesitate to go check out the offerings from Occam Defense, especially the Hex stocks.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight Fixed aluminum stock, mainly for AK’s

Target Market:

Those wanting a fixed stock on an AK or other platforms using a picatinny rail mounting interface

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Billet 6061 aluminum

  • Black type 3 anodizing

  • 3 anti-rotate QD mounting points

  • 1913 picatinny rail mounting

  • 9” length

  • 8 ¾” length from rear of 1913 rail

  • Steel thread inserts for clamping screws

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Folding version and original Hex

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $159.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Occam Defense

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Sturdy

  • 3 QD mounting points

  • Clamp system (steel inserts, torx screws)

  • 1913 mounting

Cons:

  • May be short for certain uses

Score: 8.50 Great

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Enoch Deep Six Chassis

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  Enoch Industries is enhancing the Ruger 10/22 market with their chassis systems. They manufacture 2 different ones, the Odin and the Deep Six. Thanks to Faxon, and their rimfire barrel, I was looking for something that would compliment it. Odin offered up a Deep Six in PEWter. Since the Deep Six is longer and better suited for what I was doing, I couldn’t say “no”.

  The Deep Six is made for 10/22 style rifles and pistols, but not the take down versions. I used a stock Ruger 10/22 rifle action, but pretty much all of the aftermarket ones will work too. Mounting the barrelled action into the Deep Six is just like mounting it into any other 10/22 stock. The only difference is that Enoch supplies a proprietary screw to hold the action in place. This screw is essentially just a short version of the stock 10/22 mounting screw. I put some threadlocker on it before I screwed it down tight. After tightening the screw, you can actually feel how much more rigid the chassis is over a stock. It’s just a real solid fit, and that screw comes up tight unlike the factory style. 

  Enoch Industries has made the Deep Six longer than their first chassis, the Odin. It is still short enough for pistol length builds, but I feel it really shines for the more standard rifle length builds. The total length is 15.5 inches. This doesn’t really say much, since that is without any support device attached to the rear rail. What does matter is the 2.5” added length to the forearm over their Odin chassis. This allows for a forearm length of just over 7 inches. Plenty enough to get a good grip on the rifle, as well as maybe install a bi-pod or grip panels. Along the forearm are 3 full length M-Lok slots to aid in adding those accessories. The slots are on both sides as well as the bottom. The Deep Six also allows for almost any barrel profile or barrel addition one might be after. They opened up the forearm to accept barrel diameters of up to 1.310 inches. This means that any bull barrel will fit. Or, if you have a really short barrel and want to run a suppressor, the suppressor will most likely fit in the handguard area!

  Besides being a lightweight aluminum chassis, Enoch added a few bonuses into the Deep Six. The first notable one, is the addition of 2 steel QD inserts. One on each side, on the rear of the chassis, behind where the receiver sits. These work really well for pistol configurations, as a sling can give you some extra support when shooting. For a rifle, they just give you another location for sling mounting. Second, is the addition of a built in filler, behind the trigger guard and extended to the pistol grip. It fills that gap so your hand doesn't get pinched. Not all 10/22 chassis’, that use pistol grips, have this. It really does help and it makes the chassis look complete.

  Yes, you will need to add your own pistol grip to the Deep Six. All non-beavertail grips will work. If you want to use a beavertail grip, it may have to be modified. I modified a beavertail grip for use on it, I just cut the beavertail back some and it works great. I even tried some 3D printed ones that worked too.

  As for mounting a stock or brace, the Deep Six has you covered. The Deep Six uses a 3 slot picatinny rail for mounting these. This type of mounting system is becoming more and more popular, especially on 22’s. With the picatinny rail, the user has many options, from fixed stocks to folding braces. Being that I was doing a “rifle”, I opted for a fixed stock from Occam Defense. This stock is a little shorter than some other options, which actually makes it ideal for me on this chassis. It makes the length of pull a little under 12 inches. The Occam stock uses a 4 slot mounting, so there was a little extra sitting above the 3 slot rail on the Deep Six. Besides looking odd to me, it fit and worked great. I did end up printing a spacer to fill the space and make it look seamless. 

  The Deep Six is a well thought out chassis. The PEWter color has a nice grayish hue to it, which enhances the other parts installed on the rifle. The edges are smoothed out, but still sharp. The fit of the action is much better than most other stocks out there. So as you can guess, the machining is top notch with no noticeable machining marks. There is also an Enoch Industries logo machined onto the left side of the chassis. No names, just the logo. Along with that, there are also machined recesses that give the chassis a distinct look. 

  Enoch Industries did a great job with the Deep Six. It’s short enough to be used on a pistol, yet long enough to look good on a full length rifle. The combination I am running turned out fantastic. When using the Deep Six, you can pretty much build any 10/22 your imagination can come up with. I really do like what Enoch has done with the Deep Six. Definitely check out Enoch Industries and the Deep Six chassis. I really can’t say enough good things about it.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight chassis system for Ruger 10/22 style actions

Target Market:

10/22 Builders or modifiers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Weighs 13 ounces

  • Length: 15.25”

  • Width: 1.5"

  • Height: 1.5"

  • 6061-T6 Aluminum construction

  • 3 full M-Lok slots at 3, 6, and 9 O'clock

  • Barrel Channel is 1.310”

  • 3 slot Picatinny rail at rear for stock or brace installation

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black

Link to other reviews:

Industry Outsider

Price point:

MSRP = $245.00

Retail = $210.00 - $245.00

I need it now! Availability:

Enoch Industries

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • M-Lok slots

  • Steel QD cups

  • Large barrel channel

Cons:

  • I would like the rear picatinny rail to have another slot

  • Availability 

Score: 8.50 Great

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Boyds At-One Shotgun stock

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 As mentioned in the previous Boyds At-One review, Boyds has been making laminate wood stocks for a long time. So you most likely have heard of them. They have since come out with the At-One for pump action shotguns. So they asked me if I would like to review it, and here we are.

 Boyds gunstocks history goes back to 1981. But they have definitely kept up with the times. The stocks are inletted with CNC machines. Only US grown hardwoods are used for the laminate process. Boyds’ stocks are also hand sanded so that the smoothness is just right. I’m told the factory is even temperature controlled to maintain consistency. All of this, and finished off in a special hard finish that seals the stock, including the inlet portion, to protect it from the weather and make it last for years

 As of right now, they only make the shotgun At-One for two models. Those models are the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500. I chose the Mossberg 500 version in “Sky,” which is a blue/grey/black laminate. Now, when the marketing rep and I ordered this, we did not look at everything, so the forearm was the wrong one. I now know that there are two different action slide lengths for the forearms. I have the shorter one. So when ordering, please read the fine print at the bottom. This was by no way Boyds’ fault, it was mine. But as the saying goes “the more you know.”

 On to installation. The stock and forearm go on pretty easy. Take the buttplate of your old stock and unscrew the bolt holding it on. It should come right off. Then you need to install the included metal adaptor to your receiver. The stock comes with all the hardware needed and really good instructions. Pretty easy so far. Now you have to install the stock to the adaptor with more supplied hardware. First you have to remove the bottom cap off of the stock so that you can have access to the screw hole. Then you can install the stock itself. This is where I ran into a little bit of a problem. The hole and supplied screw are at an odd angle, so getting a long enough allen wrench in the hole is key. My universal nut driver, with allen head bits, was just too large in diameter to fit down in the recessed hole. Because of this, I took out a tiny chunk of wood where the bottom cap meets the stock. I should have just ordered a long allen allen wrench, which fits fine. Once that’s done, screw the bottom cap back on and the stock is good to go. The forearm went on easy. Just loosen the odd nut (I’m sure it has a name) that holds on the forearm. A special tool works best, but I just used a big chisel as a huge screwdriver (not recommended). I did remove the forearm from the shotgun first. Then I just lightly tapped the new Bantam forend on, installed the odd nut, and reinstalled the forend and rails onto the shotgun. It was really fairly easy.

 Now that the At-One is installed, it’s time for my experiences with it. As with the other At-One I reviewed, it is very comfortable to shoot. All of those adjustments really give the shotgun shooter an edge. Finally a stock that can be adjusted for the individual user. My Mossberg 500 has never really fit me correctly, until now. Since the comb on the At-One is adjustable, I was able to raise it up a little more than the fixed factory stock. This improved my shooting some. The length of pull on the Mossberg was fine, but with the At-One, I could fine tune it just a little more. However, I wasn’t real keen on the sharpness of the pistol grip. I liked it on the rifle, but prefer a more rounded one on the shotgun. If you want a larger pistol grip, they make the target one, which adds more meat to the grip and also changes the angle slightly. Another advantage to the length of pull, is how short the Boyds stock can go. One can shorten it up to 12.5” and out to 14.25”. If you want to make a more maneuverable shotgun, say for moving through a house, you can adjust the stock all the way in. It also works good for shorter armed shooters. The buttons to adjust the buttpad and comb have a very stout spring in them making them hard to push. This is done on purpose to keep any accidental adjustments from happening. Now I will say that the buttpad on the At-One is nice, but on a shotgun, a softer one would be nicer. It is the same buttpad as on the At-One rifle stocks. Now If you are really into adjustments, Boyds does offer a vertical adjustable buttpad system.  

 Boyds makes some really nice products. The At-One for shotguns is another one. It is available in a standard walnut also, in case you don’t like the laminate look. I personally like the laminate’s. The adjustability gives these stocks an edge in the field or on the range. Now, if they only made them for semi-auto shotguns. Take a look at Boyds gunstocks, they make a nice product.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Adjustable laminate wood shotgun stock

Target Market:

Those wanting adjustability and/or different looks from their shotgun

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Laminate Hardwood

  • Adjustable Butt pad

  • Adjustable Cheek rest (Comb)

  • Interchangeable Grip

  • 12.5" to 14.25" Length of pull

  • .75” of comb adjustment

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Too many to list, go check them out HERE

Vertical adjustable buttpad

What others are saying?:

Couldn’t find anything on the shotgun stocks, only rifle stocks

Link to other reviews:

Could only find “new release” articles

Price point:

MSRP: Stock = $175.00

           Forend = $67.00

Retail = Same as above

I need it now! Availability:

Boyds Gunstocks

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Adjustable comb

  • Adjustable length of pull

  • Optional pistol grip

  • Stable Laminate

  • Great installation instructions

  • All US made

Cons:

  • Tough to get stock screw tightened

  • Buttpad could be softer

Score: 8.00 Great

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Favorite Link:  Tony’s Diversityshoot.com










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Boyds AT-One Stock

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  If you have been around guns for any length of time, you have probably heard of Boyds gunstocks. They make laminate wood stock for just about every rifle, and in a bunch of patterns and colors. They sent me one of their new At-One stocks in "Blaze" for review.

  First off, let me mention that this At-One is for a Savage 93 in .17HMR. Boyds also makes this stock for just about any other popular rifle. I mention this because in my case, I had to order the bottom metal. Not a big deal, but a note to check and see. Otherwise, installation is super easy. Just take your old stock off, and install the At-One. One benefit of the At-One is that it free floats the barrel to help improve accuracy.

  As one can see, the At-One has some adjustments on it. The comb and butstock adjustments use a push button system that is built into the right side of the stock. Basically, just push the button, and slide the comb or buttstock to the position you want. The buttons do push pretty hard, but this is because Boyds doesn't want them to be pushed accidentally. The cheek riser/comb is an overmolded rubber and works well without having too much grip. The buttstock has a nice rubber buttpad bonded to aluminum for a stable platform. If you look at the stock, you notice that the pistol grip and foreend are plastic. It comes from the factory with a slimmed down version of both. But I was also sent the target versions of these. The target forearm is slightly wider and rubberized. The target pistol grip is fatter and has a flatter front. Both foreends come with 2 pre-installed swivel studs. To change them from one style to the other, just take out the allen head screws, slide the piece or pieces off and reinstall. The target pistol grip is a 2 piece design and has a seam where the 2 pieces meet, I would have liked it to be one piece so you don't notice the split. On the rear bottom of the stock is also a removable piece that has a swivel stud installed. as of this writing, no other pieces are available as options. To top all of this off, the stock has a quick connect swivel hole on each side slightly behind the pistol grip!

Target Grip

Standard Grip

Target grip behind standard grip

Target grip seam

Target foreend on top, standard below

  Being that the stock is made from laminate hardwoods, it is very stable. Laminate stocks tend to stiffen up the support that the shooter places on the stock. This can help with accuracy. Plus when mounting a bipod, the foreend will not flex as much. I did see slightly better groups when using this stock over the flimsy factory stock. I can consistently shoot under 1 moa with just about any .17hmr ammo. With the factory stock, some ammo would group about 1.5 moa. Because the At-One is laminate, it does weigh more than your factory stock. I actually thought this helped balance out this particular rifle.

Bottom view as received in standard configuration

  I found the At-One to be an excellent choice. It is not a chassis system, but it is about as close as you can get for only $189. My preference was to use the target foreend and the standard pistol grip. When letting my daughter shoot the rifle, it was easy to adjust the length of pull shorter for her. So if your looking for something different in a stock, take a look at the At-One by Boyds. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Adjustable Laminate wood stock

Target Market:

Those wanting a solid adjustable wood stock

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Enhanced Accuracy
  • Laminate Wood
  • Adjustable Butt pad
  • Adjustable Cheek rest (Comb)
  • Quick Attach Sling points
  • Interchangeable Grip
  • Interchangeable Forend w/2 swivel studs
  • 12.5" to 14" Length of pull
  • Weighs 3 lbs

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Coyote, AppleJack, Zombie Hunter, Sky, Pepper, Royal, Royal Jacaranda, BlackJack, Forest, and Nutmeg

What others are saying?:

No ratings found at this time

Link to other reviews:

Soocth00

Price point:

MSRP = $189.00

Retail = $219.99 at OpticsPlanet

I need it now! Availability:

Boyds Gun Stocks

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Adjustable comb

  • Adjustable length of pull

  • Good stable shooting platform

  • 2 swivel studs (one for bipod)

  • Sling swivel sockets

  • Optional pistol grip and foreend

  • Free floats barrel

Cons:

  • May need bottom metal

  • Target grip is 2 piece design

Score: 8.5 Great

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Chad’s Favorite Link:  Nevada Cerakote

Smoke Composites Carbon Fiber Buttstock

  As previously mentioned in the Smoke Composites foreend review, they are making some awesome carbon fiber parts. Carbon fiber seems to be taking the AR market by storm. Probably because of it's characteristics. Since they also sent me a buttstock for review, it's time to talk about it. 

  The buttstock Smoke Composites sent is their carbine length. It is a very minimalist style. The stock consists of a tube, a buttpad/plate, lightweight castle nut, and a carbon fiber endplate. Also to note is that this stock is their closed style. This means it has an attached support piece that goes from the bottom of the buttplate up to the stock. The support piece also has 2 small M-lok slots to attach items such as a QD sling mounts. I believe this is an option and the standard closed stock does not have these slots. Smoke Composites also offers the stock in an open profile, with no support piece. One advantage to having the closed style is that brush, barricades, etc., do not hang up on it like the open style could. I will note that besides being super light, this stock is strong. I even beat it on a concrete floor to simulate mortering the rifle. All it did was put a slight scuff mark on the buttplate. 

  I don't know how they do it, but the attention to detail on this stock is spectacular. The screw threads on the aluminum piece, that is installed in the receiver, are beautifully machined. Then pair that with the lightweight aluminum castle nut, which is also excellently machined, and you have a working piece of art. Smoke Composites also sent their carbon fiber end plate. It, by itself, weighs nothing. But I would like to see a bump or something on it to index into the receiver. The end plate does have the index for the buffer tube groove, but it wanted to move a little bit when torquing down the castle nut. The top of the aluminum section also has "Smoke Composites" laser etched on it. 

     Now that the stock has been explained, it's on to a few specs. When I weighed this thing, it came in at 4.9 ounces, with the castle nut and carbon fiber endplate! The open stock weighs a little bit less. The length of pull is 9.5", which I have discovered seems to be about on par for these style carbine stocks. It uses the standard carbine spring and buffer, which are not included. If you know anything about carbon fiber, I don't, it is made from 35-50 carbon fiber. If nothing else, the stock pattern looks really slick. A rubber buttpad can be had as an option, which would help with the buttplate not being so slick. One neat add on is the ability to order a custom length of pull for an extra $35.

  If you're in the market for carbon fiber AR part, do take a look at Smoke Composites. This stock is great for functional lightweight builds. It comes in various options and lengths. Plus you'll have the coolest looking rifle at the range. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight carbon fiber minimalist stock for AR style rifles

Target Market:

Lightweight AR builders, 3-gunners, and anyone wanting a super light buttstock

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Lightweight at 4.9 ounces with castle nut and endplate, 4.6 ounces alone
  • 9.5" length of pull
  • 35-50 Carbon Fiber / 7075 Aluminum construction  
  • 1.11" outside diameter  
  • M-Lok compatible  
  • Closed shoulder plate
  • Uses standard carbine buffer and spring
  • Custom length of pull ($35 extra)  

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Open style: short pull or rifle length

Closed style: short pull or rifle length with or without M-lok slots

What others are saying?:

Mike on Facebook: 5 stars

Ordered a stock from them, and let me tell you: It's absolutely a work of art in and of itself. Perfect in fit and finish, and there's nary a flaw to be found... It's crazy. On top of being ridiculously, almost impossibly lightweight, the stock is tough as hell. Easily the best, most well made piece of equipment I've ever had the pleasure of owning. Beyond the actual product quality, I got the thing within 4 days of ordering it - who could ask for anything better?

 Seriously: If you're on the fence about buying any of their stuff, don't be - it's too good to not get.

Link to other reviews:

None found

Price point:

MSRP = $221.00 as tested

Retail = $189-231

I need it now! Availability:

Smoke Composites 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super light at 4.9 ounces
  • M-Lok slots
  • Closed shoulder plate
  • Not your typical carbon fiber look
  • Nicely machined threads and castle nut
  • Strong
  • Great looking
  • Custom length available  

Cons:

  • Carbon fiber endplate has no index bump
  • Does not come with buffer or spring
  • Slick buttplate

Score: 8.5 Great

 

Chad’s Favorite Link: U.S Tactical Supply

 

,

MDT LSS-XL Chassis

,

  After winning a Savage 11 at a raffle, I was looking around at what I could do to it. I started looking at chassis for it and ran across Modular Driven Technologies (MDT for short). I contacted them and they said they would send me a chassis for review. They sent me the LSS-XL, their new lightweight stock, and one of their AICS pattern magazines. 

  The LSS-XL is an all aluminum chassis that can use AR stocks and pistol grips. It comes either cerakoted black or FDE. It can use their stock also, which I'll talk about later. Since the chassis they sent me was for a Savage, I'll talk about it, but all of the LSS-XL's are basically similar. The first thing I noticed was the nice sized paddle magazine release. It has good spring pressure and is easily accessed to remove a used magazine. I also noted that it came with a sling swivel stud mounted, perfect to attach a bi-pod on. Next up is the trigger guard that has enough room for gloved hands, but is could be larger.  The stated weight is 1.8-2.1 lbs, which is just the chassis without a stock or pistol grip. My scale broke, so I am taking the weight off of the MDT website. Now the LSS-XL has a longer forearm than the LSS, but it is about the same length as the stock forearm. Even though the chassis is about the same length as the factory stock, it is much thinner and is flat on the bottom and sides. It also has plenty of mounting holes on it. These holes are spaced to fit Magpul L3 or L5 rails. Of course MDT makes rails to fit also. On the Savage style chassis, it has a slot in the side above the trigger. This slot is for Savage actions with a bottom bolt release. After installing the LSS-XL, to remove the bolt, you have to now put a pin, nail, screwdriver, or whatever in this slot and move it rearward to remove the guns bolt. The chassis also comes with a little spacer washer, that you install on the front bolt, depending on which action length you have. Older Savage's have a slightly different bolt spacing on the action than the newer versions. Using a rounded inlet with flat spots, for the action to ride on, this design is said to aid in accuracy and strength. Along with this system, the chassis can accept barrels up to 1" diameter while still free floating the barrel. 

  One of the great advantages to the MDT LSS-XL is it ability to accept the AICS style magazines. The stock magazines that come with the Savage are junk compared to the MDT magazine. MDT's magazine is polymer and holds 8 rounds of .308, .243, .22-250, or 6.5 Creedmoor. They also make a magazine for the smaller .223 rifles. My rifle is in .243 winchester, and the magazine function was flawless. I am also able to get 9 rounds in the magazine and still have it function. Being that the LSS-XL uses the AICS pattern, I also tried a Magpul 5 round AICS magazine. It did not lock in place at first. I modified it slightly by removing some plastic in front of the feed lips and now it works also. Basically I made it look like the MDT magazine. 

  Along with the chassis, MDT also sent their "Skeleton Rifle Stock Lite." This stock is meant to compliment the chassis, and it does a decent job of it. The stock is adjustable for length of pull and cheek weld. Now it does not have infinitely adjustable screws, instead it has notches in the riser and buttplate mounting stems. The buttplate and riser are moved by pushing an elongated button, and then moving them to the desired adjustment. I really liked this button system as it was easy to use, and held the plates in firmly. MDT also makes the stock out of aluminum and it is cerakoted to match the chassis. Another nice touch on the stock is its ability to accept mounting rails like the chassis. This makes it possible to install a monopod or such device under the stock. As with most stocks these days, there are also built in sling swivel cups. One problem I had with the lite rifle stock was the rear but pad and cheek riser get in the way of cleaning your rifle. Even if you take the cheek riser off, the design makes it impossible to run a cleaning rod straight through the rear of the rifles bore. If you want to do this, you must actually remove the stock completely. I did not have the same problem when using a standard AR stock. 

  There are a couple of items to note. The stock's length of pull was too short for me even when the buttplate was fully extended. And there is no radius where the top of the grip meets the stock. AR grips with beavertails don't really work. So it kind of pinches your hand between your thumb and forefinger. I noticed it more with a collapsible AR stock. The MDT stock was way less noticeable. 

  The MDT LSS-XL chassis, Skeleton rifle stock lite, and magazine make for a really nice stable shooting platform. MDT offers these chassis for lots of different rifles, and all of them at a very reasonable prices (for a chassis system). 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight chassis system. Uses AR parts

Target Market:

Precision rifle shooters, varmint hunters, or anyone wanting a stable shooting platform.  

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Drop in chassis

  • All aluminum

  • Cerakoted

  • Improves accuracy

  • Free floats barrels up to 1" in diameter

  • Weighs about 2lbs

  • Uses AR-15 stocks and pistol grips

  • No Bedding needed

  • Uses AICS magazines

  • SRS Lite stock is adjustable for length of pull and cheek weld

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Flat Dark Earth

What others are saying?:

GREAT CHASSIS FOR SAVAGE LA

LSS-XL for Savage Long Action: This is a great chassis system. Form, fit, and function ate all very nice. The chassis is very light so for the heavy recoiling calibers, it is something to consider. The machining is done very well. Cuts are precise and the finish is very uniform and professional. My rifle is sub MOA with this chassis and I think it will drastically improve as I get more comfortable with the setup. I always shoot from prone so taking me out of the equation to eval the chassis can be difficult. My rifle comes in at 14.5lbs w/ Leupy Mark 4 16x, Leupy steel rings, steel one piece base, 26" bull barrel 300WM, bipod and MagPul MOE stock. Great chassis at almost half the cost of many others.

EXCELLENT PRODUCTS

The products were high quality and my R700BDL 6mm Rem fit like a glove. Very easy and quick installation. I am considering also getting the LSS-XL for my Savage 12 Low profile.

Price point:

MSRP = $499 for the LSS-XL

$279.99 for the SRS Lite stock

$39.99 for the Magazine

Retail = $499 @ Tactical Works

$279.99 @Tactical Works for the SRS Lite stock

$39.99 @ Brownells for the Magazine

I need it now! Availability:

Modular Driven Technologies

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Very cost effective

  • Models available for many different rifles

  • Uses AR-15 stocks and pistol grips

  • Lightweight

  • Uses AICS magazines

  • MDT magazine works well

  • Swivel stud pre-installed

  • Sling swivel cups in stock

  • Push button adjustment on stock

  • Large trigger guard

Cons:

  • Small fore-end

  • Slight pinching of hand

  • Short length of pull with SRS Lite stock

  • Can't clean bore without removing SRS Lite stock

Score: 8.0 GREAT!

 

Chad's Favorite Link: U.S. Tactical Supply

 

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