Boyds Stocks - Ross Thumbhole or JRS Classic?

[stsimons]

Boyds has stepped up to the plate and will fulfill the request of the guys over on the Marlin owners forum to make stocks for the XS7 and XL7 rifles. Its a no brainer... I'm buying one in pepper laminate.

Only question is which one do I want? I have never put my hands on either one and have only seen photos in magazines and online. The thumbhole looks more comfortable, but the classic looks like it would be easier to carry and have faster bolt operation. I honestly don't know which one I should get.

Please chime in in you have either one of these and tell me your likes and dislikes. They are within $5 of each other so price is not a consideration.

Thanks a million guys...

 

[clone]

I have a Boyds thumb hole stock for one of my Marlin 60's, and love it. It was not finished and required sanding and finishing, but I didn't mind and I enjoyed finishing it. It made me take pride that much more when it was done.

I like it well enough that I plan to buy another one for my other Marlin 60, but the next rifle will sport a scope.

Almost forgot, it did add a little bit more weight to my 60, but not enough to matter I still carry it around ALOT. On a larger rifle I don't think the extra weight would matter much.

 

[Art Eatman]

I've used conventional stocks for so long that I bang my thumb when cycling a thumbhole.

If the main use is for hunting, I'd go conventional. If hunting is not really a consideration, either would do. Probably oughta find a thumbhole rig and see how you like the feel...

 

[longdayjake]

Well, they are so different that there is hardly a comparison. I really like the thumbhole because the cheek rest seems better for me. The only real downside to a boyds stock is the butt pad.

 

[clone]

Whats wrong with the butt pad?

 

[dakotasin]

its thin rubber.

i have had a few of each and found i just don't like the thumbhole designs. they're just awkward for me.

when you are comparing them in pics, you can see the differences by looking at how open the grip area is, how vertical the grip is, and how much drop there is.

i think the jrs is as good as it gets for a boyd's design stock, especially for a hunting rifle.

 

[minutemen1776]

I've not used a Boyd's thumbhole stock, so I cannot comment on that. I did, however, have a JRS Classic in pepper laminate for a Remington 700. In short, it was beautiful to look at but not terribly functional in my opinion. The weight was considerably more than the stock it replaced, the length of pull was a bit long for me, and the thin rubber recoil pad resulted in some uncomfortable felt recoil. Also, the stock itself was rather "proud" in that everything felt just a little too fat and bulky. I also had to remove wood in some areas, especially around the floorplate, to get a proper fit to the action. I hated that I didn't enjoy the stock, since it really looked great. But I did not keep it long, and I don't think I'd buy another. I hope your experience is more positive.

 

[clone]

I guess the reason the pad has not bothered me is that I am using it on a 22. But on the other hand I used to shoot the Mosin Nagant quite a bit and did not think the steel but plate was all that bad.

 

[classcpl]

I had one of the Boyd's Thumbhole stocks on my Savage FSS in 270 WSM. I found it to be a very comfortable stock for shooting, not so much for carrying in the field as it seemed to increase the overall length of the rifle significantly. The comb height was just about perfect and allowed an extremely stable cheek weld. All in all a good stock.

I also own a Marlin XS7 and have considered replacing the factory synthetic stock, but the ergos on that thing fit me so damn well that I really don't want to change it. Maybe a paint job and a little lead in the buttstock to even out the balance.

Also consider that if you switch to the Boyds stock you may have to bed the action. I also needed a longer action screw due to the increased thickness of the wood.

The only JRS stocks I have handled have been on factory Rugers at the store. Never fired one. I do like the look of them but the do seem to be somewhat front heavy.

If you end up getting one please post pics!