Carbon Rifle Stock Review

[Krumfola]

This is such a helpful resource. Thanks for taking the time (and $$$) to do it.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Yes I have glass bedded the Peak 44. I glass bed every stock that I can as I believe in the value of doing so.
When I did mine, I actually took my Dremel tool with a small point and make a few dimples type holes to help keep the epoxy more solid in the stock. I have done that to many stocks. Probably don't need to but I feel a bit better doing so. My glass bedding technique is pretty similar to the video they have on YouTube.

I do that too.

 

[Shootstraight]

I have a peak 44 stock on my Weatherby lightweight rifle. It is first class in every respect.

 

[richmsd]

Thanks for the info on the stocks as I'm starting a light weight build in 280AI

 

[Bryan720]

Do you have a total weight of the build?

 

[Blackdog317]

I have a peak 44 stock on my Weatherby lightweight rifle. It is first class in every respect.

Which Weatherby lightweight did you put in the Peak 44? Is it in the Blacktooth or Bastion?

I am considering one of their stocks for my Mark V Ultra Lightweight (6 lug, chambered in .270 Win). I love the rifle, but it kicks like a mule in the factory stock. No muzzle device currently. Did the new stock make much a difference in recoil for you?

Do you happen to have any pictures in the new stock?


Thanks

 

[akwchil]

Hi Spence,

Thanks for the awesome write up on all these stocks. I was curious who did the action skeletonizing? I'm looking to have that done on a R700 as well.

I have been told that the peak 44 stocks sound hollow and have some flex due to this hallow configuration, have you noticed this at all?

Thanks again

 

[Spence]

I have a gunsmith / Machinist that has one of those fancy million dollar machines to do such things. He helped build my Zeiss Rifle that has some cool stuff on it.
I can get you his info if you would like and then maybe he could do one up for you?

As far as the stock goes, Sure it sounds hollow compared to a few different ones but I actually think it sounds way less hollow than my Gunwerks Magnus. Just for sound purposes. I just tried flexing 5 different ones near the fore end. FLEX<<<<< Not enough difference in them to even tell.
I cant feel any difference and it hasn't made the accuracy change. I have tried it in a few stocks.

BTW,
I loved it so much, I just bought the Bastian stock for a 28 Nosler build.
If that means anything.

Thank You,
Jason

 

[ZHY]

Nice review. I’d like to try a Manners.

 

[Spence]

I doubt that you will regret trying one. Manners builds an amazing stock.

Spence

 

[Steamer]

That peak 44 stock looks incredibly lightweight. The manners pro hunter looks promising , I really like how they integrated the picatany in the toe of the stock but wish they would do that to the LRH so you have an adjustable comb

 

[jcmcl18]

Thanks for your time reviewing stocks and sharing this. Very helpful as I look to build my Tikka out

 

[J_shearin22]

I thought it would be a nice review to have a few Carbon rifle stocks to compare side by side. I recently acquired a Peak 44 carbon stock and though about how it stacks up against a few others that I have.
Peak 44 Carbon
McMillan A3 Edge technology carbon
Manners MCS-T Elite Tac carbon fiber stock
AG Alpine hunter Carbon
AG Alpine hunter Adjustable Carbon

I will start off with saying, I don't believe that anyone is going to have a poor experience with any of these stocks. These are all mine and I paid for them all. So there is no bias for any of them. My goal was to build a very lightweight rifle for my dad in Wyoming while he is hunting deer and elk in some of the steepest and nastiest stuff in region G. He shoots a Cooper Excalibur in a 7Rem mag topped with a Zeiss 3-18x50. It does have a muzzle break from Cooper added to the rifle. That rifle is his go to hunting rifle. Problem is, at 69 years old and really don't pull the trigger very much anymore as its JUST NOT QUITE BIG ENOUGH. Well I know that he loves his ARMED MARCHES, so why not build him a lightweight stick vs the bigger heavier one.
I settled on a 280 AI for the caliber, Remington action that got skeletonized huge, Zeiss scope, Proof Research carbon barrel, Timney trigger. Now I needed the right stock to make this rifle come to life.
Peak 44 had an advertisement for a fast delivery date and I met JD from Peak 44 at the expo in SLC. Needless to say, I had a stock heading my way to find out if this indeed would be the stock for the Lightweight Wyoming Rifle. I started the rifle build, and in less than 60 days, I had my Peak 44 stock. Now the comparison starts. As stated earlier, Not one of these stocks disappoints. However there are some differences in them. I will post pics of all the stocks in a few different angles.
I have a custom 28 nosler with AG Alpine hunter stock utilizing a Proof Research barrel. My dad really likes the weight and balance of the rifle. This is what spurred getting him his Wyoming Rifle.
Time frames for getting the stocks

Manners 7 months
AG Alpine Hunter 5 months
AG adjustable Hunter 6.5 months
McMillan 8 months
Peak 44 under 2 months

I will state that shooting with a standard wood 700 BDL stock vs EVERY carbon stock, the carbon was absolutely better. Less vibration, better groups and a better geometry for shooting off a bench. Especially the McMillan and AG stocks. That vertical grip in those situations are better IMO. Once in the Carbon stock the rifle performed fantastic and performance one vs the other was indistinguishable. For standing shooting and classic feel the Peak 44 was the best and I love the thumb rest area. With the Manners right on its heals.
Fit, Finish and Inletting. Peak 44 was the best, AG Hunter then the Manners, AG adjustable, then the McMillan.
When you look at the recoil pad, The AG stocks have the softest most forgiving pads, McMillan and Manners are just a touch harder on my stocks and the Peak 44 with the new Hex 3d, I wanted to try it, was definitely the hardest pad of the bunch. But surprisingly, The Hex 3d had a soft edge and a great contour aiding in recoil reduction. I will say that not one of these stocks have that KICK pain to them as the rifle is running a titanium side port 4 break from rockslide and its in a 280 AI. Not a big recoil rifle caliber.

I will put picks of the final outcome of the rifle pics on here as well.
Pricing was IMO close enough to justify whatever brand you wanted. What I mean is that if you are building a custom rifle get the stock you want and not worry about that little extra for a certain brand or color. Its custom, so making it your custom is important. That being said, All of the companies make a great assortment of colors and styles, pick the one that you want.

The inletting on the Peak 44 around the trigger guard and magazine area was perfect. Zero need to do anything except put it together. Like it was actually built for the bottom metal. AG was very close on both models but I did need to do a tiny bit of stock removal in the forward screw area to hold the recoil lug in place on the adjustable one. Manners was great as well just not finished off quite as nice as the first 3. Then there was the McMillan. I truly was surprise with the inside of the stock. Around where the magazine box lives. I also needed to do a bit of light inletting on the bottom metal areas to even the floorplate up. Dont get me wrong, it still fit great, just comparing them with a fine tooth comb is where you see a few differences.

I Hope that the pictures will show what I have stated. If you have any questions on any of these stocks, please hit me up as they are all top notch stocks.
One thing that I will state. I hate when there are comparisons and they really don't declare a winner. Well I will do just that.

For a lightweight, Carbon stock. The Wyoming Lightweight rifle will be getting the Peak 44
It has the absolute best inletting, Best fit and finish, Great Paint color scheme and was the lightest weight. Note on this, Not one was heavy at all. Only a few ounces separated them. But the Peak 44 was under 20 OZ.

IMO the AG Alpine Hunter and the McMillan were close seconds
Then the AG Adjustable followed by the McMillan
It actually surprised me with where the McMillan landed. They build a fantastic stock and I shoot a few of them. With the fast turnaround and from what I can gather after shooting and eyeing them all up close, I will be talking to JD from Peak 44 again.

Just for reference
Red stock AG Alpine Hunter
Solid Black Carbon McMillan
White, Gray camo carbon Peak 44
Green and tan camo carbon Manners
Adjustable carbon AG Alpine Hunter adjustable

Spence

Really appreciate your opinion, will use this guide for my next build.

 

[Fmuguira]

Yes I have glass bedded the Peak 44. I glass bed every stock that I can as I believe in the value of doing so.
When I did mine, I actually took my Dremel tool with a small point and make a few dimples type holes to help keep the epoxy more solid in the stock. I have done that to many stocks. Probably don't need to but I feel a bit better doing so. My glass bedding technique is pretty similar to the video they have on YouTube.

 

[Redleg84]

Not being able to specify a LOP is what kept me from ordering a Peak44 for my current rifle

 

[Spence]

I understand that. Especially if you are very long or short in the arms and how you hold the rifle. That would be a great added feature to a great stock. I will contact them and see if they will in the future have such an option.

 

[Mtank79]

I understand that. Especially if you are very long or short in the arms and how you hold the rifle. That would be a great added feature to a great stock. I will contact them and see if they will in the future have such an option.

A lot of details & dollars went into this review. It’s made me look at their stuff. I had a AG alpine hunter on my 6.5 prc ridgeline & loved it. I live about a hour from them & they were awesome to deal with. I don’t remember the ladies name but she even asked if I’d like a tour to see how they’re made. They’re customer support & being close to home makes it hard to want another brand stock.

 

[justOKhunter]

this may sound dumb, but how much weight does bedding typically add? is it usually the same amount of weight added or does it vary from one stock to the next?

 

[AZ_Hunter]

This is encouraging. I have never handled a blacktooth but have one on order that should delivered in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for the comparison.

 

[Spence]

Here is just a couple critters that ventured just a little to close to the old man. The Coyote was the first animal taken with the rifle. 378 yards bedded down on an elk trail. The bull was a bit farther at 646. Needles to say. The 280 AI with 160 Nosler Accubonds performed just as expected. So far it has taken 4 coyotes, one bull elk, and one antelope buck. As for the stock, So far ZERO complaints. It has been strapped to a horse in a scabbard. Strapped to the back of a kuiu pack. Carried by hand and gloved hand. and well basically just hunted with and no worse the wear. Very satisfied and still very happy with the purchase. Just a small update to the review with actual hunting and use involved.
Thanks,
Spence