Lightweight stock options

[ArthurMorgan]

So, I've got a Kelbly atlas tac in 243 win that I intend to use for whitetail, but also shooting prone and shooting steel out to 500 here and there. I've been trying to scout the forums to see what people are using and just wanted to get a general consensus on what your favorite stock is and why?

I'm looking at a mesa altitude stock, but I'm seeing some not liking it for prone shooting for reason certain reasons. Also, looking at a manner Pro Hunter, but really not liking that wait time, and the AG composites seem a little heavy for what I want. I'm also trying to keep it at or under $1,000. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[jjordan355]

Take a look at Forge Carbon stocks.

 

[Ganderzone]

Stockys vg hunter on sale can be had for $450 ish, blems are $375. I've got an atlas lite in a SA in a vg hunter and a manners pro hunter on my long action atlas lite. The pro hunter is definitely more refined and overall a nicer stock with the pic rail, arca, qd cups out of the box but it's $1k vs sub $500 for a VG hunter. You can always add a pic and arca plate to the VG hunter and have a very nice hunting stock. I also have a VG2 stock on a range gun but would definitely go for the hunter version if I was carrying it day after day. Both are great options depending on your budget.

 

[skipper907]

I would suggest stockys
if you are very burget minded check out mdt field stock or the orxy chassis

 

[ArthurMorgan]

I would suggest stockys
if you are very burget minded check out mdt field stock or the orxy chassis

I've actually got the rifle sitting in an Oryx chassis right now and I'm thinking to myself, "no way am I going to carry this hunting, haha. Definitely my favorite out of all the stocks I have tried though.

 

[7LRM]

Have you look at Peak 44 stock? I have one and it is great one.

 

[Judd]

The go to popular stuff is McMillian Mountianeer (2 versions) or Game Warden 2.0 (2 versions), Manners LRH or ProHunter.

Over your budget, I recently picked up an MDT CRBN that I'm liking quite a bit. They have a wood version that would be in your price range but you lose the adjustable comb/cheek and it weighs more.

I like the Mesa stock but the grip feels a bit funky to me. I think because we're here , the Rokstock is worth mentioning...but I can't get past the look.

Good Luck

 

[Willie IV]

Peak 44 Bastion. I have 2 of them now. Other than a slightly shorter LOP (13.125-13.25) I love them. If you're shooting off your clavicle instead of shoulder pocket, the LOP is just about right for me.

 

[dkim]

Another Peak 44 Bastion recommendation for a really light stock. Just a bit heavier and more traditional is the McMillan Hunters Edge. I have both and like them both.

 

[Kow]

Since you already know the Oryx shoots well but is miserable to carry, I would not chase the absolute lightest stock just to save ounces and give up all the stability you like now. For that mix of prone steel and whitetail carry, I would put more weight on forend shape, grip angle, and comb height than brochure weight, because a stock that tracks well off a bipod is worth a few extra ounces. Under a grand, the sweet spot is usually a good hunting stock that still has enough geometry to shoot prone comfortably, not the lightest shell on the market. Do you know what finished rifle weight you are trying to stay under?

 

[Kyguy]

Define lightweight.... many of the carbon fiber stocks are pushing 30-35 oz... that's not "lightweight" for a carbon fiber stock, IMO. I just got a walnut classic stock for a 700 short action from Boyd's last month that's 30.5 oz.

 

[ArthurMorgan]

Since you already know the Oryx shoots well but is miserable to carry, I would not chase the absolute lightest stock just to save ounces and give up all the stability you like now. For that mix of prone steel and whitetail carry, I would put more weight on forend shape, grip angle, and comb height than brochure weight, because a stock that tracks well off a bipod is worth a few extra ounces. Under a grand, the sweet spot is usually a good hunting stock that still has enough geometry to shoot prone comfortably, not the lightest shell on the market. Do you know what finished rifle weight you are trying to stay under?

I agree with what your saying, but the Oryx is 4.2 pounds so I'm not chasing ounces but rather pounds. That stock is 67 ounces compared to something that is 25-30oz. I'm trying to stay under 10lbs. Preferably closer to 9.

I'm wondering if I should just get a XLR or ultradyne chassis and put an AR stock on it I'm comfortable with. That would put me at around 35oz or under. I have a lilja #5 barrel so it just looks weird in a barrel channel that will accept a 1.25 straight, but beggers can't be choosers.

 

[ArthurMorgan]

The go to popular stuff is McMillian Mountianeer (2 versions) or Game Warden 2.0 (2 versions), Manners LRH or ProHunter.

Over your budget, I recently picked up an MDT CRBN that I'm liking quite a bit. They have a wood version that would be in your price range but you lose the adjustable comb/cheek and it weighs more.

I like the Mesa stock but the grip feels a bit funky to me. I think because we're here , the Rokstock is worth mentioning...but I can't get past the look.

Good Luck

See, I think I'd like the wider grip. Do you notice any muzzle rise or not being able to spot shots? Been seeing some comments about that, but they were shooting 28 noslers and 300 RUMs. I'm going to have a 243 with a break, it's a big difference.

 

[Judd]

Huge difference. I have a lightweight (not sheep lightweight but less than 10lb all in) 30 Nosler that I told my buddy years ago would never get shot unless it was with someone else. I am not the type of guy who really pins a rifle so I can't spot shot inside of about 600-700y with it.

There are too many variables to really be able to tell for certain...but 243 w/ a brake is a kitten in comparison. One thing is certain...it's easier to add weight than shave it.

Sorry, I know I'm not much help but my hunting buddy has two of those stocks...one on a 300wsm and another on a 6 Creedmoor and he has nothing but good things to say about it.

 

[Tanner]

If the Atlas Tac is a 700 footprint, a Stockys VG is an easy button. Cheap, well made, way under 30oz, and easy to modify to your liking.

 

[ArthurMorgan]

If the Atlas Tac is a 700 footprint, a Stockys VG is an easy button. Cheap, well made, way under 30oz, and easy to modify to your liking.

Every stock I see has its quirks but that one might be a no go for me. I've read the the trigger reach is longer. I sold a krg bravo because of this, it wasn't terrible though. I'll look into the stockys more, cause that's a good deal for a lightweight stock!