McMillian, Bell & Carlson, etc.?

[Firehole Hunter]

I have a Model 70 Classic Stainless in 7mm Rem. Mag. and the stock isn't very good. I am looking to do an up-grade and was wanting some input on what would be a good stock replacement and what problems should I be looking out for when doing an install. The barrel and action seem to be pretty good and although I didn't bed it I did do a little stock work in preparation for western hunting. I got the barrel to be free floating after noticing the fore-end of the stock was rubbing against the barrel. I guess when your average shot at whitetails averages around under a 100 yards, stuff like this never really was a concern or came into play. I did noticed that the recoil lug had some slop in it and I was able to minimize that movement. But I want aluminum pillars or a aluminum or other rigid bedding foundation on a lightweight stock to mount my stainless steel receiver and barrel along with my new Leupold VX5-HD.

 

[John pettimore]

I just went through a similar exercise and to me it comes down to weight. I think both are decent stocks but the McMillan (at least for my vanguard) is about 10-11 oz’s lighter. I chose the McMillan but my gun was heavy. If the weight isn’t important, save a few hundred and go with the B&C.

 

[Firehole Hunter]

Weight is an issue because it will be backpacking gun. Losing almost a pound would be great. What kind of action and barrel were you working with, and did you do the install or a gunsmith?

 

[Trogon]

Slop in the recoil lug is never a good thing. Seek professional help.

 

[SDHNTR]

Aluminum pillars and epoxy bed the action. Gunsmith should charge about $150 to do the work. McMillian is in a class of its own over and above B&C, but it shows in the price. Both are a big improvement over the factory plastic stock. Be prepared for some minor fitting work too.

 

[gbflyer]

I’ve chased this and own a Model 70 Classic. Mine is wood, my buddy has 3 of the synthetics. The bottom metal is heavy on all of them, mine is a 1 piece Sunny Hill and it’s really heavy. It’s hard to lose a pound without a barrel swap. Stock choice for lightweight is a McMillan Hunters Edge. I also have a Gamescout with Edge fill. I really like that stock but I did split it behind the recoil lug with a 7-08. They fixed it without issue and so far so good. I will always be a McMillan customer.

The classic style stocks with standard fill will weigh just as much or more as Walnut.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I’ve had McMillan and B&C stocks on several different rifles. For me it’s an easy choice...B&C. The B&C is usually in stock, cheaper, very close to the same weight, has the right sized grip, and is drop in ready. B&C is the no brainer choice for me.

 

[John pettimore]

Weight is an issue because it will be backpacking gun. Losing almost a pound would be great. What kind of action and barrel were you working with, and did you do the install or a gunsmith?

Long action vanguard with a spotter barrel. It hasn’t been put together yet, I’m waiting on the last couple of parts, but I will do it myself.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

B&C stocks are an excellent upgrade over basic plastic stocks or old wood stocks but they don’t compare to McMillan.

McMillan makes a classic stock that would be more or less the same swine and shape of the stock on your stainless classic. If you like the way that stock feels you could go that route, it would be a great upgrade but you’ll end up spending like 700 dollars and waiting 6 months to get it.

If you are in a rush, if either get the BC or work on fixing your current stock.

 

[Fyrpwrhd03]

McMillan, Bullet proof

 

[Geewhiz]

I just put an HS precision stock on my model 70 in 338 rum. It’s got more of a vertical grip which I like and the fit and finish is very good. A bit heavier than the McMillan but might be worth a look.

 

[kevin11mee]

Is this a pre-64 or a later model? The selections aren't as good as a R700 but I'd probably go with a McMillan. I used a Grayboe stock (very nice stock) on an R700 but I'm not sure they make an M70 stock. Like stated above, get aluminum pillars and epoxy bed the action by a good gunsmith and accuracy should be great.

 

[WeiserBucks]

McMillan, Bullet proof

Bullshit! I've broken several of them.

 

[Wapiti1]

Bullshit! I've broken several of them.

How? Not throwing shade, purely curious.

Jeremy

 

[WeiserBucks]

The edge fill stocks don't like magnums and I've broken several in the recoil lug area. Mcmillan replaced them under warranty and they are great to deal with but I won't recommend an edge fill stock anymore based on my experience.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

Love my McMillan 700 mountain rifle stock!

 

[Antares]

The edge fill stocks don't like magnums and I've broken several in the recoil lug area. Mcmillan replaced them under warranty and they are great to deal with but I won't recommend an edge fill stock anymore based on my experience.

Did those stocks have the newer "enhanced EDGE" fill? I think they're trying to solve this issue this by reinforcing the mag well/lug area on EDGE fills for magnum calibers.

 

[Str8shooter]

I just put an HS precision stock on my model 70 in 338 rum. It’s got more of a vertical grip which I like and the fit and finish is very good. A bit heavier than the McMillan but might be worth a look.

which stock is this?

 

[gbflyer]

This is an Edge filled Gamescout. Yes it was skim-bedded so I suspect they could have said that was the cause. It is split behind the pillar. It was repaired no questions asked, it did take way too long to get back. I have not re-bedded it. 7mm-08 broke it. I have nothing bad to say about McMillan and I am still a customer. It happens.

 

[204guy]

This is an Edge filled Gamescout. Yes it was skim-bedded so I suspect they could have said that was the cause. It is split behind the pillar. It was repaired no questions asked, it did take way too long to get back. I have not re-bedded it. 7mm-08 broke it. I have nothing bad to say about McMillan and I am still a customer. It happens.

Interesting. It has pillars? The bedded lug would prevent it from moving back. How did it manage to crack there?