Precision with a Sporter stock? Or sporting with a precision stock?

[CruzControl]

First Rokslide post here!

I'm building my first high end rifle and need some perspective. It's in 6.5 PRC off a Tikka action, and will hopefully weigh ~8lb. While it'll see pretty diverse uses, the focus is mule deer in open country as well as learning to push out to greater (ethical) distances. The goal is consistent shots around 500yd and practice beyond that, in time, if I feel capable of it.

Having only used sporter stocks, I pick up precision-focussed models with their vertical grips, palms swells, and width, and they feel unwieldy. I'm open to learning to love them but my question is this:

Do you use traditional sporter stocks at these distances? Can one learn to ring steel way the heck out there? Or should I take the loss of handiness and learn to use something more modern? I understand the features of a precision stock that make it desirable, but I want to be sure I'm not falling into the hype if folks are out there making similar shots with more old-school builds.

 

[wind gypsy]

Yes, one can shoot well at distance with a traditional shaped stock. It's just easier to execute good trigger presses and and avoid imparting inconsistent forces on the rifle with grips designed around shooting rather than carrying.

I'm not sure I understand exactly what "handiness" you're most focused on? I will concede that the close to trigger vertical grip on something like a rokstok makes a rifle slightly less comfortable to carry in certain fashions but it's not really that different. I think it's just the lack of a recess behind the pistol grip that makes it a little less ergonomic to cradle carry. There are other vertical grip stocks where this is not the case.

I used to hunt with primarily traditional sporter stocks but i shoot so much more with stocks made for shooting now that I cant bring myself to want to stick to a traditional stock.

There are some that are a good balance. That Peak 44 blacktooth is one that I think facilitates shooting and traditional handling well.

 

[CruzControl]

I think the precision style stocks are wider, bulkier, and less easy for me to hold onto when moving for me. That, and their inherent weight, which of course is also a plus for shooting.

They also tend to have too far of a grip to trigger distance for me to use as intended, and I have to hover my hand in front of the grip surface. So I wonder if I'm actually getting all of their benefit.

 

[wind gypsy]

I think the precision style stocks are wider, bulkier, and less easy for me to hold onto when moving for me. That, and their inherent weight, which of course is also a plus for shooting.

They also tend to have too far of a grip to trigger distance for me to use as intended, and I have to hover my hand in front of the grip surface. So I wonder if I'm actually getting all of their benefit.

I'm with ya 100% on most of the grips. For a long time the vertical grip on many common stocks has been a waste for me because they are too far from the trigger to make good use of anyway. The position of the grip is more important than being vertical vs swept IMO.

There are getting to be more options with more thoughtful grips that aren't blocky/chunky now. Rokstok, peak 44 bastion and blacktooth are some examples.

 

[Luvbowhuntn]

if shooting supported by a bipod, tripod, bags, or any rest the vertical grips are the way to go. If you intend on doing much freehand shooting 100% go with a shorter style stock. I hate shooting freehand with my vertical grip stocks. It just feels really awkward in hand

 

[CruzControl]

Offhand shots are always a possibility, but I tend to take more prone or seated off a tall bipod. Vert grip helps for sure, but yes, only when close enough.

Bastion is super interesting to me. I even handled some in person. I'm just worried about that curved recoil pad, which cannot easily be replaced due to the matching curve of the stock itself. If not for that, I'd own one already!