Weatherby-style stocks

[westsloper]

What are your thoughts about Weatherby-style stocks with the monte-carlo cheekpiece? I was under the impression that the stock design is supposed to help with recoil (such as with Weatherby calibers), but I read in other places that a straight comb is better for recoil.

I know personal fit is everything. When I hold a Weatherby Vanguard in my hands in the store, it feels really good. But in the store is different than on the bench or in the field.

I appreciate any input you guys have.

 

[Elkhntr08]

The Weatherby stock seems to put my eye in better alignment with the scope. The recoil with my Weathermark in 300 Weatherby is not any worse the my Rem 673 in 300 SAUM.
I believe it comes down to overal fit and feel, with a scope mounted, for you.

 

[pirogue]

I like the stock on my Vanguard. But per se, it doesn’t reduce recoil. The only way to argue it reduces recoil is the fractional amount of weight it has over a conventional stock or, the pressure applied by your cheek absorbs some recoil that could have went to the shoulder. Yep, real rocket science.

 

[Wapiti1]

The Weatherby stock is an interesting thing. When it was designed initially, the transition from open sights to scopes was happening. Weatherby paid attention, and given his hot rod cartridges, it made sense to make a scope compatible stock.

The drop at heel is more than you'll find on a classic design, but the comb is higher (in general, not always) with that monte carlo cheek. It also has a negative slope to it both at the top and along the side. This ensures the stock drops away from the shooters face during recoil, and you don't get hit in the chops by the stock. The design works well for prone shooting as well given the cheek piece position and height. The wrist has more curve than a classic and goes almost vertical at the bottom making it fairly comfortable prone or offhand.

It does have a couple of negatives. Because the drop at heel is more than a straight classic, the recoil ends up with more muzzle rise (sans a brake). I also dislike the squareness of the forearm. It doesn't hold as well for me offhand.
All stocks are a compromise of features. I've always liked the design in general, and haven't ever had issues with the ones that I have shot.

All that said, fit of the stock will dictate if you like it or not. Factory stocks are made for the average. If you aren't, they you'll have to try several to find one that works.

Jeremy

 

[westsloper]

I like the stock on my Vanguard. But per se, it doesn’t reduce recoil. The only way to argue it reduces recoil is the fractional amount of weight it has over a conventional stock or, the pressure applied by your cheek absorbs some recoil that could have went to the shoulder. Yep, real rocket science.

I guess I should clarify that I mean felt recoil.

 

[pirogue]

I guess I should clarify that I mean felt recoil.

Understood. Apply more cheek pressure and your cheek FEELS more recoil, while your shoulder FEELS less.