I’ve been working on this rifle for over two years now. In a two-week time span, I found two stocks: one that I could live with and one that I had to have. While I tried cancelling the former, both stocks arrived on my door step a day apart. While I could easily send the lesser of the two stocks back, I decided I could put it to good use. And so, Project Elk Slayer was born. . .
In my possession is a Hogue Pillar-bed Overmold Ghillie Tan stock and an OEM Remington LS black-laminate stock with factory R3 pad installed. I must admit that the Hogue stock is pretty impressive—considering the price. It’s relatively stiff, offers good contact with the action, has thick pillars, and the fit is great. [Said the actress to the Bishop.]
It’s also quiet and comes complete with a half-way decent recoil pad (although not as good as the R3’s). I can certainly appreciate the grip’s “tackiness” for situations where the rule “no glove no love” applies.
But my heart lies with the black laminated OEM stock. It’s as gorgeous as Marisa Miller in a sweat lodge, has a nice comb, and did I mention that it’s gorgeous? It feels good, points well, has nice checkering, and the OEM R3 pad is fantastic. The stock is accurate enough, but is it as good as the pillar-bedded Hogue?
Well, let’s see then! I’m going to shoot the 7mm Rem Mag with the factory LS stock, then again after pillar bedding and skimming. I’ll then compare these two results to the Hogue stock and see where we stand.
Is there a big difference between a $100 stock and one that’s been accurized? Is accurizing worth it or is that money better spent on more practice ammo (this is a hunting rifle after all)?
Watch this space.