random question

[Bigeclipse]

I am wondering of you all who own tactical/long range style type stocks such as A-5 or choate tactical....have you shot a rifle with one off hand or in a tree stand? I understand a classic stock is best for this, but I am curious how weird it is shooting these style stocks in these situations. Of course these wouldn't be long range shots...200 yards max. Both my hunting rifles carry a classic type stock. I recently built a savage 110 rem mag with criterion light varmint contour 24 inch barrel and bell and Carlson classic style stock. It shoots superb and is now my long range rifle. I used it this season to harvest two deer. One was ~375 yards and one was 275 yards. I like this rifle so much I even brought it in the tree stand with me even though it weighs more than my other rifle. The only time I don't use it and I switch to my Remington is when I am stalking or doing deer drives because it is a bit heavier than the remmy and it does not balance well (the barrel is much heavier than the stock so it tips forward) compared to the remmy. Id say 60% of my hunting is in a tree stand, 20% sitting in a field long range and 20% doing drives/stalks. The thing about the tree stand hunting is most my stands have shooting rails so kind of like shooting off a bag. I was thinking about putting a choate tactical stock on it (they are not expensive and carry same style aluminum bedding block as the current stock has so I would hope the accuracy wouldn't change to much) but I am worried that the more long range/tactical style stock will be weird shooting off hand in a tree stand. the reason for switching is 1) it is a little heavier the B&C stock (1.5lbs more) BUT that should add to help the overall balance of the rifle and 2) it will be better in the fields I hunt on.

Now you all might say, "why not simply use the remmington in stands and the savage strictly for long range". The reason is, I just love this savage. It shoots so well with my loads (.5MOA or better) and even though it is already a little heavier, its not a LOT and I rarely walk far. Again, most my hunting is tree stands. So what are your thoughts? If it works, the downfall is the current bell and Carlson stock would basically be thrown away, it had to be inletted so much to allow for the light varmint barrel that it would look HORRIBLE with a factory sporter contour so I wouldn't use it on another build.

 

[mrb1982]

I currently have a sendero, which is not a tactical stock, but it does have the thicker, slightly more vertical grip than a conventional hunting stock. I will say that it is different in non prone situations. But I don't think it has as much to do with the stock as it does the weight. Kind of a heavy rifle to hold offhand. Shot my mule deer offhand with it at 200yds. If I were you I would go for it. I am leaning towards a Greybull Precision stock on my next gun. They have the straight comb with a nice vertical grip. We will see I guess.

 

[Michael Eichele]

Ive used the A5 offhand and its, ok but not my favorite. The A3 however I love offhand!

 

[FearNoWind]

I shoot both the McMillan A5 and the Choate ultimate sniper stock. The Choate carries a Bartlein M40 barrel - HEVVVVY little bugger. Shoots very well and I like it for tactical shooting but I wouldn't use it for hunting unless 1). I didn't have to carry it very far and 2.) I always had a rest to shoot from. Shooting it off hand would be out of the question. My McMillan A5 with a Bartlein M40 was likewise too difficult to handle in the field. Much too heavy. But it is now equipped with a Medium Palma which, being a pound lighter and sporting a muzzle brake, makes enough difference that I might very well carry it to the field.

 

[Rick Richard]

Look at the PSW Rifleman stock. I think it is the best for both situations.

Just my $.02

 

[roninflag]

i carried my sendero on a bighorn sheep hunt. accuracy = confidence.

 

[7magcreedmoor]

My latest rifle is in a Boyd's Tacticool, which has the "A-5" shape. The only drawback to stalking/hiking/walking with it is the firing hand doesn't have as natural an angle to grip when NOT in the firing position, and tends to drift up and forward until the web of my hand is against the tail of the bolt. But as soon as I bring it up to my shoulder, all is well again and it is actually more comfortable (to me anyway) to shoot offhand than my "traditional" stocks. If I have the extra half second to assume an "Olympic" style stance with the off-elbow tight against my ribs and the fore-end on my extended fingertips, I can hold on target much easier, and put the whole magazine into the target. And this is with a 12 pound rifle. I'll put all builds from now on into this style stock.

 

[sp6x6]

My latest rifle is in a Boyd's Tacticool, which has the "A-5" shape. The only drawback to stalking/hiking/walking with it is the firing hand doesn't have as natural an angle to grip when NOT in the firing position, and tends to drift up and forward until the web of my hand is against the tail of the bolt. But as soon as I bring it up to my shoulder, all is well again and it is actually more comfortable (to me anyway) to shoot offhand than my "traditional" stocks. If I have the extra half second to assume an "Olympic" style stance with the off-elbow tight against my ribs and the fore-end on my extended fingertips, I can hold on target much easier, and put the whole magazine into the target. And this is with a 12 pound rifle. I'll put all builds from now on into this style stock.

EXACTLY spot on if you had any formal position shooting as I had,sometimes my hand is even under my DBM for right elevation, mine is a Lonewolf tact II, that rig 11+

 

[WildRose]

I am wondering of you all who own tactical/long range style type stocks such as A-5 or choate tactical....have you shot a rifle with one off hand or in a tree stand? I understand a classic stock is best for this, but I am curious how weird it is shooting these style stocks in these situations. Of course these wouldn't be long range shots...200 yards max. Both my hunting rifles carry a classic type stock. I recently built a savage 110 rem mag with criterion light varmint contour 24 inch barrel and bell and Carlson classic style stock. It shoots superb and is now my long range rifle. I used it this season to harvest two deer. One was ~375 yards and one was 275 yards. I like this rifle so much I even brought it in the tree stand with me even though it weighs more than my other rifle. The only time I don't use it and I switch to my Remington is when I am stalking or doing deer drives because it is a bit heavier than the remmy and it does not balance well (the barrel is much heavier than the stock so it tips forward) compared to the remmy. Id say 60% of my hunting is in a tree stand, 20% sitting in a field long range and 20% doing drives/stalks. The thing about the tree stand hunting is most my stands have shooting rails so kind of like shooting off a bag. I was thinking about putting a choate tactical stock on it (they are not expensive and carry same style aluminum bedding block as the current stock has so I would hope the accuracy wouldn't change to much) but I am worried that the more long range/tactical style stock will be weird shooting off hand in a tree stand. the reason for switching is 1) it is a little heavier the B&C stock (1.5lbs more) BUT that should add to help the overall balance of the rifle and 2) it will be better in the fields I hunt on.

Now you all might say, "why not simply use the remmington in stands and the savage strictly for long range". The reason is, I just love this savage. It shoots so well with my loads (.5MOA or better) and even though it is already a little heavier, its not a LOT and I rarely walk far. Again, most my hunting is tree stands. So what are your thoughts? If it works, the downfall is the current bell and Carlson stock would basically be thrown away, it had to be inletted so much to allow for the light varmint barrel that it would look HORRIBLE with a factory sporter contour so I wouldn't use it on another build.

You'd do just fine with the tactical stocks for all but the drives.

They just are not made for off hand or quick shooting unsupported.

the A5 I have has worked well off of tree limbs, stumps, and shooting sticks.