Finding the right stock can significantly impact your accuracy and overall shooting experience with your Remington 700. For benchrest shooting, where precision is paramount, selecting a high-quality stock is crucial. This guide delves into the world of benchrest stocks specifically designed for the popular Remington 700 platform, helping you choose the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Understanding Benchrest Shooting and Stock Requirements
Benchrest shooting demands extreme accuracy. Unlike hunting or tactical shooting, this discipline prioritizes pinpoint precision at relatively short ranges. This precision requires a stock that provides:
- Exceptional Stability: Minimal movement or vibration is key. Benchrest stocks feature features like heavy construction, adjustable components, and bedding systems to eliminate any unwanted movement.
- Ergonomic Design: While not as crucial as stability, a comfortable and repeatable shooting position is essential for consistent accuracy. Many benchrest stocks offer adjustable features like cheek rests and butt pads to customize the fit.
- Rigidity and Solid Construction: The stock must be incredibly rigid to prevent flexing under recoil. Materials like fiberglass, carbon fiber, and aluminum are common choices for their strength and stability.
- Compatibility with Accessories: Benchrest shooters often use accessories like rests, bags, and scope mounts. The stock needs to be compatible with these to optimize performance.
Top Benchrest Stock Manufacturers for Remington 700
Several manufacturers produce high-quality benchrest stocks specifically for Remington 700 actions. Some of the most popular include:
- McMillan: Known for their high-end, custom stocks made from various materials, including fiberglass and carbon fiber. McMillan stocks offer exceptional accuracy and adjustability.
- Manners: Another premium manufacturer offering a range of stocks for benchrest shooting. Manners stocks are renowned for their fit, finish, and overall quality.
- Kifaru: While perhaps less focused solely on benchrest, they offer robust and durable stocks that can perform well in the discipline. Their reputation is built on rugged construction and adaptability.
- Grayboe: Provides more budget-friendly options without sacrificing too much on quality or performance. They're a solid choice for shooters looking for a good balance of price and performance.
Stock Material Considerations
The material of your benchrest stock significantly impacts its performance. Common materials and their advantages include:
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | Strong, lightweight, relatively affordable | Can be less stiff than carbon fiber |
| Carbon Fiber | Extremely stiff, lightweight, excellent stability | More expensive than fiberglass |
| Aluminum | Extremely rigid, excellent for stability | Heavier than fiberglass or carbon fiber |
| Synthetic Polymer | Durable, often less expensive than composites | Can be less stiff than composite materials |
Key Features to Look For in a Benchrest Stock
When choosing a benchrest stock for your Remington 700, pay close attention to these features:
- Adjustable Cheek Rest: Allows you to customize the height for optimal eye relief and scope alignment.
- Adjustable Butt Pad: Lets you adjust the length of pull for a comfortable and repeatable shooting position.
- Bedding System: Reduces stress on the action and improves accuracy by ensuring a consistent and stable fit.
- Reinforced Action Area: Provides additional support and stability to the receiver.
- Forend Shape and Design: Affects stability and support when the rifle is rested. A wider and more stable forend is generally preferred.
Case Study: Comparing McMillan A5 vs. Manners T4A
Two top contenders in the benchrest stock market are the McMillan A5 and the Manners T4A. Both are high-end options known for their precision and stability.
- McMillan A5: A classic choice, known for its versatile design and adaptability to different shooting styles. It's generally considered a bit more user-friendly in terms of adjustment.
- Manners T4A: Often favored for its extreme rigidity and stability. The T4A is known for being a bit more challenging to adjust but delivers exceptional performance for serious benchrest competitors.
The choice between these two often comes down to personal preference and the specific demands of the shooter.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Benchrest Stock
Selecting a benchrest stock for your Remington 700 is a crucial decision. Consider your budget, shooting style, and the specific features that are most important to you. Thorough research and careful consideration of the factors outlined above will help you find the perfect stock to take your benchrest shooting to the next level. Remember to always consult with experienced benchrest shooters or gunsmiths for additional advice. Investing in a high-quality stock is an investment in your accuracy and enjoyment of the sport.