For some unknown reason I decided to build another general purpose rifle. It'll spend its life hunting whitetail in the hemlocks of Pennsylvania where shots are usually inside of 50 yards and the deer are running like greyhounds and hunting the agricultural fields of Kansas where shots will reach out to 400 yards (it may sneak up to Canada for a bear hunt also). The first part of the build was easy, a Aero Solus action paired with a 20" Proof carbon Sendero 6.5 Creedmoor pre fit with a Triggertech single stage sitting under a Leupold VX-5 3-15. But now I'm on the fence about what stock would be the best option, I'm jumping back and forth between a conventional stock like the A G composite Sportsman or something like the Manners LRH. I'm just not sure what would be a good all around stock. Any real world experience would be appreciated.
Stock options
- Thread starter Blacklab1
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brcfo_outdoors
Well-Known Member
I really like the Manners Pro Hunter myself. It takes the ergonomics I like from the LRH/PRS and fits them into bit more simple/traditional package, but also gives you a bipod rail up front. I usually shoot prone or from a tripod, but its also handy enough for close up work. For a do all kind of option I think its a great choice.
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Manners Pro Hunter, or LRH.
Will.284
Well-Known Member
Pure precision carbon all the way ,great people to work with
quandary
Well-Known Member
I have a Manners PH and a Pure Precision. Both great stocks. I'd say I prefer the Manners just a bit over the PP. If $ is important the PP will save you $200 to $300 depending on how you have the Manners built out.
taylorms
Well-Known Member
You need to determine whether you prefer a traditional style grip or the vertical grip. In my opinion, you should stick with a more traditional grip for the described use-but that is a decision YOU need to make. After you determine that, your stock choices will be a little easier to narrow down.
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
Manners LRH lets you set your cheek rest height without adding a bunch of weight. My favorite lighterweight hunting stock. I have 7 of them now.
To be honest, for a hunting rifle from "50 and running to 400+", I would have looked for a different scope than a 3-15. For a short, light rifle, I would have looked hard at the March 1.5-15×42 or a 2-10×42 type, maybe even an NX8 1-8×24. If you target acquisition is really fast/good, a 3-15 will work.
To be honest, for a hunting rifle from "50 and running to 400+", I would have looked for a different scope than a 3-15. For a short, light rifle, I would have looked hard at the March 1.5-15×42 or a 2-10×42 type, maybe even an NX8 1-8×24. If you target acquisition is really fast/good, a 3-15 will work.
Deleted. Mistakenly confused the EH1 Manners for the LRH.
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MDT....Field Stock
I'm a big fan of a McMillan Game Warden 2.0 that I've got. I don't see a lot of love for McMillan on here, but I've gotten great customer service from them and love my stock. I'm also more and more into using a chassis to hunt. XLR and MDT both make great systems. I will say that the metal is cold on the fingers, but the versatility and customization is fantastic. And it makes those 'general purpose' rifles way more fun at the range.
A lot of people run mcmil stocks on here especially game warden og and 2.0 among others. I runnthem. I know a number of respected smith's prefer them on their hunting stalking builds. Fact is with so many choices I think it's enjoyable to try different types of stocks. My next one is the MDT HNT26 chassis which is completely new direction for me but I wanted a light compact setup for hike in and transpo. Still there is something very comfortable about a traditional stock. It's good to have so many choices.
How much walking do you do?
I'd say a sporter style stock is more handy especially with off hand shots. Being able to wrap your thumb around the stock helps me manage recoil a bit better. If you are shooting prone or supported then I like a more vertical grip.
My coyote rifle is a 25-06 with a McMillan Hunters edge. It's pretty handy for quick shots out of a high rack or seated and shooting off stix on the ground.
My new "deer" rifle is a 25 sherman max with a Stocky's hunter VG. It will be used out of a blind 90% of the time.
That hnt 26 chassis with an AR style grip would make for a light and quick handling package.
I'd say a sporter style stock is more handy especially with off hand shots. Being able to wrap your thumb around the stock helps me manage recoil a bit better. If you are shooting prone or supported then I like a more vertical grip.
My coyote rifle is a 25-06 with a McMillan Hunters edge. It's pretty handy for quick shots out of a high rack or seated and shooting off stix on the ground.
My new "deer" rifle is a 25 sherman max with a Stocky's hunter VG. It will be used out of a blind 90% of the time.
That hnt 26 chassis with an AR style grip would make for a light and quick handling package.
pavementends
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2017
- Messages
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For what you describe a sporter style stock would be my choice. Reason, I find them "quicker" to get on target in close/moving situation and in the 400yd scenario time is not as much of a factor.
Yeah I was torn between the HNT26 and XLR Element Magnesium.....ended up going with the XLR and it's great, but HNT26 will probably be the next one I try. I've got a 280AI with a relatively heavy 26" barrel in an MDT LSS XL so it's not too fun to tote around @ 11lbs, but it is a very, very nice shooting rig so it still gets carried quite a bit.
I do love that Game Warden 2.0 as a do it all stock. Grip is vertical but not pistol, raised comb, kind of carries like a sporter but also shoots fantastic prone for long range shots. Also love the looks of what Manners is doing with the LRH but haven't had the chance to try one. The chassis kool aid is strong, though! I'm having a hard time going back to my more traditional stocks.
