I have a Model 70 chambered in 300 H&H and, after experiencing the recoil, intend on replacing the factory stock (to preserve it as well) with a synthetic stock featuring a recoil pad. Rifle was made in 1960 and features the "dog nut" on the barrel three or four inches in front of the receiver to accommodate the dovetail for the rear sight on top of the barrel and the screw hole on the bottom for the forward stock screw.

I've pored over the Hogue, Bell & Carlson and McMillan websites in search of the ideal "drop in" replacement synthetic stock and have e-mailed questions to those companies. I'm probably not articulating my questions correctly, because I'm receiving information that raises more questions.

Does anyone have any practical experience that they'd like to share that can shed some light on which synthetic stocks are available that will allow a "drop in" of my Model 70 barreled action without a lot of work? So far, I've learned that:

1. Hogue doesn't have a stock.

2. McMillan has two (Griffin & Howe and Pre 64 Monte Carlo).

3. Bell & Carlson has not confirmed if they have stock(s) that will fit my rifle.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Phil

if you didn't like the felt recoil with the original wood stock i gotta think you're in for a rude awakening with a synthetic. i would look at a lamanet stock coupled with a good recoil pad. my .02
also you could try boyds as well but they're not a high end stock, but they do work.

Sounds like McMillan has what you need, but they are pretty pricey.

Don't think you'll have much luck finding a lesser cost synthetic for a pre '64 M70 - not enough call for them for the stock makers to tool up for them.

As suggested, you can probably find a good laminate from www.boydboys.com or www.rifle-stocks.com for the pre- '64.

With the barrel lump of the older pre-64 barrels you probably going to have to some fitting for any stock you get.

If your looking to reduce recoil then what Jim said is correct. Most synthetics are lighter than wood and unless it fits you very well recoil will increase in a direct ration to the weight's decrease.

I've had pretty good luck with Richards Micro-fit, but they can be a wait period for them if they don't have that inlet in stock. Even then there is some fitting and finishing to do as they come as a 98 or 99 percent inletted blank.

Like kdub said Boyd's has finished stocks, but they still may need some minor inletting. The Laminate is a dandy stock for a hard recoiling gun.

I have a Model 70 chambered in 300 H&H and, after experiencing the recoil, intend on replacing the factory stock (to preserve it as well) with a synthetic stock featuring a recoil pad. Rifle was made in 1960 and features the "dog nut" on the barrel three or four inches in front of the receiver to accommodate the dovetail for the rear sight on top of the barrel and the screw hole on the bottom for the forward stock screw.

I've pored over the Hogue, Bell & Carlson and McMillan websites in search of the ideal "drop in" replacement synthetic stock and have e-mailed questions to those companies. I'm probably not articulating my questions correctly, because I'm receiving information that raises more questions.

Does anyone have any practical experience that they'd like to share that can shed some light on which synthetic stocks are available that will allow a "drop in" of my Model 70 barreled action without a lot of work? So far, I've learned that:

1. Hogue doesn't have a stock.

2. McMillan has two (Griffin & Howe and Pre 64 Monte Carlo).

3. Bell & Carlson has not confirmed if they have stock(s) that will fit my rifle.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Phil

Lonestar: --- The 300 H&H was the first pre-64 M70 I ever purchased. Still have, still like, one of my favorites and still use it. It's a 1953 ser # 240xxx. Mine's a low comb stock with checkered buttplate.

The recoil is no different than my 30-06 with similar stock.
Yours' being a 1960 most likely has the monte-carlo stock appossed to the low comb stock. The felt recoild should not be much different. My 338 has a monte-carlo stock, 1960, and the recoil is definetly there but it's not bad, rather enjoyable actually.

The 300 H&H stock is a different stock than all the other calibers as it's a long action magnum, same as the 375 H&H, but differs in the barrel channel.
The 375 in 1960 usually has a C-1 tapered barrel without a rear site boss. The site boss is the raised section to accomodate the rear site dovetail.

Usually a synthetic stock will kick more than the NRA stock on your gun, mainly because of design and weight. Chances of finding a used 300 H&H stock on ebay will be tough and will be expensive. What I recommend is to look into adapting a standard M70 stock to fit your 300 H&H. It involves enlarging the magazine area to accomodate the longer cartridge. Not really a big deal if you're handy. A used low comb stock on ebay can be picked up for around $200 with a pad and around $250 to $300 with a checkered steel buttplate.

I've got to go to work so must cut this off, if you want more information repost and I'll help you out.

Regards;
rod

Unless you go with the "Edge" many of the McMillan stocks are not lighter than a traditional wood stock, at least that has been my experience with McMillan. They are a very good stock.

For my 1952 M70 300 H&H, I had a Serengeti laminate put on it to reduce the weight and bulk. A good recoil pad helps. If your rifle was original, it probably came with a plastic buttplate. A Pachmyer Decelerator or a Limbsaver type recoil pad should help tame the recoil.

As faucettb mentioned, all stocks really need to be bedded to fit perfectly.

That's good input. I had forgotten about the lighter weight of the synthetics compared to wood.

Naively, I had wanted to avoid any stock work and recoil pad fitting but you guys are right - I'll need to bed it, too.

I know Boyd's has walnut and laminate stocks for this rifle. I'll focus on the laminate alternative, find a good recoil pad, and learn how to pillar bed. I've installed two of Boyd's stocks already on different rifles and know they are slightly generous in dimensions, so I can maintain a bit more surface area at the butt end to take the bite out of the recoil.

Thanks guys!

Phil

Phil,
I'm not sure what your budget is for this project, but if you don't mind spending a little more I highly recommend the stocks from Serengeti. You get the dimensional stability characteristics of a laminate while "somewhat" maintaining the aesthetics of a high grade walnut blank.

The stock I have on my 300 H&H is about the same weight as a McMillan. I chose their featherweight pattern and had them to modify it a little. Their standard pattern would yield a bit heavier stock and help with recoil. I can't stress how much a good fitting stock, setting the scope and scope mounts up properly, a good recoil pad and proper shooting technique can help tame recoil. It isn't necessarily all about numbers, perception matters a lot as well.

Alyeska338,

Just checked out Serengeti Stockworks (http://www.serengetistockworks.com/) website. Those are some nice looking stocks. Thanks for sharing that source.