Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Brown vs Bansner

So,

As per my last thread, I've been deciding on a stock for my M70 build.
Have received confirmation from Brown precision that they can ship a stock to Australia - great news.
Frustratingly, I've just sent another email to Bansner asking if postage is possible after waiting over two weeks since my first email.

How do the stocks compare? I was hoping to obtain the Bansner Miller as I love a cheekpiece, but at this rate think the Brown stock will be the winner. Also, is this sort of delay in response normal this time of year due to holiday closures, or no?

Photos appreciated as always to help me decide. Thank you!

What is the price difference these days? I'm sure Brown is pretty expensive, while the Bansner has always been much less in price. Been hearing some good things about the Bansner miller stocks though. It does seem strange that they are not returning your emails. That would be concerning to me. I can only tell you my experience, having had a couple Brown Precision PoundR rifle stocks (still have them), and having a Bansner. I did not like the Bansner at all. It was lightweight and stiff, but it was more of a pain fitting to my rifle action, than any Brown was. It also did not balance well. Just did not like the feel of it. It was light, but felt clubby and fat. There was no comparison. Love the Brown PoundR stocks. Hopefully the new Bansners are better than the old ones.

Thanks for the input BSA.
The brown is about $150 USD more before shipping, so about $220 Australian.

Edited to add that price is with graphite added, however not a poundR which would be an extra $359 as per the price list on the website.

I have emailed bansner multiple times and never gotten a response. I think you need to phone the shop.

I was debating between Bansner and McMillan but when I compared prices on drop in ready they were pretty much the same so I went with McMillan and had it done in a month. Got Hunters Edge I believe 23 oz, beautiful and great handling stock.

I have had a Bansner stock and loved it, left handed, different strokes for different folks I suppose, (but I would never debate BSA as I enjoy his input on all subjects) That was a long while ago, before High Tech Stocks. A close friend loved it and we worked out a deal, it’s still his go-to.
Having said all that I will talk w Mark Bansner at the Dallas Safari Club Convention next weekend and mention their slow/lack of email responses, diplomatically of course

No debate here Crockett. I'm just relaying my experience with the older Bansner stocks. Some guys love them. Guys like Brad here. A lot depends on your face structure, and body type when it comes to stock fit.

I like the looks of the new ones. I just hope they fit the actions better. The sad thing is, these days, we are limited in our choices. Mcmillan doesn't want to fully inlet some stocks anymore, so that may leave us to buying used, or trying out new companies stocks. I love my used Brown Precision PoundR stocks, but I would not pay new prices for one. I hope more guys buy the Bansner Miller stocks and report how they are. I'm sure tests will prove positive on these ones.

If you end up talking to Mark, please let us know how that goes.

Well, since no one else is posting a photo, here are my twin pre 64 model 70's in Brown PoundR stocks:


338wm on top, and the 300WBY on the bottom. Both rifles weigh in at 8 pounds on the nose, as shown in the pic. Both also hold 4 in the mag box, due to the rifles being built on H&H receivers. These rifles balance very well, feel great in the hand, when out in the field, and also mitigate recoil very well.

Hopefully someone will also post pics of their model 70's in the new Bansner Miller stock. Those are actually nice looking stocks, from what I've seen of them. Wondering if guys like AKWolverine here, has one they can post a pic of??

BSA, (and of course anyone else’s) what are your thoughts on HS Precision replacement stocks?

My opinion and it's not condemning of them, but they feel clubby to me, but I have large hands and don't like the way the pistol grip feels. They are of good quality as far as the ones I have used and shot.

A few good stockmakers out there, but I much prefer the Brown. Communication and service is great and I don't think you can beat their quality. The extra $150 will be forgotten soon.

What stock makers are drop in ready vs inletting required?

I've had Brown, Bansner and McMillan. At the end of the day they are pretty close. McMillan costs more but are generally drop in and bolt on ready to go. The others will need some final fitting and finishing. If you're skilled enough to do the work you can save some money. If you pay a gunsmith to fit the stock, you don't save much if anything over McMillan.

Also, the weights listed for Bansner do not include a recoil pad. Maybe not on Brown, it been a long time and I don't remember. By the time you add a recoil pad the finished weight will be 4-6 ounces more than listed. McMillan's listed weights include a pad.

Figure 22 to 24 ounces for pounder; 26 to 28 ounces for a non-pounder (with pads). Bansner Miller will be 24 to 26 ounces with pad. Classic and sheephunter slightly less. Less for everything if you go with a flip-flop or a Cervelatti.

So,
Mark has replied to my emails, was apologetic due to the delay (due to holiday period) and has been very helpful and professional, no complaints from me.

BSA, that's for the photo, couple of nice looking rifles. How do they balance given that the stocks are so light, and they are "full sized" rifles as such?

Thanks all

myself,bansners are my only stock i use for rem clones,miller style my favorite,own several.my winchesters sit in echols stocks.

Figured it was something to do with holidays. Everybody needs a break I guess.

I know from a few folks that shoot his Miller pattern is pretty darned good. I have a couple I’d like to get ordered.

I bought one thinking it would be an upgrade from my last B and C (which has been great if truth be told).
The HS felt more substantial and was a little heavier. The recoil, however, was much harsher with the HS and the standard recoil pad is just awful. When I phoned the guys at Redhawk to place my order they called it a Magnum pad and the guy next to him joked that it was because it made every rifle feel like a magnum. the Pad is glued on and not easy to remove but you could pay an upcharge for a Pachmyer when ordering. Overall I am happier with the B and C that came with a Pachmyer. It made a noticeable improvement in recoil over the factory synthetic and solved the consistency issue of the rifle.

I sold the HS and went back to walnut on that rifle and am happier.

Don't you have a new Bansner? I thought you posted pics of a rough one about 8 months ago. Still waiting to see the finished product. That would be great info in a thread like this.

Both rifles balance exceptionally well, and carry great in the field. I have no complaints with them.


I still hunt, and have rifle in hand 99% of the time when I'm elk hunting. If they did not balance well, I generally get rid of them. Such is what I did with the Bansner I had on a similar style model 70:


I sure hope the new ones are better than the old.

As for the HS Precision stocks, I only have one, but it's not on a "hunting" rifle. It's a heavy barreled rifle that feels great shooting from the bench and off of a bi-pod. I actually really like that stock, as it's very comfortable, but like i say, it's not a hunting rifle stock:

Yes, it is still in the project phase. Like many. Life has been busy. I will try to get some pics up.

I am looking at restocking a Classic FW. It has iron sights. It looks like your two examples with Pounders have irons as well.
Any problems with the comb heights interfering with the irons?
Thanks, Gary

One of them has irons. I have not shot it with irons, but I've looked through the irons with this stock, before scoping it, and they are still useable. Hopefully that kind of answers your question. Keeping in mind, everyone has a different shaped face. The comb height is pretty useable and comfortable, especially when scoped.

Thanks buddy. I'm sure many here would love to see it, when you get it done..

I would have to go with Brown, in fact, he's got the stock that came on a Mark V Weatherby in 340 Magnum i bought last spring, all metal on the entire rifle was already Birdsong Black T coated, after working up two loads for it and seeing how accurate it was i sent the stock to Brown for another 3/8ths added to the LOP to make it 13-7/8ths as well as a new paint job, iirc i sent a check for 240 bucks, that includes return shipping.

The stock seems plenty sturdy enough with full house loads, with a 3-10 NF SHV riding in steel Talleys i detected nary a bobble on the paper, twisted right on at the 500 yard gong as well.

250gr LRX's at 2940 fps and 300gr Scenars at 2700 will handle a lot in the game fields and target ranges, 1400 bucks shipped for the rifle was probably about like getting a free Brown stock, the extra 240 bucks to make it a keeper that fits perfect is a non issue, dont think i'm hurt too bad on the deal.

That’s a damned great deal you got!

Nice rifles, BSA, very nice.

I haven't had any Bansner stocks; had a Hi-Tech Specialties stock before Bansner took over & it was a very good stock & very similar to Brown. Bansner would have done well to have kept that design & improved the structure.

I've had several Brown stocks, from blanks to drop in's & I like them at lot. There was a little change in them over time, in that they slimmed the fore end & the grip a little which I like. I wish I still had a couple of those that I let go. One was a 338 Sako which weighed under 8 lb.

What I do not like is a fat grip & a too wide fore end.

I had a few McM's & aside from the Edge filled stocks, they are generally a little heavy.

My favorite McM is the Sako Classic; the Edge Compact is OK, not perfect but generally OK for me, with a slim, open grip & a slim fore end. McM has more or less stood still on hunting rifle design, IMO. I'm not interested in my hunting rifles having target or tactical oriented stocks.

My favorite was the KS version, & I wish they'd have kept making it.

I've also had 2 HS Precision stocks on 2 rifles that I had them build. Great shooting rifles, but the stocks are a little thick all over to my taste & definitely on the heavy side.

They've since brought out a slimmer, lighter Mountain version for Rem 700's but I have not handled one but the lines look much improved, but at 27 oz, the weight is OK, but still not light, but it's better than being 32+..............bedding blocks tend to do that & since Brown does not use them, they get an edge in weight.

I also have a couple of the B & C Mountain Rifle stocks, w/o the bedding blocks, & except for the grip being just a little too thick, it has good lines & a cheekpiece, fit's well & is stiff enough. Both rifles with the B & C's shoot under an inch easily, so the stock is strong enough to support that level of accuracy.

I'd like to handle a Bansner Miller but have not had a chance yet.

Any new stocks that I buy will get serious consideration from AG Composites as well as the stocks from Oregon Gunsmithing, as well as Brown..............If I want a synthetic stock, I really don't want it to weigh more than about 25-26 oz with a half inch pad.

But for the money, B&C is pretty hard to beat.............they aren't perfect, but they don't cost north of $750 either & with good bedding, will shoot just fine.

MM

My model 70 Brown Stock came out to 22.8 ounces bedded. It’s a wonderful handling stock and Mark Brown is a pleasure to work with. Few photos here:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/18800918/brown-30-06#Post18800918

Have only had a couple of Browns, but have used probably a dozen Bansners over the past 30 years.

Have found Mark's stock easy to install myself (even more so recently), and aside from the one I installed on the custom .338 Winchester Magnum I hunted with a LOT in various places from Alaska to Africa, several gunsmiths have installed them on various rifles, including Charlie Sisk. (This includes the one on my switch-barrel Sisk which has barrels in both 6.5 PRC and 9.3 Barsness-Sisk.)

Both are very nice stocks and I have had multiple bansners (but no Miller version, yet) and one brown (my first quality synthetic!).

As a composites guy, I've noticed the critical things nobody ever asks their stock maker:

What type of resin is used? Epoxy: generally good. Vinylester or polyester:cheap brittle garbage

What's the percentage of fiberglass, kevlar or carbon fiber?

Is the entire stock manufactured as a chemical bond, or in multiple steps with a mechanical bond?

Is the stock laid up by hand, or is the final product built with an infusion or vacuum process?

If a foam core is used, is it pre-shaped closed cell foam core(marine grade) or it it cheap expanding foam that soaks up moisture and has no structural density?

The textured finish coating:
Is the stock finished with a 2 part epoxy paint? If not, what type of paint?

In the action area where recoil and action screw torque can damage things: what additives are used in the resin? Some additives only thicken the fill and add no substrate(strength).

Mainer, I would be interested as to which stock maker/s you prefer based on the above criteria.

Thanks

maybe inquire at outkast custom if they are building stocks like Melvin Forbes did they would be a top quality blank

Yes Sir, i also know who to offer it too if i decide to sell, especially now with the LOP to more your liking, it's also in the lineup for Alberta moose and whitetail.

I don't know of any stockmaker that would meet all of those criteria in total.

The better ones hit most, but I don't think all of the points.

Interested to hear your response.

MM

I don't have a composite stock preference. But I'd like to cut up examples from all the current stock makers, to compare and run tests on the materials.

None of my questions are criteria, just questions.

But the one question: if that stock wasn't laid up with epoxy, that'd be a deal killer right there.......

Mainer;
Stuart down in Alberta builds a stock I think you would approve of - check out wildcat stocks.
Only issue has been getting them across the border in recent years.

http://wildcatcomposites.com/productinfo.html

I have had Brown, Bansner, and McM Hunters Edge.

I like all three but the shape of each is distinctly different. Blindfolded I could easily pick each from the other.

I don’t care for the Miller M70 Bansner. I don’t like cheekpieces. Shape wise it is much like the Brown.

The Brown M70 has more curve in the grip than the Bansner Sheep hunter. Both are pretty trim and have little drop. The McM has more drop and the forend is really narrow.

Bansner has updated the materials in his new stocks. Don’t know about Brown but I suspect they are current too.

I think brown makes a nice stock, I've owned a couple but they never quite fit me the best and the grip is a little too open.
I've got a few Bansners and like them fine but just put a M70 E.W. 06' in a "Miller" pattern and like it very much, I can see more of those in my future.

That’s good to hear HW. They look like they’ll be nice. Yet to shoulder one.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Someone needs to post up some pics of their Bansner Miller stocked rifles here. They were big talk about 7 months ago, what's taking you guys so long?????

From another post, the Miller on my 06' E.W.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/19008289/4

2nd from the right, aa Bansner UR-1 LH in 7mm STW

Here is a Bansner in all its raw glory on a 338 WM. I even converted it to LH. Someday I’ll send it for paint.

I like the looks of that one. Great choice in recoil pad too.. Now, in the thread you started about rings for the Nightforce SHV 3-10x42, if you imagine the front Talley lightweight extended to the loading port that might just fit that SHV. You'd have to get the extended front though. You'd still be pretty limited in forward to aft adjustment though. So hopefully the eye relief would work for that application.

There is space with the rings as you see them.

I'd imagine there wouldn't be much, with a 5.1" mounting length.

Ring spacing is 4.75”

This. Call Mark.

The Bansner stock is a bit more chubby than I would prefer, but I have them on two M700 mtn rifles. The Bansner dimensions are very similar to the B&C stock on the M700 mtn rifles.

What stock model is that?

MM

The Classic

I wouldn’t change a thing! That’s a killer rig.

I've picked up a couple beater Browns over the years and like them. One, I had fixed up and other I left as is. I've had the Bansners and liked them as well but like the Browns the best for fit.

Looks sweet. Even though the bolt is on the wrong side...........for you..

Very nice. Did Mark Brown build the entire rifle? Whose barrel and length? Accuracy? TIA

I met Mark Brown recently at the Dallas Safari Club. He had some model 70's on display with the Brown Pounder stock. They were light and stiff and very trim. I'd go with one of those if I were you. Mark was also very patient in answering everyone's questions. Nice guy.

Need a pic of that display. He does some nice work. Those Browns are generally very good shooting rifles. I've never heard anyone complain about them. The 2 I have, were not built by Brown Precision, but boy do they shoot. Sub moa from lightweight magnums, is a damn nice thing.

I didn't shoot one a pic of his display but they had targets with them and they were extremely accurate. He's a good guy too.

That's cool man.

Very nicely done.

This one came to me after being almost destroyed post Cerracoating. After a lot of work, it turned out well and it's being used by the families fourth generation.

Good shootin' -Al

That's a cool one Al!

It is for sure!