Do you guys think a boyds laminate would hold up? I had one on a 300 wby but only had the gun for a year. Would the boyds need to be bedded? Its tempting to just spend the money and go with an AI stock and be done with it. Thanks.
I own a batch of Rugers... I own factory laminate stocks, Hogue Rubber Stocks for them, and also Boyd's Stocks...
Each season, I have a couple of Rugers set up with the Hogue Stocks for when we really have to deal with hunting in the rain...then the Sticky Rubber stocks really shine for grip...
I also have one set up with a Boyd's laminate... I carry that one when the weather is dry. they hold up in the rain, but I prefer the sticky-ness of the Hogue... but the Boyd's will hold up just as well in the rain...
I can get into some thick brush with either and they perform well.. of course the Hogue is impervious to anything you throw at it... the Boyd's have gotten scratched up bad during several seasons... not because of a poor finish, just because I was in that rough of brush etc..
but post season, I sanded down the problem areas, stripped the stock and re applied a sealer and they were good as new...
I bought them to use, so getting them banged up is my fault, and I don't mind cleaning them up post season if that is what they need...but they hold up to a lot of abuse... and keep on chuggin'...
the Hogues, well they are rubber coated and act accordingly..
I wouldn't be without either... and yes the stocks get switched around all the time..
my Rugers also get their barrels switched to after market barrels at times...depending upon mood and season..
just took a 243 barrel off of one, and put a 204 barrel on it to go call varmints with...just borrowed the bolt out of my Ruger VT in 223 for those times...