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I posted this in another tread but thought it to be a good idea to have its own.

EH1






EH3

I like the looks of that EH-3!

The EH3 is nice. If I could have my way I'd have a straight comb with no drop at heel (like the EH1). Or the EH1 slimmed down to the size of the EH3 would be nice.

Thanks for the pics. I like the looks of that EH3. Is that one of their standard colors? If so which one? What's the length of that barrel?

Standard OD green. 22" barrel. Mid 2ish contour.

As a side note, this stock will be for sale soon. It has the mini chassis and was a temporary fix inbetween rifles. I'll have a GAP shortly on the same EH3 stock but without the chassis and bedded by GAP. It is now inletted (after above pic) for a #3 Brux. The inletting was done by Manners on CNC, i.e. perfect!

The EH3 looks similar to the McMillan HTG stock but with less drop at the heel. Is that true?

What does the pictured stocks weigh?

You might could stretch it and say the EH3 is a slimmed up HTG with a higher comb and less drop at heel.

The EH1 is of the same proportions as the HTG, though a totally different grip and butt. The channel will take all you can give it.

The EH3 weighs 32oz on the nose with the mini chassis. Less the 7 oz long action chassis it would be 25oz.

The EH1 is not the "Elite Hunter" fill. It is standard fill with the molded in color. As such, it is 39 oz. With EH fill is around 28 oz.

The EH3 is my dream stock. I like to ride the tang so to speak but have a hard time finding a stock with that and all the other attributes I like. Can it be inletted for a Sako.75 Magnum... Please Please....

What are the dimensions between the lines through the grip area and bore line to floor plate? That info would be helpful in comparing to current stocks I have what dimensions feel better. Good looking stocks.

The long horizontals are 2" apart and the trigger/grip verticals are 1.5". The forend reference is 17.75" from the trigger vertical. That is the Utah standard.

Would love to see an EH-2 on the board!


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I'll put one up when I get home in the morning....

Cool, thanks!


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EH2.... as requested. I dig this stock a lot....

Sucks SA
23" Rock #4

If it was a short action for a Brux 3, it would be sold!

Thanks Dogshooter!


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fellas, what's the difference between the EH2 and EH3? A little more closed grip on the EH2? How about the forends?



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Comb looks a bit higher to me on the EH2... but I don't know if it is or not. The EH2 looks to be wider in the forend also.

Here's the EH2 with the Rock #4.

Barrel at calipers is .80", forend is 1.6ish" wide.

EH3 is a much slimmer stock, especially the grip

Very helpful fellas, thanks!



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ctsmith - what do you think about the EH3 as a general purpose stock? I see the closed/vertical grip and it makes me think of LD shooting from prone. How is it for off-hand, kneeling, etc?

Everybody is different, I can't say how you'd like it. But for me its perfect for an all around stock, being well balanced for prone and upright positions. Compare the grip to the EH1 and you'll realize its far from closed/vertical.

In the McMillan line I guess the New McMillan Hunter is the closest match, and I far prefer the EH3.

Have no worries. It is great in all shooting positions.

I know this is an old post but does anybody have a picture of an SL on the board to compare? Thanks. Tony.

Spent a little time with the EH3 this weekend. Light, seems fairly stiff. A little worried that the blind mag area is weak as it seems very thin. Manners leaves a noticeably bigger inlet gap around the barrel than McMillan...more of a tactical free float. The design is not really my cup of tea for a hunting stock, but that's personal preference. Should work well from prone...but virtually none of my hunting is from prone.

A heads up for anyone planning on going ADL with one...the bottom will be FLAT...as in flat as an iron. Had I known this I would have gone with a detachable bottom metal inlet. Live and learn.

Manner's customer service was pretty good. The inletting was goofed. Mag box inlet for a standard SA 700 was to far back by almost a 1/2" and the front pillar was to short to be bedded in (and act as a pillar). I mailed it back with my barreled action and they fixed the inlet, replaced the pillar, glass/pillar bedded it, and mailed it back. Only cost me a month of time and shipping back to them.

Just my $.02 from a sample of 1.

My experience with Tom's customer service has been fantastic but the flip side to that is I've had to use it way too much. I've ordered several stocks and more times than not they've had to go back due to wrong specs (LOP, etc.). I personally know others with similar experiences. Its QC problems that seems could easily be rectified.

Hate to hear about the flatiron bottom. Never handled one in ADL to know.

I have a new Manners SL molded in camo(26oz) sitting in my closet, but only have Mcmillan classics for comparison. If your interested I can throw up some pics of the SL here.

The EH3 looks alot like the GP/HTG


dave

The EH3 has less drop at heel than the HTG. I cant get the pad of the HTG into my shoulder from prone. Its too low. The EH3 is more trim than the HTG, its proportions are that of a "sporter" stock.

I'll concur, the EH3 has a higher heel, a higher comb, and a slimmer everything compared with the HTG.

The grips do look similar, and the grip (from prone) is my least favorite part of the EH3.

I'd appreciate seeing that. I'm collecting parts for new build and was thinking about using the Manners SL, I'm a big fan of the McMillan Classic so was wondering how they would compare.

Yeah, good customer service is important...but if it has to be used all the time something ain't right. Hope to spend a little more time behind the trigger on this one in the next week, after that it will probably be spring before I spend much time with it. From Oct 10 to Jan 31 trigger time is greatly reduced...1 or 2 rounds in a good week.

Let me know when you're planning on coming up!

No problem. Classic molded in color with #3 barrel and Manners SL molded in camo carbon fiber with #4 barrel.

Stocks are similar IMO, Manners has a small cheek piece like the Mcmillan Mnt rifle.

Excellent thank you! So it looks like the SL has a bit of a longer fore-end than the Classic? Looks like they are similar otherwise except for the check piece which is nice.
Of the two - do you have a preference for either one?

I see you've got the iron-flat ADL as well! No better way to go if you like a brick shaped carry handle on your rifle.

The flat bottom is an absolute deal breaker for me on a hunting rifle stock. I'm not interested in spending all that money for the ergonomics of a 2x4.

The other potential issue with the SL is it's right hand only arrangement. Not an ambidextrous stock.

The EH3 is ambidextrous/no cheek piece. The ergo's of the EH3 aren't bad for shooting, different from what I prefer, but not bad. The flat bottom kills it though... I wonder if it could be changed from an ADL to an Atlasworx detachable mag inlet?

If you stand both stocks side x side on their recoil pad the SL is 1/2" longer. I like both stocks, but if I had to choose only one it would be the Manners. The Manners forend/grip texture has a much nicer usuable feel vs the conventional old checkering on the Classics.

FYI the SL is 26oz, Classis is 30oz

Correct, the EH3 is ambi, just wanted to point out that the SL is not.

The issue with going to a DBM setup is that it further exacerbates the carrying situation. Put enough weight out front where the rifle balances in front of the magazine, thus allowing one handed carry, and you'll have a 9 lb. plus rifle. The entire situation turn into what I like to call "your basic clusterphuck".

Yep... The idea of a DBM was simply to make it a fun gun rather than a hunter.

Interesting.
One thing I forgot to mention is that in the pics I posted the actions are all skidded .5 of an inch forward.
Gives more room on the grip.
Never had any problems with the HTG in the prone position.
But then im 6'6".
dave

Certainly nothing wrong with a fun gun! I'm just kind of disappointed Manners doesn't build a true slender hunting stock.

The SL above is easy to carry @ 26oz & compact. Any more "slender", it be best suitable for a midget.

The EH3 is pretty light as well. I put it on the scales and don't remember the exact weight but it was in the mid-20's. Weight is pretty close to an Edge stock, but the Edge pattern is much slimmer in the forend, action area, grip, and butt. The EH3, even though it's light, is a bigger stock overall...which isn't a bad thing when riding over a rest, snuggling up on a kicker, etc. To me, when carrying one in my hand, the slimmer the better (it really helps to have a rounded bottom on the action area). If you spend most of your time carry one slung over your shoulder then it would be less of an issue.

Manners thrill me not for a hunting stock.

DBM's are just for fun....and any rifle that weighs more than 6.5 pounds is a worthless belly gun.

Some of you guys really crack me up.

Are you phugging kidding me? Ever hold a Kimber Montana?

Just my preference... I've no love for DBM for the way I use a rifle. Rifle will shoot just as well with them or without them, I just like a blind mag. I don't care much for scoped short action hunting rifles over 6.5-7lbs for the way I hunt...of course heavier will shoot just as well or better, but for the hunting I do more weight gains nothing. Just my preference for the way I hunt.

Yep, I've owned one. Ever carried a Manners SL hunting? I'm not comparing SL & Kimber, just reffering to your comment "true slender hunting stock".


Left to right. Mcmillan Edge compact, Manners SL, Mcmillan Mnt Rifle, Mcmillan Classic. Actuallly the Manners SL is slimmer between trigger guard/ft action screw vs the others. It's not Kimber, although IMO all the stocks below are "true slender hunting stocks" as you mentioned. This is my 2nd SL and the quality is excellent but not cheap.....think it goes for $590.00 now.

The flat bottom kills any notion of being "slim". Kinda like when a slender little lass gains 20 lbs. of gut. Messes up the feel. On a thicker gal, that weight would go unnoticed, as it would blend into the natural curves. FWIW, I pretty much despise the Mcmillan Mountain Rifle stock in ADL form as well, as it's belly is too squared off for the likes of me.

Don't get me wrong, I can and would work with all of the stocks pictured below (though no SL for me, as I'm a lefty). But when spending $500+ on a stock, it had better be what I want. If the only option is a big compromise, I'd rather just stick with the factory stock and save my money.

Any chance of someone getting the SL on the story board?

Thanks for the comparison pics, btw.

Complaining about the flat bottom might sound a little whiney, but is not this entire custom rifle game simply a process of getting exactly what we want? If we were all content with what is available, we could all buy Ruger Americans in 30-06 and be content. That's not going to happen with the looney crowd.

Afermarket synthetics don't have the variety of fitting options available as a wood stock, which could be shaped to the individual. So those of us in the market for fine synthetics discuss the finer points of fit, and must work with what is available or get the builders to make what we want....aka the Hunters Edge with a higher comb!

Never really noticed or sit & stroked my stocks, although their primarily all flat on the bottom. Guess if someone wants a perfect rounded stock they could have a Louisville Slugger milled out to fit a barreled action.

I use a rifle sling so could care less what the degree of curvature on my sporter stocks are. That SL in pic will be a 6BR/#4 Kreiger/Pierce action soon.

No Problem, I've had couple PM's asking about the SL, maybe the pics will help others get a good idea for comparison. Some may not know but Manners will ship stocks to your home to check'em out before purchasing.

I sit and stroke mine all the time........................

And probably your boyfriends too.

Never leave your wingman hangin'..................

I use a sling as well, but often carry one handed when the game is afoot. That's not really the point. The point is that spending big money on a stock, one should get better ergonomics than a plank with a recoil pad. The Manners stocks I've been around worked great for the belly guns everybody seems to be into these days, but felt funky for general use. So I'll take my money elsewhere.

Not sure if you'll ever find a custom stock from any manufacturer that actually fits you 199% perfectly - its kinda of a give and take with these stocks. Find one the fits the best and then roll with it!!

I just built a rifle with a Manners EH-1. I kinda feel the same way about the stock's eye appeal and esthetics. My gunsmith feels the same but says the stocks are good and stiff and a rifle built on them will be accurate.

I haven't shot it yet but am about to start development. Ergonomically, the stock really feels good to tell you the truth. The comb is high enough, which has been a problem for me with hunting rifles. I like to have a solid cheek weld. All of my target guns are on McMillan A-5's with an adjustable comb. I really dig them.

I had won the new tactical stock Manners came out with a couple of years ago at the Snipers Hide Cup, but traded it back to them for this EH-1 for the Hunting rifle build. I chose it because of the comb. It's perfect for a 40mm objective scope on Leupold dual dovetails.

I think I'm gonna like it.

I am expecting a MCS-TA to show up next week. This will be my 1st Manners and truthfully I really hope I like the stock.

I have been using the McMillan Sako Hunter and Varminter for a while now. I still like them but I do not like the extended wait and its always nice to have another option.

Hi Guys, Came across this thread. This is all great feedback. We are now in the process of coming out with a few new elite hunting stocks for next year that we will have ready for the 2015 Shot Show. One is a thumbhole and the other is a super light hunting folder. We are also in the process of working on a very slim downed version of a ultra light mountain stock ( like the eh3) , that is designed to work only with factory type hinged bottom metal. Our idea is to make it as narrow, contoured and light as possible. By doing this it will do away with the flat on the bottom of the stock, this flat was done because we still get a tremendous amount of guys that want to run a detachable mag system that takes the big AI mags. All will be 100% carbon fiber.

Would love to hear from you guys what features you would like to see and why. Thank you very much,

That's what I like to hear Tom! Thanks for the info.

I would like to see Manners manufacture their custom stocks with a much longer than 13.5" LOP.


When a guy is spending $3,000 on a custom rifle, the stock better be custom as well. This is one of my biggest gripes with Manners.

This is what you had to do to my EH-1 to make a 14.5" LOP. It looks like hell

Can't wait to see it. I like my SL, but really dislike the square flat bottom.

I want to hear more about the slimmed down eh3


How soon until we can order

Does that mean.
Your going to.
DO A LADDER TEST?
Where you work up the powder charge.
TO FIND OUT WHERE THE LOAD HAS NO VERTICAL AT 500 YARDS?

dave

Slimmed down mountain rifle stock sounds great!

I second every word of this! I have a EH-1 that is jacked up just like his. A 14.5" LOP should a well executed and available option not an abortion and eyesore.

Tom, I will not be purchasing anymore stocks from Manners until you can accommodate this nominal request. You guys make great stocks but not everyone is 5'10"...

I wish they would make a stock with a more open grip.

Looking at Manner's stocks it's obvious that they are unaware of the fact that people actually shoot/hunt offhand.

Shhhhhhhh!

600!

Most guys will usually ask for a lop of 13.5 to 14 lop on a stock. I agree that on a super light weight hunting stock that adding a 7 ounce adjustable spacer system kind of defeats the purpose, and on a slim hunting stock, it kind of looks like ass. Just about all the elite hunting stocks will go out just a hair longer than 14" lop with a 1" pad except the SL which is about 13.6". About a month ago we actually stretched out the plug of the EH1 so that you can get about 14.5" lop with a 1/2" pad, if you want to go to 15" you can run a 1" butt pad but that will add about 3ounces to the stock. This EH1 mold will be up and making parts in about 4 weeks. We have also actually started to make changes to the LOP on the other elite hunter stocks so they will be the same, but it will probably take 3 months to get them all done and into production.

For the guys that got a Eh1 with a adjustable shoot me a PM.



The new stock that we are working on is almost the same as the EH3. The forend will take up to a bart#4, to keep it slim, we where going to base the bart#4 on a long action with a 1 3/4" straight shank, if we go much wider for a longer shank it will add bulk and look big if a guy runs a short. The contour on bottom of the stock is based on only using a narrow factory BDL or ADL trigger guard. Because it will only take the smaller bottom metals it has a nice rounded bottom under the action. The max LOP with a 1" pad will be 15". The overall weight will end up about the same as the current Eh3 which is around 27ounces. We have had a lot of great feed back on the EH3 grip so we where planning on keeping it almost the same. This stock will be made in a few different mold configurations, the main one which will be for remington based actions, and a high back tang version for the Sako actions.

This is one of the stocks that we are rolling out for 2015, but we should have the first production samples mid Dec. Once we have the first parts out of the mold we will start taking orders.


Hi Steelhead, Out of the Elite hunter stocks they all do have some vertical in the grip, with maybe the exception of the EHT(tikka) stock which is more traditional and opened. Out of the other 5 the EH1 is really designed to be more of a long range hunting stock where guys are going to be shooting off a bipod and not so much off hand. The EH2 and EH4 are more of a dual purpose, they still feel good to shoot off hand but probably better from bipod. The SL and EH3 are the main two mountain rifle stocks which are very conformable shooting off hand. The grips do have a little vertical in them, but very trim and are designed to keep your hand at a more natural position to help with a straight back pull of the trigger. Out of these two the SL is my favorite. It seams like my personal guns get lighter and lighter every year, the days of lugging around a 12lb gun through the woods with a heavy tactical scope gets old. The cheek on the SL is set up for a small dia objective scope ( 3x12 or so ) mounted as low as possible to the bore. Just about all my hunting is done off hand, and since 90% of the game will be walking or running I rarely take a shot over 4 to 5 power. For the guys that want to run the more higher power tactical style scopes, the EH3 is a better choice. It will get your head up high and still give you a good cheek weld so you can see through the scope. I would be more than happy to drop a few stocks in the mail so you can get your hands on them to see how they fit you. We try to design to fit most guys, but the most important thing in picking out a stock from a manufacture is getting one that you are most comfortable with.



Great feedback guys, we always like to hear it. Thank you very much

I was hoping for a true mountain rifle stock, ala something along the lines of the Kimber Montana stock. Making a stock capable of handling a Bartlein #4 (which is freaking huge for a hunting rifle) seems like it wouldn't accomplish much over what you have.

I also agree with Steelhead that a more open grip would be strongly preferred to the current styles.

Tom is a personal friend of mine and a total class act. He really puts a lot of effort and thought into what each and every customer wants and needs...one of the good guys in the industry...

I know it's IMPOSSIBLE to please everyone. I don't like vertical gripped stocks. Fine for prone/bench, but it's seldom that I'm prone for a shot at game.

Hi , The Kimber mountain stock are super small. We supply Kimber with some of their tactical stocks and are working on a super light weight open grip small stock for their mountain rifles. We can do this for a remington based action and small barrel, but it will lock customers in on the options. What is the max barrel size and straight shank length that you guys would like to see a stock made for? Also what is the max size of scope objective that you would like to see a stock made for?

I made a mistake in my last post, i should have stated that the Eh3, eh2 and Sl forends are designed for a bart#3 with the #4 as max. With a #4 there is very little room at all on the edges. The bart #4 is like other manufactures #5 almost. If the max barrel is only going to be a #3 or small we can trim it down some more.


Great feed back, Thank you very much,

It's great to hear that the guys who design and make the stocks are wanting feedback from shooters and hunters alike!! I have an EH3 on my stiller 260 and love it. I can't wait to see the new options hit the street. Thanks Tom!!

Reno

Thanks so much for taking these things into consideration.

For a lightweight stock, a max contour around a #3 Douglas with a 1.25" shank would be what I'd look at. The design around slim or ADL bottom metal with a rounded undersection sounds like a great focus to me. Max scope would be ~42mm on the objective(?)...most low mounts (DNZ and Talley) will work with these. I'm more of a fan of an open grip as well but can live with the EH3 grip.

The EH3 I have is pretty light already. If these ideas are implemented the footprint of the stock is going to be reduced which will drop the weight a bit more...should be a very light stock.

Thanks again.

Good to see you on here, Tom.

My next rifle will have either the EH3 or the SL on it.

I haven't had the opportunity to try the EH3 yet, but I really loved the feel of the SL when I shot it.

Awesome stock.

Tom Manners has some of the best customer service in the rifle industry - like scenarshooter said above, he is one of the good guys!!!

Agreed !! 100%.

Tom is a great guy and true Craftsman ! I was at his shop this year and was very impressed with his setup. He is what makes owning a Manners so easy, top notch stocks from a top notch builder !

Honored to call him a friend as well !

Something like this would suit me fine. I would really prefer a more open grip. Something to compete with the Mcmillan Hunters Edge but with a higher comb would have the potential to sell a lot of stocks, if marketed correctly.

I would think the Kimber Montana stock could be scaled up to fit a full size action, and possibly leave a little extra meat in the forend for more barrel. The upscaled Kimber Montana would be a helluva nice hunting stock, in my opinion.

BTW, I really appreciate a company considering it's customer's ideas. Thanks Tom.

Just want to post here and update everyone on my EH-1.

Can't say enough about how Tom Manners addressed the issue I have with the stock. A true class act, genuinely concerned about his customer's satisfaction. He will go to the "Nth" degree to make his customer happy.

I can only hope to do the same in my own business. Great example of being customer oriented.

Thank you very much Tom!

That was the one with 2" of spacers? How is he fixing that? I'm going to be shortening a couple stocks for my kids and would like to make them grow with them if possible.

I once had a message for Tom to call me regarding a stock and he did so on a holiday, Thanksgiving maybe. I cant say enough good about his sevice and attitude.

tom,
what is the time frame for delivery when ordering a stock

For me, the ideal stock would be a synthetic Kimber Super America stock. The Brown Pounder stock is nearly ideal as well. Must have a cheekpiece, open grip, and rounded forend.

If it had to be upsized ever so slightly to handle other actions and contours that would be okay, but not much.

Any new hunting stock must be inlettable to a Winchester Model 70 pre and post 64, or else I wouldn't have any reason to buy it.

Hi Gene, The office is quoting 16 to 20 weeks out on new orders. Some or quicker a few run a little longer. It really all depends on the build and the options, if the action is remington style based, they tend to run on the shorter side of that. We also have a few stocking distributors that carry a good amount of inventory at all times, Stockys, Bullets and Ero-optics, and we also have stocks ready to ship on our new web page.

We actually just did another expansion and added 2000 sq feet of just lap-up area to try and cut the lead times down. This should help,but it will take a while.

Thank you very much,

Forgot to mention earlier that I was also able to make contact with Tom and he has been making every attempt to make right by me with my concerns regarding my EH-1 stock.

Manners gained a lot of respect in just a couple PMs. Great products backed by great leadership and great customer service.

My opinion has changed and I won't hesitate a second to order another because I KNOW that I will be taken care of.

I couldn't have said it any better!

Mr Manners,
Is there any chance us lefties will see the MCS-SL available for us?

Thanks in advance!

Chip

I have an EH2 on 300 WSM build on a LH MRC Action. this is my first complete build so I was not sure what stock I would like. wanted a stock that could handle the prone shooting but also work for offhand if needed. Was thinking this would serve more as a longer range rifle. Will try and get some pictures up in the next couple of days when I get home.

customer service was excellent with Manners. had a few issues with the stock when it arrived and they took care of it immediately. Tom took care of it. Gave me the choice of sending back or have my smith fix it and send them the bill. I took option 2. He also offered me a discount on my next stock order! All I can really ask, cannot expect perfection all the time, but how a company handles an issue is what really matters. This was handled fast and convenient for me. Will be ordering another stock soon, just trying to decide which one I want next.

started my load workup and it shoots about a .45 5 shot group with 190 bergers and H4831SC. This from a new reloader and not much tinkering yet. It actually shot a few different loads and powders in this range. had 3 other 3 shot groups at .67 or so with new Norma Brass as i worked up in powder charge. So overall, very happy and will probably be able to shot a little better once i learn more about loading.


here is a link for those interested with some of the specs on the stocks. Drop at comb and drop at heel.

http://mannersstocks.com/stock-technical-specifications/

Hi Chip, At this time we do not have any plans on doing the SL in a left hand version. We where actually hoping to fill that gap with the introduction of the EH3 which is ambidextrous. We will always look at it harder if we get enough request. I would be more than happy to get a sample Eh3 out to you to see how that would fit your needs, just shoot me a PM. We also have a few new elite huntig stocks coming out here in the next few months that might fit your needs. Also after hearing what some of the guys here would like to see, I just started on a more tradition mountain style stock with a open grip, round bottom and a little narrower forend. Should have a few pics in about a month. Thank you very much,