Back when my dad was an avid hunter I was uninterested. Chasing skirts and being a typical teenager. Lately in life I have picked up hunting but dad had quit years ago due to injuries that prevented him shouldering a rifle properly. Well this year he was bound and determined to hunt. We found a great deal on a Ruger M77R MK II .270 which he scarfed up quickly. The gun shot like a dream but he still could not shoulder it properly. To shoot he would have to try and “man†handle it about 3 inches from his shoulder. He could shoot deer MOA but shooting high powered rifles without the proper shoulder contact is uncomfortable.

Watching him I determined a thumbhole stock might work. I talked him into letting me order him a Boyd’s finished stock to put on the rifle. When we got it I was very impressed on the fit and finish. The barreled action dropped right in and the barrel is free floated all the way back to the receiver. The Ruger now is sexier than ever.

After I finished installing the stock and checking over everything I handed it over and the smile on dads face was priceless. With the wrist/elbow/shoulder angle that the thumbhole permits he is now able to properly shoulder his rifle.

We go to the range tomorrow and re-zero and then we are going on a WMA hunt next week, wish us luck!

I, too, hqve used the thumbhole stocks to resolve physical disabilities.....they have a real use in life for many shooters.

thanks and he is excited, I planned for both of us to go out to the shooting club tomorrow to re-zero the rifle. I stopped by this evening and he was laid across the 4 wheeler shooting out to 100, "roughing" it in, so he said!

quote:

Originally posted by BigBlack:
...I handed it over and the smile on dads face was priceless. With the wrist/elbow/shoulder angle that the thumbhole permits he is now able to properly shoulder his rifle. ...

Great for both of you. Sure hope he gets to slam a Deer with it.

Good for both of you!

John

Kudos on going hunting with your Dad!
The fondest memories I have in life are hunting with my Step Dad...

Don

Way cool! I'm sure the two of you will have a great time together!

Thanks also for bringing this to our attention. It is always good to have an extra option in a tight corner.

- mike

Good on you for getting your Dad out again!
Mmmm... does the thumbhole stock make for more stable off-hand shooting? Do you have any pics?

My closest friend was almost killed in a motorcycle accident years back, he had to switch sides and has trouble with his left hand, wanted a thumbhole forever for his BAR-allows him to shoot repeat shots w/o any bolting.

Will have to search to see if there is one now...nice options are out there for those with handicaps.