On a hard recoiling big bore rifle is having a thumbhole stock, a pistol grip, or even a palm swell a good idea?

What say you all.

Thanks,
ASS_CLOWN

I would be nervous about a thumbhole on a really heavy kicker; especially if you are one who lets novices try your guns, It might hurt a bit.

On the other hand, I like a little palm swell. It feels good in the hand but it probably doesn't contribute much to a gun shot as little as a big bore. Where they really shine is in competition shotgun shooting. They help add some of the mass of the hand and arm to the percevied weight of the gun and increase the time interval to recoil fatigue.

I don't think so. Not for a big bore that you're actually going to hunt dangerous game with rather than paper.

I have found that most palm swell and thumbhole stocks feel really good at the bench or for very deliberate field shooting, but tend to be slow to handle and are awkward to get into quickly.

What is needed for a true hunting big bore rifle is an American Classic style stock, such as D'Arcy Echols', Earl Bridges (Hill Country Rifles), Roger Biesen's, or McMillan's Model 70 Express.

www.biesen.com

www.hillcountryrifles.com

(Bridges' stock, plus McMillan's M70 Express can be viewed at HCR's website)

Definitely a bad idea with the thumbhole on a DGR or big kicker, as it will slow down any activity with getting a safety off or on, and it weakens the stock in the grip area. Palm swell is no issue, whatever feels most comfortable to your grip there, and it does not weaken the stock, it would strengthen it if it did anything at all.

I am surprised that a man of AC's vast experience and intelligence would need to ask this question at all.

Ron,

I definitely have my opinions on these features and a big bore rifle. I will keep them to myself though, I promise!

There was a statement made on another thread that never was followed up. There were several posters who seemed to be curious so I started this thread for their benefit, and anyone elses who wanted to know what the general concensus was.

Thanks for the comments, keep them coming.

ASS_CLOWN

I like thumbhole stocks. I have big hands
and they work great for me , for using big kickers.Shot neighbors bmg with one and
didn't bother anymore than my 12 ga. For the big action to test my huge stuff I plan on a thumbhole stock.Ed.

I have absolutely no use for a thumb hole stock on a hunting rifle of any kind, they are bulky and clumsy, slow to mount and dangerous I might add. I know a guy that broke his thumb in a fall...Although I wouldn't own one, they might be OK for varmint and target work if that sort of thing suits you...

A pistol grip is a must and it should be lengthy on a big bore, a wundhammer swell is optional, If you like the feel of it then by all means incorporate it into your gun...I don't need it...

It boils down to personal choices, so who cares what anyone else uses to shoot with..I know that I don't, its all I can do to keep myself content!

Some folks have had luck shooting hard kickers with thumbhole stocks, but I don't like the thought of all that wood missing around a high stress area. Not to mention your thumb wrapped in it. I could not even begin to imagine what your thumb would look like after being on the receiving end of a broken thumbhole stock from a 450 Rigby, or <fill in the blank> that kicks the snot outa you.

Take a look at Mcmillans Tac-50 stock. It has a PISTOL GRIP! Seems to work out just fine for our .50BMG snipers in IRAQ. I used one on a .700 I designed and was surprised at the way the pistol grip helped with felt recoil.-Rob