I know they will not be in the league of the premier brands, but for a factory rifle of modest recoil, I would think they might be okay. Certainly have to be an improvement over the injection molded flimsy things. I've been seeing these go on the auction sites for around $70 or so at times, so it got me a wonderin'...

So, does anyone have any first hand experience they would like to share? I would be curious to hear about strength, stiffness, and durability comments in particular and of course accuracy improvements or changes. I guess the real question is though...if you bought one would you buy another?

Regards,

Bob

Black Bart,
I have a B&C stock on my .300 H&H that used to be on my .243. To give you an idea how old it is. It is the type with the built in sling. They quit making that model umpteen years ago. I absolutely love it. It is tough and durable. It has been to the top of Battle Mt. in Wyo. several times. It has taken some pretty good hits on the rocks coming down. It is still as solid as the day I bought it. Can't say much about any accuracy changes. Never paid attention to the difference between it and the wood stock. I would definitely buy another one. The only heartburn that I have about B&C stocks is that they quit making the model I have now.

For the price I think they are okay.

I have one, and although it took a very small amount of fooling with the fitting to make it work, it was no big deal.

I think it improved the accuracy of the Ruger I put it on, probably becasue the previous stock was a Ruger boat paddle, which made it kick more than necessary.

I like that I can get one in a week rather than 4 months, too.

I wouldn't suggest that they are "pretty" but for a rough working rifle they are fine.

As in all things, you get what you pay for, so they are not in the McMillan category.

I've got a B&C Carbelite Classic in Tan with Black spiderweb finish on a custom I had built last year and I like it. They had a cheaper model with no checkering they have been closing out which is what you may be seeing. Mine was glass bedded and shoots very accurately.

By chance I picked up a used B&C for a SA M 70. When my new M 70's recoil pad seemed too hard I fitted it into the B&C as it has a soft pad. It took only ten minutes with the Dremel and it's finished. The stock weighs two ounces more than the factory one. For the price they are well worth it.

They are a good stock for a working gun. I've had one on a model 70 since 89 and have been all over with it, in fact used it last tuesday, and other than the finish showing wear it has held up fine.

Thanks guys!!

Pretty much sounds like it would fill my needs fairly well. Obviously don't expect it to be a mcmillan, just a sound "working" stock as you say.

Savage 99 - So how much did your version weigh in at? Sounds like you measured it fairly closely, and weight is someting I would like to keep down on this one.

One last thought - Is the forearm reasonably stiff on these? Again, don't expect mcmillan, but perhaps as good as factory wood, which in IMHO is far better than the injection molded garbage in most casess

I bought a used Carbelite for a Mark X Mauser a year ago. It's fiberglass and the forend appears to be much stiffer than that of a typical molded stock. The bottom metal is different on the FN 30-06 that I put in it, so it took some Dremel work to make it fit. I haven't shot it much yet, but so far accuracy is about what I got with the wood stock. For the hundred bucks it cost me, I'll use it until I destroy it, then buy a MacMillan. Hope this helps, Okie John.

BlackBart,

Bell & Carlson stocks while not as glamerous or "vogue" as some of the more infamous brands, do possess enough stiffness, that when properly installed and bedded, will PERFORM every bit as well as the most expensive composites on the market.

They are inexpensive enough that dragging them over rocks and through streams won't cause you much heartburn. My only real complaint in the past has been with their finish staying on when exposed to a quick blast of air from the compressor...


I agree, for a working gun where weight or bulk isn't an issue, it should do you a good job.

Malm

My B&C weighs 33 oz. I am not sure of it's model number. It was "new" when I got it from a friend as the barrel channel had not been touched. This one seems to be a second as the shape of the edges of the forend along the barrel do not match. This is not that noticable but now my eye goes to it. Also the recoil lug area is not 100% filled with material. The forend on this stock is solid material unlike the WW stock that came with the M70. It's quite stiff.

It's on a SS M 70 Classic 7mm WSM and the rifle shoots very well with the instant "bedding" job. If it did shoot so well I would put some material in there.

I have read Malmbourgs comment before on the finish coming off. I don't really understand it but I am sure that when small companies make stuff like this that each stock varies.

I have ordered two Montana actions and I really can't pick from the premium composite stocks. I just don't know enough yet. I may get a B&C for one of the rifles as a port in the storm. This stocks are pretty good. Sure enough ten years later it will still be on the rifle and I will have it right away and also keep $200 in my checking account.

As they say, "She ain't much for pretty but she's pretty much for stout". That describes the B&C stocks pretty good. They are not graceful and they are not light but they are rugged and work well. Another bonus is that glass bedding compounds will actually bond to these stocks. Regards, Bill.

What model of rifle are you looking to fit? I have a couple lying around.

John

I have one on a 358 Winchester that I had made. I think it's fine. I had to have it bedded, which isn't unusual. My only, minor complaint is that the grip seems a little larger than necessary.

Bob257

John Frazer - I would be looking for a Remington 700 ADL long action. If you had one that fit that, I would be happy to hear about it.

Others - thanks for all the great comments and info!!

Bob

WyoJoe I left a camo cap on Battle mountain a few years back. I didn't feel like climbing back up the west side after it.

I've just recently put one onto my Sako 579 HB 308. Recoil is much softer than it was with the previous timber stock. The shape and feel suit me. The bedding hasn't been done yet (I expect to drop it off at the smith later today, and will have it pillar bedded). The forend seems like it might need to be a bit stiffer (but then the bedding will help there).

Fired about 50 rounds off the bench last week (with the setup 'as is'), and found that the 110 gr Vmax, which hadn't shot all that well previously, were giving half moa results. The heavier bullets weren't performing as well, so I guess the loads will need some work again....

B&C has two grades of stocks. Their old carbelite stocks were and are in my opinion junk. Their new stock with the aluminum bedding blocks look quite good. They seem to be constructed as well as any others. I plan to be trying some of them out very soon.

I have a B&C stock I bought in the late 80's, it weighed more than the wood stock I replaced. It may have been a second as I got it on sale, the area around the trigger guard wasn't the same on both sides. I was having a fit trying to get it to fit(I thought I had things cattywompas.)then I realized it was the stock and not me. Seems to work OK, just looks funny.
MR