whats the thumb hole stocks best for compared to a standerd stock. i think they look great buit are they a good hunting stock or more of a bench rest stock. would like some thoughts on it. jason

Its strictly a benchrest stock. Try working the bolt quickly or getting a quick grip on one, carrying it at the back or from the shoulder.

I am definitely a purist there. They don�t belong on hunting rifles.

Hermann

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If you look at most benchrest stocks these days you will find anything but thumbhole stocks. I'm not exactly sure why as the thumbhole is actually a good place to anchor, ahem, one's thumb and aid in a direct pull backward of the trigger.

I happen to be a fan of thumbhole stocks simply for their functionality. Here's several reasons why.

You get a MUCH better grip of the rifle with a thumbhole stock compared to most pistol grip stocks thus aiding in recoil absorption by the trigger hand that in turn reduces the shoulder recoil by the same amount. Basically you're splitting up the recoil a bit more and not taking all of it in the shoulder and face.

You are able to grip the rifle firmly and keep your elbow down closer to your side making for a much more stable/comfortable platform while shooting either standing, kneeling, or sitting. Adv/disadv may be arguable for prone shooting.

The design of the thumbhole stock typically allows for less drop than a pistol grip stock. This is helpful in directing recoil straight back and reducing muzzle jump which in theory will allow you to get back on target more quickly for a second shot.

Wives tales...they are weaker than pistol grip stocks. I think a cross section of the thinnest portion of each will show they are pretty close. I have a 338/416 Rigby on a thumbhole that seems to work just fine (no stock damage to date). Again, the design allows for a significant portion of the stock to be in direct line of recoil...not so with a pistol grip stock.

As aHunter mentions about working the bolt quickly. The hand must come off the stock no matter the stock design to work a bolt. I guess I see no difference. Getting a good grip I covered earlier in my post as the thumbhole is far superior in terms of gripping. To take that just a bit further, grab a pistol grip stock, wrap your hand around it firmly for maximum contact to absorb recoil...are you comfortable? Is your elbow way up in the air and nowhere near your side or resting on your knee in a sitting position? Of course not. To achieve those positions with a pistol grip stock you must have a bit of a loose grip. Some may see that as an advantage...I don't. In terms of carrying it, I've never felt it any different as I always seem to find a comfortable way to carry them. I guess I'm not clear on his views of why they are hard to carry.

The one distinct disadvantage is the ability to work a safety as it does require more movement. I've never really had a problem with this but I could see someone used to pistol grip stocks having trouble getting used to this aspect of thumbhole stocks.

Lastly, I'm aware of one type of thumbhole from Microtech (Microtec??) out of California I think that has a thumbhole stock designed to allow for pistol grip use as well.

That's what I could think of on the matter.

Reed

They are great for off-hand shooting and shooting off a bench for varmints but for me they are awkward for anything else. The bigger the thumb-hole the better is seems to work.

And, for some reason they seem to be very comfortable for women shooters...maybe using a thumbhole helps make up for a lack of upper body strength and it could, as someone posted, help reduce recoil felt at the shoulder and neck...probably helps keep recoil off the face too.

This is the only rifle I have stocked in thumbhole configuration and it is by far the MOST comfortable rifle I own...both to shoot and carry.

http://www.hunting-pictures.com/members/DanB/30Gibbs7.jpg

thanks for the info ill just have to get one some day and see how it works. jason

What if you were right handed and used a thumbhole stock on a left-handed rifle.

Would this not be the best of both worlds? Maybe think about it this way.

A. You�re not required to remove your right hand from the grip area.
B. You utilize upper body and arm strength to reload while holding the rifle in strong side.
C. If you�re real good, you can do this without moving your face, as long as you make a little room for the bolt. Short action my not have this problem..

I have a left handed 788, in 6mm Rem, that was begging me to make more right hand friendly.. But that is another project.

Just a small thought.

Scout...

Scout,
I do exactaly what you descibed only I am left handed and shoot right handed rifles. It's VERY comfortable to shoot off of a bench or in the field. Follow up shots are fast because you work the bolt with the front hand and have complete control with the hand inside the thumbhole. Also, there are no worries about the bolt slamming into the back hand while being worked because it is protected by the extra stock material above the thumb. This is very comforting and you can focus 100% on the animal if a second shot is required.
I have sold all of my left-handed rifles and replaced them with matching righties. Not all of them are equipped with thumbholes, YET!
Some people don't like them because they say they add too much weight, but I have found that the little added weight is barely noticable. If you try one, I would be willin g to bet you won't take it off!

Thank you, that is exactly what I expected to hear. I have been practicing with the left-handed rifles for about one month, and even though I am right handed it is much easier to control. Originally I was looking to try to use my other eye, due some ageing I guess, but find it much easier to manipulate the bolt and faster as well. Looking forward to hunting season, to experiment.
If my right eye keeps giving me a fuss, we are converting the right handers to thumb hole stocks and shooting left eye. Arrrrrrr....

Late...

Harry Lawson, who did a lot to make thumb-hoke stocks popular, was a strong advocate of right-handed shooters using a rifle with the bolt on the left side....for me I don't like a place for gas to escape right in front of my pretty face.

i have always wondered how comfortable a thumbhole stock would be on a groundhog rifle? well curiosity got the better of me and i ordered a ross thumbhole laminate from boyds for my 700adl . off the bench this stock is as comfortable as anything i have ever fired . it is definitly a different feel when it comes to trigger pull. th3 inletting is so close that i might not even have to bed it at this point . ill let you know

I am asuming standard Rt. handed. What was the quality over all? Was it a semi or finished? Just wondering...

Scout....

For me, once I tried a thumbhole stock, there was no turning back. To shoot a conventional stock now feels VERY funny.

One man'a opinion.
-Mr Mike

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