I would appreciate opinions on the McMillan G&H pattern stock for the M70 Winchester. McMillans site says it has a narrow forend. How does this compare with the Featherwieght stock forend? (which is very narrow) Overall what do you think of the configuration of this stock? Thanks

Blue, I had the McMillan G&H stock on a Jarrett-built .338 Win. Mag. custom rifle. I did not like this handle at all. It's of the pre-war G&H pattern (someone actually sacrificed a G&H stock for the mould!), and features too much drop at heel. It just doesn't work that well with a scope compared to more modern classic stocks with a high, straight, thick comb. It tends to exacerbate recoil.



Quite honestly, I never felt as though G&H ever really understood stock design all that well, and I've handled quite of few G&H rifles over the years from all production periods.



When I had Kenny build that rifle, the stock came at his recommendation, and I had my doubts at the time but gave the go-ahead anyway, against my better judgement. It was a mistake.



This rifle weighed about the same as the Echols .338 Win. Mag. I posted the photo of on the Big Game Forum. With the same ammo, the Jarrett kicked much worse than the Echols does. I wish I still owned the Jarrett just so I could sit anyone who as curious down at the bench and fire identical 250 gr. loads through both rifles. There would be no doubt in anyone's mind as to the effect stock design has on recoil



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Allen-

Would you be able to compare/contrast the McMillan Supergrade patten vs the Legend pattern?

I am in the process of trying to pick one of the two, and having never handled either, I don't have a lot to go on, other than many, including yourself (I beleive), have said the the Legend stock is one of their favorite hunting patterns.

Any input on differences either subjective or objective would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Bob

I was going to use this stock for my rifle,being built as I
type.
At my gunsmiths advice we chose the Echol's Legend stock.
Hope it shoots like Allen's.

Thanks for the reply Allen. I know what you mean about increased felt recoil due to too much drop. (I have an old stock like that.) Which McMillan pattern do you prefer, supergrade?

Bob, see my edited previous post.....

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Man I hate right handed shooters!!!!!

Chuck

Ol' Blue, I have a Model 70 Super Grade McMillan stock on my old Glen Pearce custom Model 70 .300 Win. Mag. It's a very good stock, but the comb could be a bit higher. I still like it though, and it's served me very well over the years

My favorite McMillan stock is D'Arcy's "Legend" pattern. When he developed the Legend rifle, he hand-built and checkered a stock of his own design (complete with a little cast-off), then sent it to McMillan for duplication in fiberglass. It's comfortable to shoot even in .416.

You can get these as unfinished blanks (Model 70 only, I think) exclusively through D'Arcy Echols & Company - not McMillan. D'Arcy won't install them (he only builds complete rifles), but McMillan WILL install them, complete with pillar-bedding (and they do a SUPER job of it - the best!). I'm going to order one of these blanks myself for some metalwork I have stored way, then send off to McMillan for installation and paint.

AD

I had a pair of rifles built in 1991, using Pre-64 Mod. 70 actions, Hart barrels, McMillan G&H stocks plus a few bits and pieces. These were built as light as possible for use as horsepacking and backpacking rifles.

I found the stocks to be a bit awkward to handle quickly due to the pistol grip configuration and the comb was a bit too low and sloped. The rifles recoiled unpleasantly and I ended up selling them and returning to my "old" Mod. 70s.

I had taken a gunsmith's recommendation for these as I was working in the bush and I was not satisfied. I found the Clifton stock on my .375 was much more comfortable to shoot than the G&H. I still have a G&H on a Pre-64 "Westerner" in .264 which is only a "play" gun, so, it doesn't matter.

I have also examined a few G&H rifles, not as many as Allen has, mu opinions on them are in line with his. I will be buying some "Legend" stocks to replace several on the rifles I use most often. I would say, though, that the G&H stock(s) are as well made as every other McMillan I've seen and shot.

Allen, does D'Arcy Echols & Company have a web site? (I couldn't find it if he does) If not maybe you have contact info?

Thanks everyone for the replies. It has been a big help. ...ol blue

I have a Legend and do appreciate the stock's classic styling (not the mention the rifle's extraordinary overall quality and craftsmanship). I also like lighter rifles and slimmer-profiled stocks. Just a matter of taste, not saying one is better. If more slim lines are your preference, you should look at the McMillan Classic Sako pattern. McMillan will inlet their Sako Classic for Winchester M70 actions. I have one on a Hill Country Rifle .300 Wby, and think it is very nice - straight comb, but slimmer through the forend than either say the McMillan Remington Sporter or the Legend stock. Can't fault the Legend, but McMillan does make an alternative to the G&H

Is this for Pre-64s as well as the newer ones?

I have not tried a Mcmillan Echols Legend so I can't comment on it. However in my opinion the Griffin and Howe Mcmillan is my favorite stock of theirs that I've ever held. I'm short armed any chubby cheeked and so perhaps that's why it fits me better than some of the others that have commented on it. I may like the "Legend" better after I try it - don't know. The G&H is also a favorite of 2 of my winchester collector freinds, I don't know if they have compared it to the "Legend". One of them is thinner and the other thicker that I......DJ