Richards Microfit stocks, are they any good??

[calgarycanada]

I'm hoping to get some reviews about Richards Microfit stocks. Im thinking about replacing stock on my FTR with a laminated stock. While searching I ran into their website and their prices and styles look good.
Specifically I'm looking at
http://www.rifle-stocks.com/benchmark.htm
But open to other options as well. It will be pillar bedded professionally.

Any help will be appreciated.

BTW if this is wrong forum Mods please move the thread.

 

[Ggmac]

Please see my response in Gunprojects and Gunsmithing section .

 

[Ggmac]

Pm me with any questions .

 

[watercam]

I have used half a dozen for various projects including one match rifle. The stocks are solid but they need a fair amount of hand work. Their inletting is OK, definitely needs glass bedding (and, presumably pillars) and the exterior needs more than just finish sanding. The laminates have been good though and if you are handy, they will work just fine. When you order (by phone), be specific about your barrel channel width!

 

[NorCalMikie]

I order mine by mail. Look close at all the different ways you can get them. Write everything down, drop it in the mail with your CC number and be surprised when it shows up. You'll either love it or hate it. I happen to love every one of mine.

 

[calgarycanada]

Thanks for the help guys. I guess it's not my cup of tea. I'm a mechanic and taught "if something doesn't work, grab a hammer or torch. If it still doesn't work your hammer isn't big enough." ;D

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I order mine by mail. Look close at all the different ways you can get them. Write everything down, drop it in the mail with your CC number and be surprised when it shows up. You'll either love it or hate it. I happen to love every one of mine.

Whats your theory on this getting a better blank faster? Id love to get some stocks from them but dont have the time required to finish the ones ive seen in the past

 

[Mozella]

........Snip.............but they need a fair amount of hand work. Their inletting is OK, definitely needs glass bedding (and, presumably pillars) and the exterior needs more than just finish sanding. ...... snip ...........

My experience is similar. The AA Extra Fancy walnut stock I got from them was neither AA nor Extra Fancy in my opinion; however, it wasn't a bad looking chunk of walnut.

I would say the inletting was VERY good. Very crisp and accurate. I bedded mine, including pillars because I'm a target shooter, but I would say it wouldn't be necessary for a hunter.

The web site implies that the stock needs some finishing. It was not marketed as a blank, nevertheless, the outside was just one step better than a log. I'm exaggerating a little bit, but not much.

It was HUGE and I'd say I left half of the weight on the shop floor by the time I was finished. My first tool was a big band saw. Even if you wanted to retain the original shape (which you wouldn't because the bolt wouldn't even fully open much less slide back far enough to remove) you would need to do a lot of work just to remove the deep gouges starting with a low angle plane or a draw knife, not coarse sand paper. Anyone who thinks you can finish one of these stocks in an hour of sanding starting with 180 grit sandpaper is in for an unpleasant surprise.

Having said that, the stock turned out quite nice and I get a lot of compliments at the range. It didn't cost a lot of money, but it did take days and days of work to cut away everything which didn't look like a gun stock.

 

[gunnermhr]

I had a bad experience with them, first the stock showed up and it was un-usable, the bottom of the forend was sanded for some reason and was very uneven. I sent it back and it took another 3 months to receive the replacement (that's where I have a major issue). I'd have been further ahead if I went to Lowes and bought a 4x4 and started over. It would have taken about the same amount of work. Everyone is human and makes mistakes or lets something slip out the door that shouldn't, it's how that person or company deals with it afterwards that makes them reputable.

Don't get me wrong, the stock is now beautiful but not in any part can Richards Microfit claim any responsibility for the way it looks.

I hate talking bad about suppliers but in this instance I'll let it be known. There are too many good stock makers out there producing quality stocks for not a whole lot more money and far less work needed to finish. Spend you hard earned money with someone that actually cares about what they do!

 

[tuttlefarm]

Unless you have more time than money, stay far away from these stocks,

 

[Taildrag15X]

I the mid 80's I ordered up some laminate stocks from them to use on Mark X barreled actions, didn't get anything more than expected.

Yes there is inletting to do, and finishing, but a good solid foundation to work with...

I've used many more over the years, never had to send anything back.

 

[hogpatrol]

Has anyone ordered one RECENTLY? I assume a lot of these comments are based on stocks purchased many years ago, before CNC took over stock making. Also, they list 96% and 99% finished. When I spoke with them two weeks ago, I was told they no longer do 96%. I have one on order for a friend's build. I'll pass on judgment until I get it.

 

[NorCalMikie]

As far as "recently", within the last year. Richard's Micro Fit doesn't know how to sharpen a tool or slow down the cut. Dull tools and cutting too fast makes for poor cut. Comes out looking like it was cut with an axe. I've had them come looking like they were cut with a dull axe to 8) 8).
You'll never know till it shows up.
If you have NO PATIENCE for quality work, pass. I would rather take my time doing the fit and finish on a stock style I like and appreciate the finished product. Better that getting a custon made stock that could take up to a year and cost BIG $$$.
Same applies to building a rifle. "You get out of it what you put into it". That also applies to reloading. If you can't be bothered, don't be bothered.

 

[hogpatrol]

As far as "recently", within the last year. Richard's Micro Fit doesn't know how to sharpen a tool or slow down the cut. Dull tools and cutting too fast makes for poor cut. Comes out looking like it was cut with an axe. I've had them come looking like they were cut with a dull axe to 8) 8).
You'll never know till it shows up.
If you have NO PATIENCE for quality work, pass. I would rather take my time doing the fit and finish on a stock style I like and appreciate the finished product. Better that getting a custon made stock that could take up to a year and cost BIG $$$.
Same applies to building a rifle. "You get out of it what you put into it". That also applies to reloading. If you can't be bothered, don't be bothered.

Not getting a warm and fuzzy feeling Mikie, ;D Good thing my friend is in the custom wood restoration business.

 

[NorCalMikie]

The only way to REALLY tell how the Richard's Micro Fit stocks are, is to get one yourself. That way you can speak from experience.
Lots of folks don't want to be bothered. Too much trouble?? Not too much trouble for me. And the final results is what matters.
Can take a couple of months + to get.
I ordered one of their stocks and it came wrong. Not too happy after the long wait. Rather than get on the phone and start trying to rip someone's face off, I chose to wright them a letter.
Took 15 weeks to get the stock in the first place and 3 weeks to get a replacement. Not the norm for sure but they can punch one out a lot quicker if needed.
And trying to explane the difference between right and left actions or the difference between blue or green is a lost cause. Order it and be surprised.

 

[Mozella]

.......... snip ............ Order it and be surprised.

Um............ I'm pretty sure surprises are what most people try to avoid and that's exactly why the OP asked the question in the first place.

I was surprised when I got my Richards stock, and I wasn't all that happy about it.

 

[hogpatrol]

The only way to REALLY tell how the Richard's Micro Fit stocks are, is to get one yourself. That way you can speak from experience.
Lots of folks don't want to be bothered. Too much trouble?? Not too much trouble for me. And the final results is what matters.
Can take a couple of months + to get.
I ordered one of their stocks and it came wrong. Not too happy after the long wait. Rather than get on the phone and start trying to rip someone's face off, I chose to wright them a letter.
Took 15 weeks to get the stock in the first place and 3 weeks to get a replacement. Not the norm for sure but they can punch one out a lot quicker if needed.
And trying to explane the difference between right and left actions or the difference between blue or green is a lost cause. Order it and be surprised.

Oh man, this is getting better all the time (and I'm laughing as I type this). Now you got me in a can't wait to get this thing mode. ;D ;D ;D Hopefully there won't be any surprise on the wood as I sent them the walnut blank.

 

[mikegaiz]

I have built over two dozen Of their stocks, I like them and have not ever gotten bad wood. If you work with wood, you know all wood is different colors, and takes stain differently, that is the property of wood. as for finished fit, cant say, I want to fit and shape to my liking, so I get extra wood when I order. Have never done a finished stock from the. They have good wood and nice colors.

 

[Ggmac]

Hog patrol I purchased 5 in the last year . I tell you the ones I purchased 15 years ago were much better quality .
I sent the op some pics of befor and during .
Mine have all been walnut no laminates
Gary
All of that being said they are all beautiful and great value , just not for the guy who is use to Boyd's finished stocks . It takes some good wood working tools and skills .
I plan on ordering another soon . Probably tomorrow .

 

[Gabe22BR]

The only way to REALLY tell how the Richard's Micro Fit stocks are, is to get one yourself. That way you can speak from experience.
Lots of folks don't want to be bothered. Too much trouble?? Not too much trouble for me. And the final results is what matters.
Can take a couple of months + to get.
I ordered one of their stocks and it came wrong. Not too happy after the long wait. Rather than get on the phone and start trying to rip someone's face off, I chose to wright them a letter.
Took 15 weeks to get the stock in the first place and 3 weeks to get a replacement. Not the norm for sure but they can punch one out a lot quicker if needed.
And trying to explane the difference between right and left actions or the difference between blue or green is a lost cause. Order it and be surprised.

Oh man, this is getting better all the time (and I'm laughing as I type this). Now you got me in a can't wait to get this thing mode. ;D ;D ;D Hopefully there won't be any surprise on the wood as I sent them the walnut blank.

;D ;D Hope you get the same blank back.....