Microfit stocks

[BertsMate]

Morning all. Has onyone here recently bought a Microfit laminate stock ? I have a Boyd on my Remmi 700, which I bought about 12-15 years ago, but none of their current designs float my boat. I have looked at Micro's a few times over the years and really like their designs but am put off by the number of negative reviews of the quality of manufacture etc. The reviews are quite old and I'm wondering if in response to them, Micro may have sorted those issues.
This will be for a CZ 452 Varmint in .22lr
Many thanks in advance

 

[jdh47]

I have no experience with them but from what I have heard they do require a lot of handwork to finish out.

Joe

 

[Big Mc]

Morning all. Has onyone here recently bought a Microfit laminate stock ? I have a Boyd on my Remmi 700, which I bought about 12-15 years ago, but none of their current designs float my boat. I have looked at Micro's a few times over the years and really like their designs but am put off by the number of negative reviews of the quality of manufacture etc. The reviews are quite old and I'm wondering if in response to them, Micro may have sorted those issues.
This will be for a CZ 452 Varmint in .22lr
Many thanks in advance

I have 3 of them. Yes they need a little work. Mostly sanding. NOT a big deal .. I think they get a bad rap. A little sanding truoil and you are go to go.. DOES NOT take hours as posted in the past, by others.. Tommy MC..For the money they can not be beat !!!!!!!

 

[matthias]

Biggest thing with Richard Microfit is to make sure your action fits , and is straight in the stock. Do that before any work is done to the stock. Returns are only on unmodified stocks.

Three or four hours including finish time is the average for the people I know. In the last year we have ordered around 12 or 13 stocks from them . Customers seem to like the "look what I did " factor. And some are downright beautiful when done.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Got one on order and am expecting delivery real soon.
Last one I ordered was maybe 6 months ago. What I received was exactly what I expected. Action fit as planned. Couple hours of sanding and it was ready to finish.
For the cost and selection of styles that nobody else seems to match, IMHO Richard's Micro Fit can't be beat. Bought maybe 10 or 12 over the last few years. One or two could have been a little better on the initial outside cut but I worked thru it. Anything you do to your stock makes it YOURS!! Loved every one of mine.

 

[GerryM]

I ordered one a few weeks ago. I ordered one expecting to have to do some work on it.
They were very nice on the phone. The prices seem resonable.

 

[Kurz]

There is a difference between what Richard's Microfit makes and some of the other manufacturers who supply 'drop-in' fit. Richard's does not claim drop-in fit and never has. They tell you right from the start that fitting and finishing is required and this puts those folks who expect instant gratification, drop-in fit and cheap prices out of the running. For the people who know what to expect and want to actually do the finish work, the variety of styles and the prices are exceptional.

Richard's also can supply you with those oddball or out-of-production inlets.

Yes, you need to check the inlet and the straightness in the stock as suggested above. Everyone makes mistakes and Richard's is no different. If it doesn't work for you, ship it back.

I use several a year even though they are mostly plywood. But I've also ordered and gotten a few from solid wood with exceptional grain, when you order it that way. Expect to pay more for fancier wood grain but don't expect something for nothing.

Regards.

 

[Preacher]

Like Norcalmikie, I have used a bunch of them over the years and never really had a problem doing it.....
Most off them needed some work to finish up, but no big deal either way...

 

[Forum Boss]

The one I purchased a decade ago for a Savage action was terrible, a disaster. Crappy, rough porous wood that required hours and hours of sanding, then soaked up clear coat like a sponge. But far worse was the inletting which was so over-cut in the trigger area that the rear action screw could not be attached. Extensive epoxy rebuilding was required to allow the rear screw to work. I would never, ever acquire another stock from that outfit -- not when there are many other good stock makers out there. CAVEAT EMPTOR.

 

[nmkid]

Not what you are asking but...I've been dealing with Stocky's for my last 3 stocks. I've been buying the ones with the aluminum bedding block and have yet to send one back. I've had to open up the barrel channel, even on 'heavy barrel models' but, that only takes about an hour. Works for me, I can't afford them high dollar. Yes, they are straight, at least the ones I've purchased.

 

[JLT]

I have 3 of them. Yes they need a little work. Mostly sanding. NOT a big deal .. I think they get a bad rap. A little sanding truoil and you are go to go.. DOES NOT take hours as posted in the past, by others.. Tommy MC..For the money they can not be beat !!!!!!!

That's a very fair assessment of these stocks. I used one of their Marksman stocks on a 1903 Springfield build and the work required to finish it off was not objectionable in any way. Nice stocks when all is said and done. Plenty of extra wood to allow for shaping to your particular requirements.

 

[Shynloco]

9QUOTE="Big Mc, post: 37055647, member: 1278467"]I have 3 of them. Yes they need a little work. Mostly sanding. NOT a big deal .. I think they get a bad rap. A little sanding truoil and you are go to go.. DOES NOT take hours as posted in the past, by others.. Tommy MC..For the money they can not be beat !!!!!!![/QUOTE]

+1. In addition, my Gunsmith just completed and coated my 5th Richards Microfit stock I've bought in the past 10 yrs. Many people do not realize, but Richards is probably the largest maker of rifle stocks that are sold on many markets worldwide. And they are NOT a very big outfit/business (physically) yet sell many many stocks. Over the years, they have gotten a bad rap (by some unjustifiably even on this blog) when the delivery time went on for months from order date to delivery. The reason, they have a limited number of personnel and machines in a facility that isn't nearly as big as some might expect. When one machine breaks down, the replacement parts come from Europe or have to be custom made because the age of some of their equipment. Money alone isn't necessarily what drives some businesses to produce. They are located in a suburb of Los Angeles and the building looks like a WWII Quonset Hut. I have personally been there on occasion to pick out blocks of laminated wood for stocks my Gunsmith would finish for me. And as Big Mc said, their unfinished raw stocks are about 90-95% inletted and require sanding. But they can also be customized in terms of contouring to meet you desired needs. My Gunsmith is a master at both Gunsmithing and stock alteration, a talent I DO NOT possess. But they finish beautifully and shoot very well and comfortably. For the money, you can't beat 'em.

Alex

 

[memilanuk]

The one I purchased a decade ago

Sounds like there might be some different folks running things now...

 

[velocette]

I have two Richards Microfit stocks. One was their highest grade walnut and one is a laminated called Coral.
The fit of the actions was good but both needed some fitting. The finishing aside from the sanding to smooth is a matter of how good do you want it to be. A serviceable finish can be had in a few hours. Mine took a LOT longer because I wanted a far better finish. They were both worth the price I paid and IMHO, they both are what I wanted with the fine finish I wanted and was willing to work for.

 

[Preacher]

y

I have two Richards Microfit stocks. One was their highest grade walnut and one is a laminated called Coral.
The fit of the actions was good but both needed some fitting. The finishing aside from the sanding to smooth is a matter of how good do you want it to be. A serviceable finish can be had in a few hours. Mine took a LOT longer because I wanted a far better finish. They were both worth the price I paid and IMHO, they both are what I wanted with the fine finish I wanted and was willing to work for.

Gotta love that BLUE CORAL, I have done a few on them, and everyone thats see's them are very impressed with the outcome..

 

[Joe Wade]

Here is a Royal Camo that started from Richards Microfit Target stock blank. Just a block of wood and about 40 hours worth of craftsmanship. I am very pleased with the outcome. Very rewarding project. I am planning another this winter. I like their Target blank, it allows me to create different features and experiment with unique design elements. I inletted and bedded for Kelblys Panda action, tapered the forehand to help make weight for F-tr. Created a channel rear of the action for added strength and allows for bore guide with protective mat for cleaning. Ergonomic pistol grip and correct length of pull for prone shooting.

 

[SMITTY33]

I have several Richards (NOT SO) Microfit stocks, 7 I think, Love some of their designs. Just plan twice as much time as you would think and you will probably take even more. I spent the time and am very happy with them. More than a couple took more than twice the promised time to get to me also. you need to be a very PATIENT person on all fronts when dealing with this Company.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Sounds like there might be some different folks running things now...

I'am thinking more like someone learned HOW to sharpen cutting bits.

Richard's Micro Fit stocks have always been referred to as "gunsmith stocks", probably because of the work needed to get the final fit and finish. Lead time, cost and selection of styles is BETTER than most other stock makers out there and patience IS a virtue.
If you can't be bothered to spend the time and energy to get one finished, spend the $$, wait till the cows come home and be done with it. Only difference? Your's will be unique because YOU put the time and effort into making it a finished product.

 

[butchlambert]

I'm happy for the guys that love them, but I would prefer something different than one duplicated by Bucky Beaver.

 

[js2013]

I've bought 3 laminates from them and haven't been disappointed. I'm a hack but I was OK with how they turned out. The laminates are good solid pieces wood, very dense and stable, and they give you the flexibility to modify them the way you want. Definitely not a drop-in and a lot of work but I'd buy another.