Honest opinion on best tactical bolt action stocks

[NAK5891]

I have been shooting rifles for a while, but am now interested in building a custom rifle. Primarily, of the tactical variety. I see so much non-sense about this or that being the best stock, but with nothing to really back it up.

I never post on forums, but decided to come to this one because I hold the site in high regard.

SO, in your opinion, what are some of the better tactical stocks out there, and more importantly, why?
Some ideas are Manners MCS-T1, HS-precision Pro-series M24, or the obvious McMillan A5.

I know they are all comparable, but what makes the high price of a McMillan worth it?
My main goal is the most accurate and ruggade stock. My action is a standard Rem700 in .308. I haven't decided on the barrel yet, but will definitely get it bedded and the action/barrel "trued".

I really appreciate the help. And if there is another thread to direct me to with good points and I would appreciate it.

Thanks Everyone

 

[skeetlee]

By far the nicest tactical stock i have ever seen was a robertson. You will have a darn hard time finding one, but you could always order it from Ian. They are flat out a better stock than a mcmillan!! My opinion of course!! Lee

 

[NAK5891]

Hey, thanks for the idea suggestion skeetlee.
What makes you say they are the nicest?

 

[Scott Harris]

I have been shooting rifles for a while, but am now interested in building a custom rifle. Primarily, of the tactical variety. I see so much non-sense about this or that being the best stock, but with nothing to really back it up.
....

Yes, and thanks for asking for more nonsense to be spewed! So here you go...

Stocks are personal choices like shoes: get what strikes your fancy and meets your requirements. Stocks differ in price, design, material, weight, durability, finish, reputation, and workmanship. Is a Bell & Carlson stock with aluminum chassis really 1/2 the quality of a McMillan? Is a Toyota Camry half the quality of a BMW? That 's up to you to decide. For me, I get what I want because I can afford it. On a budget, any stock with an aluminum chassis would be a good choice I think. Your best bet is to go shoot some tactical matches and get behind some fellow competitor's rifles. You won't find the answer to your question on this forum.

 

[dtucker]

If you want to find out more info on tactical stocks go to Snipers Hide and spend some time on their looking through the threads. They have tons of info on them. I am having 2 tactical rifles being built now and both are on Manners stocks. I have had McMillan and Manners stocks on a lot of builds in the past and love both of them. You can't go wrong with either. Customer service from both have been outstanding. Most of the people who build these rifles you will see using either of these 2 stocks and also use them hard in tactical matches and competition and they hold up extremely well. Their are alot of good stocks on the market but i prefer these 2 above all. With the majority of the people using Manners and McMillan stocks for tactical builds, it speaks volumes for these 2 companies. In the end it is up to you to decide what you like best and how you are going to use it. Good luck.

 

[twmule]

what about stockade prarie dog - tactical special i hear that they are really nice

 

[15Tango]

Tactical? Yeah . . .

TACTICAL

1
: of or relating to combat tactics: as
a (1) : of or occurring at the battlefront <a tactical defense> <a tactical first strike> (2) : using or being weapons or forces employed at the battlefront <tactical missiles>
b of an air force : of, relating to, or designed for air attack in close support of friendly ground forces
2
a : of or relating to tactics: as (1) : of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose (2) : made or carried out with only a limited or immediate end in view
b : adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose

 

[NAK5891]

Tactical? Yeah . . .

TACTICAL

1
: of or relating to combat tactics: as
a (1) : of or occurring at the battlefront <a tactical defense> <a tactical first strike> (2) : using or being weapons or forces employed at the battlefront <tactical missiles>
b of an air force : of, relating to, or designed for air attack in close support of friendly ground forces
2
a : of or relating to tactics: as (1) : of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose (2) : made or carried out with only a limited or immediate end in view
b : adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose

huh...thanks for the definition of tactical...not really what I was asking for....but...thanks?

 

[NAK5891]

Thanks to everybody for your responses. I know its a hard and general question, but your suggestions are still helpful.

I went to a local shooting store to day and held the savage with the A5. It did feel quite nice. The mannars looks pretty comparable.
It's good to hear that both provide excellent customer service.

 

[dreever]

I have a Manners T4A and like it a lot. Depends on what feels right to you. I had the oppertunity to compare stocked Tactical rifles side by side and even though they may look similar there is a different feel to each.
I have a friend that owns them all, and his favorite by far are the Accuracy International 1.5 chassis system stocks.

Danny

 

[favload]

NAK, I have shot with many of the stocks you mentioned and seen many of the others. I think the A-5, A-4 are bit larger than necessary. The A-3 may be the best compromise. As far as Manners go (mostly carbon with a glass coating) my brother has one (MCS T3) that has cracked twice and needed repair in the tang area (308 and 6BR). I like the looks of their thumbhole stocks (MCSGAT)which may be more beefy in that respect. I think a true tactical rifle should be one light enough to carry all day long and still stiff enough (barrel included) not to wonder with repeated use. For a barrel The MTU contour is great but a bit heavy. I am thinking a heavy palma or even light palma may be ideal. Even a light var. contour or heavy var. cut down. These are what we use. In this case your stock may not need to be as large as an A-5 etc. The H-S precision stocks are nice looking, light and strong also for the money. In any case when you deal with a DBM you lose action bedding surface. This is something to consider. Can a single shot be tactical? Many think so. If this is true why not build using an McMil. F-Class? I think they are better in terms of accuracy than the A series. If you want the cats ass than go for a terry cross sentinal stock, we have one! However, be prepared to wait about a year or so (or longer) to get it. Currently my long range rifle (300-1000yds) has a custom HS. My tactical gun (100-300yds) is the old AR.
my two cents

 

[dtucker]

Their ultra light hunting stocks are 100% carbon fiber but the tacticals are 35% carbon and 65% fiber glass.

 

[Rust]

My last five stocks have been McMillan A-5s (optioned out) for my tactical/competition rifles and McMillan Sako Varminters for my field rifles.

Not cheap, had to wait, got what I paid for.

 

[NAK5891]

Thanks a lot Favload. I appreciate the first hand advice!

 

[NAK5891]

Thanks FequalsMA, I really appreciate you and your brothers help.