Recent experiences with Richards Microfit, Boyds, et al...

[Toptom]

About 8 years ago I ordered a stock from richards. I ordered it as a exbition grade maple. Turned out to be a bad experience all around. Been in the market again for a semi inlet for a new project having trouble finding anyone else.

 

[butchlambert]

Below is my last Richard's Microfit. I think they called it their 95%. The action inlet was 99%. In the old days I bought 2 or 3 of their rough finished blanks and it looked as Bucky Beaver did the work.
I made an order with Boyds and was told that it would be 30 days. Not a problem until I called them back 15 minutes later and they said it was to late to change the length of pull as it was already in the shop. I said cancel the order then and they said No! So my credit card company fixed it.

 

[J_Hensley]

Below is my last Richard's Microfit. I think they called it their 95%. The action inlet was 99%. In the old days I bought 2 or 3 of their rough finished blanks and it looked as Bucky Beaver did the work.
I made an order with Boyds and was told that it would be 30 days. Not a problem until I called them back 15 minutes later and they said it was to late to change the length of pull as it was already in the shop. I said cancel the order then and they said No! So my credit card company fixed it.

View attachment 1603617

That is beautiful. Did you complete the checkering?

I am used to ordering from Boyd's. I am not familiar with Richards, but I think I might like to be.

 

[STOMP442]

I have had nothing but great experiences with Richards and the quality of wood I have received. The only complaint I have is the wait times can be a little long and I am an impatient guy when it comes to wanting to work on a project.

 

[J_Hensley]

That, I can understand. I like the idea of the Richards because it gives you the freedom to finish the stock as you see fit. It'd also be less money up front, but you don't have the option for the checkering.

decisions decisions...

 

[Jon Leary]

Anyone with experiences with Boyds and Richards lately? I'm thinking of doing a fancy maple stock for a Winchester model 70. Are there any other good (and reasonable) options? I'd like checkering, which Boyds offers. But Richards has more (and I'm assuming higher?) wood grades listed. Boyds has an option for fore end tip and grip cap, but they're polymer. Richards lists an ebony tip and cap. I might be able to live without checkering if I get a better grade of wood and actual ebony. I'm sure the Boyd is closer to a drop in fit, but I'm not shy about doing a little fitting if Richard's has way better wood. Major reshaping may be a line I'm not willing to cross, though.

Thoughts?

Model 70 Featherweight Dark Maple Stainless | Winchester

2026 SHOT Show Special - Lightweight bolt-action hunting rifle with classic looks. Satin finish AAAA dark maple stock, Featherweight barrel contour and stock profile with Schnabel forearm and cut checkering, Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.

www.winchesterguns.com

 

[butchlambert]

That is beautiful. Did you complete the checkering?

I am used to ordering from Boyd's. I am not familiar with Richards, but I think I might like to be.

I love good wood, but I have no talent when it comes to working it.,

 

[cowboybart]

I love good wood, but I have no talent when it comes to working it.,

This is ME!!! ^^^

If I work on window trim - it LOOKS like I worked on it!!

 

[jackieschmidt]

I love good wood, but I have no talent when it comes to working it.,

Same here Butch. I can sand and apply finish, but cannot make things look like the beautiful work we see here.
It’s the same with cars. I can figure out anything mechanical, but the body work and paint. No.

When people ask me if I did the paint on my Chevy Malibu, I say……”if I did it, it would look like I did it”

 

[butchlambert]

Same here Butch. I can sand and apply finish, but cannot make things look like the beautiful work we see here.
It’s the same with cars. I can figure out anything mechanical, but the body work and paint. No.

When people ask me if I did the paint on my Chevy Malibu, I say……”if I did it, it would look like I did it”

Yes Sir!

 

[Uncle Grinch]

I’ve ordered from both and found the inletting fit from Boyd’s to be very close to exact. However, be aware that laminated stocks are very hard to work with. The epoxy used in them makes the wood very tough.

I’ve used Richards when I did a Siamese Mauser. Boyd’s did not offer one for it. I often order their Cascade Classic and remove the Monte Carlo cheek piece when building iron sight rifles.