Replacement stock for M70 Featherweight

[krumfola]

So the stock on my 30+ year old Model 70 Featherweight has a crack in the stock that runs through the bolt handle recess and into the grip. I noticed it last hunting season while on a deer stand and decided to get down and end my hunt rather than shoot it and make it even worse.

At this point, I'm torn between replacing it with a factory replacement Featherweight stock or going with a McMillan Featherweight. My hesitation in going with the factory replacement is that they have changed in their dimensions and I'm afraid that it's going to alter the look and feel of the rifle too much. In keeping with the purpose of the rifle (a lightweight, hunting rifle) I'm looking for a something light and trim that will not look out of place on such a sleek-looking rifle.

I've never handled the McMillan but I'm going to assume the dimensions are close to the original Featherweight stock. Any thoughts or opinions one way or the other?

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Not a FW M70, but I went with a McMillan for my pre-'64 and cannot say enough good about it. I had the factory do the inletting/bedding, and the rifle now shoots better than it has in the 52 years I've owned it.



It now wears a VX3 3.5-10X.

 

[spife7980]

Not a FW M70, but I went with a McMillan for my pre-'64 and cannot say enough good about it. I had the factory do the inletting/bedding, and the rifle now shoots better than it has in the 52 years I've owned it.

Thats a mcmillan fiberglass stock!? Ive seen the faux wood finish before and thought it looked tacky but yours looks phenomenal!

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Thats a mcmillan fiberglass stock!? Ive seen the faux wood finish before and thought it looked tacky but yours looks phenomenal!

Yep, it's the McMillan "Fibergrain" version, which I do not know if they still offer. That stock actually fooled a Remington rep some time back, asking me why I would take such a beautiful stock out into the high desert outback for mulies. He honestly thought it was high grade Claro until he fondled it around the campfire.



If they don't offer it any more, it's a shame, as it's a pure joy to behold when carrying fiberglass.

 

[nmkid]

Gotta admit...Fooled me.

 

[krumfola]

Rick, thanks for the reply and the great pics. The faux wood color option is now called “McWoody” and it looks nice though not nearly as nice as yours.

Through live chat, MCM says the lead time on their stocks is 6 months which seems like an eternity. I was hoping to have it for this hunting season but I don’t think that’ll be possible.

 

[spife7980]

Rick, thanks for the reply and the great pics. The faux wood color option is now called “McWoody” and it looks nice though not nearly as nice as yours.

Thats what I had seen before, the molded not actually wood looking pattern. Not nearly as nicely done as the "fibergrain"

In doing some googling others are pleading for McMillan to bring back the fibergrain. It was supposedly dipped or hand painted and not a molded in finish.

This is what the new woodys look like, spilled paint.

Sorry for the tangent, OP.

I would look at other retailers for stuff in stock if they have something that appeals to you. If not ebay should have a few replacements, some are super expensive but there are a few under 100 bucks as well. I didnt like the looks of any fiberglass stocks for my ruger so I just stuck with a factory wood stock and did pillars and bedded it. Its lighter than a fiberglass would have ended up.

 

[Nature Boy]

I’m taking my FNchester action and putting it in a McMillan Game Warden stock wih a Proof carbon barrel. I’m still a few months out till it’s done so I can’t prodvide any reviews yet, but after doing a good bit of research that’s what I settled on.

 

[fredo]

So the stock on my 30+ year old Model 70 Featherweight has a crack in the stock that runs through the bolt handle recess and into the grip. I noticed it last hunting season while on a deer stand and decided to get down and end my hunt rather than shoot it and make it even worse.

At this point, I'm torn between replacing it with a factory replacement Featherweight stock or going with a McMillan Featherweight. My hesitation in going with the factory replacement is that they have changed in their dimensions and I'm afraid that it's going to alter the look and feel of the rifle too much. In keeping with the purpose of the rifle (a lightweight, hunting rifle) I'm looking for a something light and trim that will not look out of place on such a sleek-looking rifle.

I've never handled the McMillan but I'm going to assume the dimensions are close to the original Featherweight stock. Any thoughts or opinions one way or the other?

If your rifle is a short action M70, I have a brand new factory Winchester synthetic stock I'll send you for nuthin'.
Just send me a PM with your address, and it's yours...

 

[krumfola]

If your rifle is a short action M70, I have a brand new factory Winchester synthetic stock I'll send you for nuthin'.
Just send me a PM with your address, and it's yours...

That’s very generous of you but it’s a long action.

 

[fredo]

10-4, good luck in your quest!