Thumbhole vs no Thumbhole

[AckleyImproved]

I have got the stage of ordering my stock. I do have a preference towards a thumbhole like the Shehane ST1000-TH.

Now the question! Is a thumbhole stock not as well suited as a standard one for 600yd/1000yd shooting? I hear facts like the pulse in your hand can effect accuracy with a thumbhole? Fact or fiction?

So thumbhole or no thumbhole stock? What are your thoughts?

Thanks,
Ackley Improved

 

[dreever]

I can only tell you what I've seen at the Ground Hog matches I attend. Not to many thumbholes and they become really scarce in the winners circle.

 

[Riverine]

Ackley, check out one of these past "Guns of the Week"

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek007.html

Jason Bingham wrote:
"I shot my 6BR for the last half of the 2002 season, three matches in all, and won every match. During the final match of the season, October 6th, I shot a new Range Record."

So they CAN win. I think you just have to get down behind different style stocks and see what you like best. I have a thumbhole on my .223 varmint rifle and it is very comfortable prone and I feel I can control cant angle better with the thumbhole than with a conventional wrist. It is not the best choice for free recoil though.

 

[Forum Boss]

Ackley,
I just tried out a thumbhole stock built by a local shooter. Similar to the Shehane thumbhole, but he had carved a deep relief for the right thumb on the left side of the grip area. About 3/4" wide, 3/8" deep and 1" long. Wow, what a difference. It was extremely comfortable and it located the hand very precisely and positively. I'll see if I can get a photo in a couple days.

 

[AckleyImproved]

Excellent, but what do you think about a thumbhole for long range work? 600yd/1000yd? Clearly there is not very many of these in the winning circle. So what is the disadvantage of them over a standard configuration stock at these distances?


Ackley Improved

 

[KHGS]

Technically I do not believe there is any advantage in one over the other, except in the user's mind, if it works for you, go with it,either one) I build both for my customers, but most go with the non thumbhole, as I use myself.
Keith H

 

[billsaccuracy]

Have shot many styles of Thumbholes stocks. Most of the older style stocks were set to be held. this limited the tracking of the stock. Have seen Ted Perrico win a few big shoots with a Lee 6 thumbhole stock, doing a squeeze on the rear bag. This requires a great deal of concentration to keep the pressure the same and hold the entire time of the gun movement. One of the newer stocks will track has proper drop on the rear. Makes free recoil a little easier to do. One of the good points of a thumbhole stock was better grip for carry to and from the line. Would suggest you look the other points of the stock, as to tracking abilities for the style shooting you will be doing. Good luck, I hope this helps. Bill Truitt

 

[6Dasher]

Hi,

The fact there is a hole does not mean you have to use it all the time If you want to grip while shooting a heavier caliber or from a bipod, then a thumbhole would be nice. If you're going to shoot BR the next weekend you can shoot free recoil.