When it comes to upgrading a rifle’s performance, one of the most popular and affordable options is replacing the stock. Among the top choices for aftermarket stocks is Boyds, a well-known name in the firearms community. Shooters often ask whether Boyds stocks are bedded, since bedding plays a significant role in achieving optimal accuracy and consistency. Understanding the relationship between Boyds stocks and bedding can help you make an informed decision when customizing your rifle. Whether you’re a precision shooter, hunter, or weekend range enthusiast, it’s essential to know what to expect from a Boyds stock in terms of bedding and performance enhancements.
Understanding Bedding in Rifle Stocks
Bedding is the process of creating a precise and stable interface between a rifle’s action and its stock. A properly bedded action prevents unwanted movement and ensures the action returns to the same position after each shot. This contributes significantly to consistent accuracy and shot placement. There are different types of bedding methods:
- Glass Bedding: A process using epoxy resin to mold a perfect fit between the action and the stock.
- Pillar Bedding: Uses aluminum or steel pillars installed around the action screws to maintain even torque.
- Full-Length Bedding: Beds the entire length of the action, sometimes including the recoil lug and tang.
- Spot Bedding: Supports only key pressure points, such as the recoil lug or front action screw area.
Each method has its purpose and benefits depending on the rifle type, stock material, and intended use. Bedding is most crucial for long-range accuracy and rifles with high recoil.
Are Boyds Stocks Pre-Bedded?
Boyds stocks do not come glass bedded or pillar bedded from the factory. They are precision inletted using CNC machining for a close fit to the specified action. This ensures a solid, snug interface between the stock and action. However, this does not replace a true bedding job. The stock may fit well enough to function accurately, but for shooters seeking sub-MOA performance, adding bedding may still be necessary.
It’s important to note that Boyds intentionally leaves their stocks slightly oversize in certain areas to allow for minor variations in different rifle actions. While this ensures compatibility with a wide range of models, it also means there may be small gaps that could benefit from a bedding job. These tolerances are not flaws but rather a way to accommodate factory variances across rifle manufacturers.
Why Boyds Stocks Are Popular
Boyds has gained a loyal following due to the affordability, quality, and wide customization options available. Their hardwood laminate stocks come in various styles and colors, and are known for their durability and stability in various weather conditions. Here are some reasons shooters choose Boyds:
- Affordability: Compared to custom stocks, Boyds offers significant value.
- Customization: Numerous shape, finish, and accessory options available.
- Fit: CNC-machined inlets closely match factory actions.
- Material: Laminated hardwood resists warping better than standard wood stocks.
Boyds offers stocks for nearly every major rifle brand and model, making them a versatile choice for nearly any shooting discipline.
Should You Bed a Boyds Stock?
While Boyds stocks are designed for a good out-of-the-box fit, many experienced shooters opt to bed them for enhanced accuracy and repeatability. Bedding helps eliminate micro-movements between the action and stock that can affect consistency. Here’s when bedding might be a good idea:
- Long-Range Shooting: Small inconsistencies are amplified at longer distances.
- Heavy Recoil Rifles: Recoil can shift the action slightly unless firmly bedded.
- Variable Environments: Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can affect stock-to-action fit.
- Maximizing Accuracy: If you’re seeking tight groupings and peak performance.
For hunters and casual shooters, bedding might not be necessary unless you’re trying to tighten group sizes significantly. But for competitive or precision shooters, bedding a Boyds stock can offer noticeable improvement.
How to Bed a Boyds Stock
Bedding a Boyds stock typically involves glass bedding, pillar bedding, or both. Some shooters choose to do it themselves, while others hire a professional gunsmith. The most common DIY approach includes:
- Installing aluminum pillars to ensure consistent screw pressure and avoid stock compression over time.
- Applying bedding compound (like Acraglas or Devcon) around the recoil lug and action area.
- Free-floating the barrel to avoid stock interference during barrel harmonics.
- Using release agent on the action to prevent the bedding compound from bonding permanently.
Once properly bedded, your Boyds stock will have a permanent custom fit to your action, which improves performance and can potentially extend the life of the rifle setup.
Boyds AccuBlock Stocks
Boyds also offers a special bedding option known as the AccuBlock system on select stocks. This system integrates an aluminum bedding block into the stock, designed to provide a more stable bedding platform without needing full glass bedding. While not standard on all models, the AccuBlock is an excellent option for those looking for enhanced stability without the complexity of a full bedding job.
It’s worth checking if your selected Boyds stock is available with AccuBlock, as it combines the rigidity of a bedding block with the affordability and appeal of a laminate stock.
Final Considerations for Boyds Stocks and Bedding
Boyds stocks are not bedded in the traditional sense when shipped from the factory. However, their precise inletting and tight tolerances make them usable right out of the box for most shooters. If you demand the highest level of accuracy or are experiencing shifting points of impact, adding a proper bedding job can help resolve those issues. When properly bedded, a Boyds stock can perform similarly to much more expensive custom setups.
Whether or not you need to bed a Boyds stock ultimately depends on your goals. Hunters, recreational shooters, and many target shooters will find the performance sufficient without bedding. On the other hand, precision shooters and competition marksmen will benefit from the improved consistency and accuracy that bedding can provide.
To summarize, Boyds stocks are not bedded from the factory, but they offer precise inletting that provides a close fit for most rifle actions. While bedding is not required, it can enhance performance, especially in demanding shooting conditions. For those who want to get the most out of their rifle, adding bedding to a Boyds stock can be a worthwhile investment. With proper installation, bedding turns a good stock into a highly stable and consistent shooting platform helping you achieve the accuracy your rifle is capable of.