Trying to determine what stock to order for a Howa Mini 6.5 Grendel HB barreled action. (Not yet ordered) I understand from my reading here that the factory stock leaves much to be desired so I am asking for information. Going to use the rifle for NRA HP Metallic Silhouette competition. Generally speaking need an stock not to exceed ~2.5 lbs. and with as high of a comb as possible. Cost is a factor. From what I am seeing to this point a Bell and Carlson or a walnut Boyd's Prairie Hunter are my best options.
Your suggestions and opinions are welcome...
Thanks!
And this is my first post here. Seems like a great place to learn.
I replied to your PM also. I've had the prairie hunter, for me it was a bit too blocky and you might need to re-center the barrel in the groove.
In B&C you'd want to get the M40 version if youhave the howa HB, that barrel channel can take HB but the regular stock is only for the #2 style thin barrels.
I don't know what the prairie hunter runs nowadays but even though it might look a bit less expensive you may wind up spending just as much on it, doing that "minor inletting/fitting" they always talk about (plus changing out the cheap-o bottom plastic...). the B&C's run about $320. No inletting/fiddling to speak of. Fit up of the bottom plastic/metal is typically good on the B&C they worked hard on that. Still might want to do the metal conversion there, however. DIP-Inc, Oregunsmithing, hokeypokey-kid, (Jefferson-something), these last 2 are on the forum, or used to be anyways.
If you have some AR lower parts on hand a chassis can be had on sale for ~300.
Howa's grendel is a good shootin' rifle.
"Down the floor, out the door, Go Brandon Go!!!!!"
I have the B&C M40 and it works nicely. Depending upon your scope rings you may need a cheek riser (Kydex cheek riser or buttstock cover with cheek rest) with this stock.
Your biggest question is "Do you need your rifle to feed reliably?" The Howa factory magazines are POS compared to other polymer magazines, and unfortunately there are no aftermarket magazines. For some people the factory mags work fine and for others it is hit or miss on reliability. Others have bought several extra magazines just to identify a few magazines that work and properly feeding all of the rounds in the magazine. As a result I replaced the bottom metal and factory magazines with Oregunsmith's internal blind magazine/bottom metal.
If you need to shoot multiple-shot strings rapidly (not single-shot) then I would be tempted to use another bolt rifle, such as Ruger American or other standard short action, or if possible go with a AR15 platform. Do a search on the Magazine Failure issue because it may affect your plans for using it in competition.
If cost is a factor go with Boyd's but be prepared to bed it for best fit and accuracy,
the Bell and Carlson m40 stock would be my first choice if you need a good solution with minimal fuss.
I second Oso's comment on the factory magazines, they are marginal.
01-25-2022, 03:59 PM (This post was last modified: 01-25-2022, 04:28 PM by Harpoon1.)
1Merlin Wrote:Are the Bell and Carlson stocks solid or filled?
I dont think so but they feel like it, at least to me.
Boyds Pro Varmint with or without adjustable comb, in walnut or laminate. Adjustable might be over your 2.5 lbs limit though.
FWIW, if you order the B&C over the phone, you can request a custom LOP.
Boyds used to sell these through Brownells, I dont see them on their website anymore. Not sure what the model is, Im happy with it, everything dropped right in, no inletting required, I just think all Boyds stocks are overbuilt and could go on a diet!
01-25-2022, 05:12 PM (This post was last modified: 01-25-2022, 05:22 PM by Harpoon1.)
Its a Boyds stock sold through Brownells for the Howa Mini HB. I looked earlier and I dont see it listed on the Brownells website anymore, and I dont know what the specific Boyds model is. If I had to guess, I think its the Heritage model.
Weighs right at 2 1/2 lbs with that little piece of aluminum pic rail.
The B&C are solid stocks, not air filled.
It's some kind of fiberglass/kevlar something like that.
With an aluminum bedding center running all the way through.
"Down the floor, out the door, Go Brandon Go!!!!!"
01-25-2022, 06:45 PM (This post was last modified: 01-25-2022, 06:49 PM by Old Bob.)
I have an Oregunsmithing Pendleton stock on my Howa mini with DIP, Inc aluminum bottom metal. The Pendleton stock was a little disappointing. The heavy Howa barrel didn't fit in the stock. I had to sand the channel until the barrel was a free-float fit. It took me about a half hour. Also, when the stock screws are torqued to 55 inch lbs, the barrel & action tend to lean to the left. If I put a wedge between the barrel & the stock to push things to the right before tightening, the action will sit centered in the stock. I guess I'm gonna eventually glass bed it so it always centers whenever I have to remove & reinstall the action. I like the stock. It fits me well. When I pick up the rifle & shoulder it, my eyeball is perfectly lined up with my scope mounted in low rings.
I replaced the floor plates on my Howa magazines with the aluminum floor plates from DIP. It's not to improve functioning but to make them a tad sturdier. If a full mag were accidentally dropped on a hard surface, they are less likely to crack. I've had no problems with the Howa mags. I have 4 & they all function well.
I refuse to be victimized by notions of virtuous behavior.
Old Bob Wrote:I have an Oregunsmithing Pendleton stock on my Howa mini with DIP, Inc aluminum bottom metal. The Pendleton stock was a little disappointing. The heavy Howa barrel didn't fit in the stock. I had to sand the channel until the barrel was a free-float fit. It took me about a half hour. Also, when the stock screws are torqued to 55 inch lbs, the barrel & action tend to lean to the left. If I put a wedge between the barrel & the stock to push things to the right before tightening, the action will sit centered in the stock. I guess I'm gonna eventually glass bed it so it always centers whenever I have to remove & reinstall the action. I like the stock. It fits me well. When I pick up the rifle & shoulder it, my eyeball is perfectly lined up with my scope mounted in low rings.
I replaced the floor plates on my Howa magazines with the aluminum floor plates from DIP. It's not to improve functioning but to make them a tad sturdier. If a full mag were accidentally dropped on a hard surface, they are less likely to crack. I've had no problems with the Howa mags. I have 4 & they all function well.
I have a Pendleton stock as well and inquired to the torque for action screws. They recommend 35ft lbs. I am more accustomed to 50-55 but will follow the manufacturers recommendation. I have the 20" lightweight barrel and am lucky enough to be in the general area so was able to have them custom bed for the small barrel profile. So far, no complaints.
I have bell and carlson stocks on several other rifles and have liked most of them.
Owyhee H Wrote:I have a Pendleton stock as well and inquired to the torque for action screws. They recommend 35ft lbs. I am more accustomed to 50-55 but will follow the manufacturers recommendation. I have the 20" lightweight barrel and am lucky enough to be in the general area so was able to have them custom bed for the small barrel profile. So far, no complaints.
I have bell and carlson stocks on several other rifles and have liked most of them.
I believe the 35 inch lbs (Howa's spec) is for the original plastic bottom "metal." You should be able to easily torque DIP aluminum or Oregunsmithing's flat bottom metal up to 55 inch lbs.
I refuse to be victimized by notions of virtuous behavior.
Old Bob Wrote:I believe the 35 inch lbs (Howa's spec) is for the original plastic bottom "metal." You should be able to easily torque DIP aluminum or Oregunsmithing's flat bottom metal up to 55 inch lbs.
Im sure you can, but this was direct from Wayne after he put it together. His bottom metal too.
With metal bottom metal and a bell and carlson or any other stock with metal pillars or bedding block I go to 50-55ft lbs. Even with a couple of stocks that are solid epoxy, I use 50ft lbs. Seems light to go with 35 but there is an acceptable range.
Some people (I think especially with the ruger angled front screw) adjust their torque to tune their groups. I have never done this myself but try to consistently set the torque. Proper bedding should alleviate any potential changes due to torque.
Just pulled the trigger on the Bell and Carlson M40 style with another inch in the LoP. My barreled action get here tomorrow so looks like I will soon be ready to go. One thing I just thought of is action screws... Do they come with the rifle?
yes the screws come with the action. It will be an action, barrel, screws and bottom plastic (including trigger guard) all in one.
The M40 is a real good stock.
the screws use a torx if I recall.
"Down the floor, out the door, Go Brandon Go!!!!!"
1Merlin,
please check the Legacy/Howa faq. when I bought my mini1500 the owners manual said 55 in.lb. on the action screws. that broke the plastic bottom "metal" right away. They've since revised it to 25in.lbs. I've heard. SO go easy on those action screws or the ears split. just a heads up.
-tdbru
tdbru Wrote:1Merlin,
please check the Legacy/Howa faq. when I bought my mini1500 the owners manual said 55 in.lb. on the action screws. that broke the plastic bottom "metal" right away. They've since revised it to 25in.lbs. I've heard. SO go easy on those action screws or the ears split. just a heads up.
-tdbru
+1 on this. I had to replace my bottom plastic after following owners manual instructions to 55in.lb
PaulieV Wrote:+1 on this. I had to replace my bottom plastic after following owners manual instructions to 55in.lb
DITTO! I called Legacy when I broke the rear bolt hole on mine. The gunsmith there told me 35inch lbs for the plastic bottom. But now, maybe they've revised it to 25 inch lbs.
I refuse to be victimized by notions of virtuous behavior.
1Merlin Wrote:Trying to determine what stock to order for a Howa Mini 6.5 Grendel HB barreled action. (Not yet ordered) I understand from my reading here that the factory stock leaves much to be desired so I am asking for information. Going to use the rifle for NRA HP Metallic Silhouette competition. Generally speaking need an stock not to exceed ~2.5 lbs. and with as high of a comb as possible. Cost is a factor. From what I am seeing to this point a Bell and Carlson or a walnut Boyd's Prairie Hunter are my best options.
Your suggestions and opinions are welcome...
Thanks!
And this is my first post here. Seems like a great place to learn.
I am using the prairie hunter laminate left hand with Jefferson bottom metal and a heavy preferred barrel at 26 inch. Now I did do some shaving on the stock . But have no trouble makes weight. I am using h4895 and a 147 eld for rams, at 2440 fps.I do have a 1-7.5 twist though. You will like it ,It a hoot to shoot at Ridgway
