Why Opt for an Upgrade to Your Savage 93R17’s Stock?
Factory Stock Limitations
The Savage 93R17 has earned its place as a favorite among rimfire enthusiasts and varmint hunters. Known for its accuracy, affordable price point, and chambering in the effective .17 HMR cartridge, it’s a rifle that delivers consistent performance. However, like any mass-produced firearm, there’s always room for improvement. One of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your Savage 93R17 is replacing the factory stock with a quality aftermarket option. And when it comes to aftermarket stocks, Boyd’s Stocks consistently ranks high. This article will delve into the benefits of fitting a Boyd’s stock to your Savage 93R17, providing you with insights into enhanced accuracy, improved ergonomics, and the ability to personalize your rifle.
Advantages of an Upgraded Stock
The stock is a crucial component of any firearm. It directly impacts how a rifle feels, how well it points, and ultimately, how accurately you can shoot it. The stock, in essence, is the foundation upon which the entire shooting experience is built. But factory stocks, while functional, often have limitations that can hinder performance.
Most factory stocks on the Savage 93R17 are manufactured from injection-molded plastic or a similar polymer composite. These materials are chosen for their cost-effectiveness and ease of production. However, they often lack the rigidity and stability of higher-quality materials like wood or more robust composites. This inherent flexibility can lead to vibrations during firing, which negatively affect accuracy. Any movement or flex in the stock can slightly alter the rifle’s point of impact with each shot, making it difficult to achieve tight groupings.
Furthermore, the ergonomics of a factory stock are not always ideal for every shooter. The length of pull (the distance from the trigger to the rear of the stock), the comb height (where your cheek rests), and the pistol grip angle can all vary and may not perfectly fit your body and shooting style. This can force you to contort your body to get a comfortable and consistent cheek weld, which is essential for accurate shot placement. Poor ergonomics can also lead to fatigue, making it difficult to maintain focus and control, particularly during extended shooting sessions.
Upgrading to an aftermarket stock, especially a Boyd’s stock for your Savage 93R17, offers a range of advantages that directly address these limitations.
Firstly, a well-designed and properly fitted stock significantly improves accuracy. Stiffer materials like wood or laminated wood, used in most Boyd’s stocks, minimize the flex present in factory plastic stocks. This enhanced stability reduces vibrations and provides a more consistent platform for the barrel. Additionally, higher-quality stocks often feature better bedding, where the action (the internal mechanism of the rifle) fits into the stock. Precise bedding ensures a uniform and secure connection between the action and the stock, promoting consistent shot-to-shot performance.
Secondly, an upgrade enhances ergonomics. Boyd’s stocks are available in various styles with different features designed to improve the shooter’s experience. These stocks often offer adjustable features, such as adjustable cheek pieces, that allows for a tailored fit, ensuring proper eye alignment with the scope. Proper eye alignment is a critical part of quick and accurate target acquisition. The feel of the stock, from the pistol grip to the forend, contributes to a more comfortable and secure grip, which allows you to maintain better control over the rifle. This enhanced comfort translates to reduced fatigue and allows you to concentrate more fully on your shooting, ultimately improving your accuracy and enjoyment.
Finally, an aftermarket stock adds a touch of personalization and aesthetic appeal. You can choose from a range of wood types, finishes, and colors that match your individual preferences. This ability to customize the look of your rifle allows you to create a firearm that is unique and a source of pride.
Boyd’s Stocks: A Standout Choice
Company Overview
When exploring aftermarket stock options for your Savage 93R17, Boyd’s Stocks consistently emerges as a leading contender. Their reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and value is well-deserved.
Boyd’s, a company with a strong history in the firearms industry, has cultivated a legacy built on quality and a commitment to offering shooters a wide selection of options. They manufacture their stocks in the United States and have been supplying shooters with durable, good-looking, and practical stocks for a variety of rifles, including, of course, the Savage 93R17, for many years. Their attention to detail and constant innovation have made them a preferred choice among shooters of various skill levels.
Key Features of Boyd’s Stocks
Boyd’s stocks stand out due to a combination of key features that enhance both the performance and appearance of your rifle.
One of the most significant is the variety of materials used. Boyd’s offers stocks crafted from different types of wood, including select hardwoods and laminated wood. Laminated wood, created by bonding layers of wood together, offers exceptional stability, resistance to warping, and a visually appealing aesthetic. Boyd’s uses quality wood and carefully selected and finished, leading to a beautiful stock with high durability.
The company provides an extensive range of finishes and colors to suit a wide variety of tastes. From classic oil finishes that enhance the natural beauty of the wood to durable, weather-resistant coatings in a vast array of colors, you can personalize your stock to match your shooting style and personal taste. This customization goes beyond mere aesthetics. The right finish can enhance the stock’s durability, protecting it from the elements and wear and tear.
Boyd’s offers a comprehensive selection of stock styles, each designed for specific shooting applications. Whether you’re varmint hunting, target shooting, or simply looking for a comfortable all-around option, there is a Boyd’s stock to suit your needs. Styles range from classic designs to modern configurations with adjustable features.
Furthermore, Boyd’s stocks are precisely inletted. Inletting is the process of creating the specific internal contours of the stock to receive the rifle’s action and barrel. Boyd’s inletting is performed with precision, ensuring a near-perfect fit for your Savage 93R17. This precise fit eliminates any unnecessary stress on the action and barrel, which can negatively affect accuracy.
Some Boyd’s stock models are designed with bedding capabilities. Bedding refers to the process of using a material (often epoxy) to create a tight, customized fit between the rifle action and the stock. Bedding ensures that the action sits in the stock in a secure and stress-free manner, which greatly improves accuracy and consistency. The result is a rifle that is more likely to consistently hit its point of aim.
The Benefits of a Boyd’s Stock for Your Savage 93R17 in Action
Accuracy Improvements
The advantages of a Boyd’s stock on a Savage 93R17 go beyond aesthetics; they directly impact how your rifle performs.
One of the most compelling benefits is the improvement in accuracy. The combination of a stiffer stock material, precise inletting, and often bedding (depending on the specific model you choose) creates a more stable platform for the barrel and action. This enhanced stability minimizes vibrations that can throw off the bullet’s trajectory. The result? Tighter groupings and a greater probability of hitting your target at extended ranges.
Ergonomic Advantages
The ergonomic advantages also contribute significantly to improved accuracy. A stock that fits you properly allows for a comfortable and repeatable shooting position. This means you can acquire your target quickly and maintain a consistent sight picture. The enhanced cheek weld provided by a well-designed stock promotes proper eye alignment with your scope, minimizing parallax error and increasing the likelihood of accurate shot placement. The ability to comfortably shoulder the rifle promotes a more relaxed shooting posture, which reduces fatigue and enhances your ability to maintain focus on the target.
Aesthetic Customization
Furthermore, a Boyd’s stock opens up a world of customization options. You can select the wood type, finish, and stock style that best reflects your individual preferences. This personalization transforms your rifle into an extension of your own style. Choosing a stock that you find aesthetically pleasing can enhance your enjoyment of the shooting experience, making you even more eager to get out on the range.
Making the Right Choice: Selecting the Ideal Boyd’s Stock for your Savage 93R17
Understanding Stock Styles
Selecting the right Boyd’s stock for your Savage 93R17 is a worthwhile investment in your rifle’s performance and your shooting enjoyment. A bit of pre-purchase research will significantly impact the results.
Understanding the available stock styles is the first step. Boyd’s offers a range of styles, each with its own unique characteristics and intended use. For example, the Pro Varmint stock is designed for varmint hunting and offers a high comb and a wide forend for stability. The At-One stock features an adjustable length of pull and comb height for maximum customization. Knowing how you intend to use your rifle is crucial. Are you primarily varmint hunting? Then the Pro Varmint might be the best. Are you a target shooter who wants ultimate adjustability? Then the At-One might be a good choice.
Wood Type and Finish
The wood type and finish of the stock should also be carefully considered. Laminated wood offers exceptional stability and durability, while also providing attractive visual patterns. Solid hardwoods, such as walnut, can provide a classic and elegant look. The finish protects the wood and also influences the aesthetics. Options such as oil finishes highlight the natural beauty of the wood, while more durable synthetic finishes offer greater protection from the elements.
Fit and Installation
Ensuring that the stock fits your Savage 93R17 model is paramount. Boyd’s stocks are designed to fit a variety of rifle models. Double-check that the stock is specifically designed for your exact Savage 93R17 configuration (e.g., short action, specific bolt release). The stock should fit seamlessly, allowing you to easily install your action and barrel. If you are not comfortable with the installation process, most gunsmiths are experienced in installing these upgrades.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation
While installation of a Boyd’s stock is typically straightforward, a few guidelines will help you along the way.
In most cases, installation is a drop-in process. You’ll typically remove the old stock from your Savage 93R17 by unscrewing the action screws and removing the action from the factory stock.
Next, you’ll place the action into the Boyd’s stock and secure it with the provided action screws. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage the stock or the action. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tools and Care
The tools needed for installation are usually minimal, including screwdrivers that fit the action screws. The proper size and shape are critical, so as not to damage the screws or the stock.
Caring for your new wood stock will keep it beautiful and effective for many years to come. Clean it after shooting to remove any residue or oils. Applying a protective wood finish, like a wax or oil, will protect against the elements and minor wear.
Cost and Value
Pricing and Investment
Considering the cost of a Boyd’s stock, you should analyze its long-term benefits and overall value. The cost of a Boyd’s stock can vary, but it’s typically an affordable upgrade. When compared to the potential for accuracy improvements, enhanced ergonomics, and the customization options available, the return on investment is significant.
Benefits of Investment
Consider the improvement in accuracy. Tighter groupings mean more consistent hits on the target, which translates to more enjoyment and, for some, improved hunting success. The enhanced ergonomics create a more comfortable and enjoyable shooting experience. The ability to personalize the look of your rifle adds a layer of satisfaction. The potential resale value of your rifle with the upgrade will also be increased.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Savage 93R17 with a Boyd’s stock is a wise decision for any shooter seeking to enhance accuracy, improve ergonomics, and add a personal touch to their rifle. Boyd’s stocks offer a blend of quality, craftsmanship, and value that make them a premier choice for Savage 93R17 owners. From the selection of different stock styles and finishes to their ease of installation and affordable price, Boyd’s offers solutions that enhance shooting enjoyment and improve shooting performance.
Take the next step. Research the Boyd’s stock options available for your Savage 93R17. Consider how you shoot, what feels comfortable, and the look you desire. Select the stock that meets your needs. You’ll be joining a community of shooters who are enjoying more accurate, comfortable, and stylish shooting experiences.
