Another Choate Tactical stock review

TOP PREDATOR · Nov 12, 2013

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I chose a Choate Tactical stock for a SA Rem 700 when it came to a budget build as it has several nice features and functionality for a relatively low price. Comes in SA and LA, BDL and ADL style. As I was to add a detachable magazine system, I chose a BDL model (hinge floorplate) to convert my ADL (blind mag) rifle.

Some of the features of the stock (from the Choate website and other sources):

Approx weight 3 lb 12 oz. (in my opinion, it felt lighter than I expected considering the girth of the stock. Pictures have a pack of 100’s cigarette pack for scale). The stock is moulded from an synthethic material from DuPont Rynite 80/20 blend of polypropylene and fiberglass wrapped around a full length aluminum bedding block.

Adjustable spacer system to adjust the length of pull adjustable from 12-1/2” to 13-1/2” (true, and if the blocks are reversed 180 degrees, creates a different contour for your shoulder. 2 blocks per stock, additional ones can be added for the long armed). Overall length 32-3/4”.

Full length bedding block (true, a very clean drop in installation, block runs from the action through the entire length of the forstock. A “V” cut self centers action, installation didn’t require any further modifications – truly a drop in fit. Recoil lug fits snugly against the block, with enough area forward for bedding material if desired).

Rail on bottom of forend to attach a bipod (true, able to adjust the length of where the bipod is mounted either forward or rearward, sort of an Anschutz style. Clamping pressure of bipod is the only thing that keeps the bipod attachment in place. There are holes that mount the rail to the aluminum bedding block that can be utilized for a permanent sling swivel)

Forward sling swivels on both sides. (true front and rear, they spin to create a good change in carry positions without binding up your sling) Though I found that if you choose to use a cheek / stock pack, you essentially eliminate use of the rear side swivels and will have to add one to the bottom for a more conventional carry.

Other features that I found interesting is that the grip cap can be removed to reveal a cavity to add weight if desired. The stock has a butt hook design to better “ride” a bag, along with the round beaver tail / flared forestock. I’d prefer the hook to be positioned a little more rearward, but still is functional where it is located.

more below...

TOP PREDATOR · Nov 12, 2013

The barrel channel is super huge, should be able to accept the largest of barrels with further opening and creates a true free floated barrel, advertised to [FONT=&amp]accept a barrel diameter of up to 11/4"[/FONT]. The grip is very large, perhaps a bit too large for small handed shooters, and the grip angle is satisfactory and felt comfortable.

The finish of the stock could possibly be a little better, though lightly textured there are noticeable sharp moulding lines, but then again, this is a relatively low price stock. Just an aesthetic thing, it’s nothing to prevent functionality.

As I was doing an ADL to BDL conversion with aftermarket DBM, I can’t talk to if the original action screws are of proper length to be reused. The stock was for me was comfortable from all shooting positions, though using a 1 piece 20 moa scope base rose the optic a little higher than expected and I added a stock pack for additional comb height. I don’t know if it would be a proper height without further modification with lower conventional bases / rings. There are also risers that can be bought and added to raise comb height if needed.

Several other add ons are available including an adjustable butt plate and comb riser which is part of their “custom tactical” package. There are different bipod adapters that can be added, along with a rear “monopod” that can be added via drop in installation into the grip cavity under the cap.

For predator / hog / night hunting, using a sling swivel to picatinny rail adapter, light or other pic rail accessories can be mounted to either side or bottom easily, though the girth of the stock probably wouldn’t be optimum for stalking hunting purposes IMO.

Though constantly compared to Bell and Carlson’s medalist stock, I can’t speak to those comparisons.

All in all the Choate Tactical stock is an affordable stock upgrade that offers a lot of options - Accuracy was not adversely affected, though not really dramatically improved – but does offer a more consistent stable, comfortable, and adaptable platform over factory wood or synthetic stocks.

BTW (disclaimer) - The DIY or product review is not a paid endorsement or advertisement, nor have I any affiliation with the company or companies of any other product shown.

kish · Nov 12, 2013

Just ordered one for a savage build after reading your review I am glad I did

clayne_b · Nov 12, 2013

Looks good man.

GlockBlock · Nov 12, 2013

Where did you order it from?

TOP PREDATOR · Nov 13, 2013

midway had them in august @ 109.00, now they are like 190.00.

tactical works has them for 225.00 with the M5 & CDI inletting already done, which is not a bad deal if your putting in DBM.

taking a peek at the Choate & the BC medalist, looks like the prices on both have gone up everywhere since then.

GlockBlock · Nov 13, 2013

This one looked interesting but still doesn't look like what I am seeking. For the reputation and value of B&C I ordered one of their M40 patterns this morning from stockys.

Their tan w/ black webbing was actually in stock! I was shocked.

danish1911 · Nov 13, 2013

I've got two of these and think they're great. The bipod mount sucks so I ground the sling stud off, drilled/thread two holes, and put a small piece of rail on it. When it's slid on the Allen screws are tightened and hold everything in place....

Ring · Nov 18, 2013

personally, i think the Vblock is better than the B&C bed block... but the B&C look nicer, and are lighter

DRAGON64 · Dec 1, 2013

Missed getting one of these stocks this past weekend for my SPS Tactical... but I will get one soon enough.

broncoaz · Dec 1, 2013

I purchased one of these stocks for my 700 recently and share similar thoughts to those of TOP PREDATOR. One of the major factors that influenced my selection was that it is available in left hand. I did have an issue with the front screw being too long. The front screw was interfering with the lower bolt lug, the trigger guard seemed like it was further into the bottom of the stock than it should be. I shimmed it out with a small washer on both front and rear screws, now it is fine. I haven't shot it with the new stock yet, but it does feel light years ahead of the plastic junk Remington shipped the rifle with.

TP, which optic is that mounted on your rifle?

TOP PREDATOR · Dec 1, 2013

i'm afraid to say as i know the judgement will come down.....

....it's a BSA tactical midway usa special, got it last year for 109.00 cyber monday special for something to put on the rifle - actually, it's not that bad so far, just waiting / expecting for it to break as every other BSA i've ever had did. only have 250 rounds through the rifle (.243), it still tracks and is pretty clear up to 20ish. for plinking casually at steel, it's serving it's purpose though.

i meant to put up a review of it, it's actually not that a bad of scope to mount if itching to shoot but don't have enough coin for something more customarily dependable. took me a while to mount and shoot it, perhaps it's time to post up an objective review, and wait for flaming.

broncoaz · Dec 1, 2013

If it works then don't knock it. I thought the turrets looked like something SWFA, I was curious because I just ordered the SS 3-15 for mine.

SFC Carpentier jr · Dec 1, 2013

I have one of these stocks on my Savage 223. A good stock for the price.

DRAGON64 · Dec 6, 2013

So I was browsing the Choate website, riflestocks.com, and found this accessory for the tactical stock that screws into the bottom of the pistol grip... may explain why the grip has so much girth:

Choate Machine & Tool - Tactical Stock Elevation Knob Kit - Product Details

They also have an easy install cheek rest: Choate Machine & Tool - Standard Cheek Piece - Product Details

Reasonably priced accessories for simple upgrades to the current stock.

EL34 · Dec 9, 2013

I have one of the Ultimate Varmint stocks on a budget Savage .223, not the best stock in the world, but certainly not the worst either. Combat Stocks has the Tactical for $210 delivered, if you happen to be looking for one.

broncoaz · Dec 9, 2013

I am having a minor issue with mine. The bolt release is not activating enough to release the bolt when the action is installed in the stock. I haven't taken the time to see exactly what is happening but I assume it is something I can clearance to work. I did have to shim the trigger guard down with a washer on each screw to get the front screw to clear the bolt lug, but I had the issue with the bolt release not functioning before I did that.

downhill · Dec 10, 2013

I've got a Rem 700 ADL 243 in one . Only real complaint was the oversized grip area. But other than that well worth the price.

blades · Dec 10, 2013

I have one of these on a LA savage .300 wm I like it. I was wanting a manners t5a I was wondering if the $5-600 difference was really worth it? I would have to get it pillar bedded which is $65 through manners. Do you guys think it would be worth it vs the Choate?

DRAGON64 · Dec 11, 2013

My Choate Tactical is do to arrive tomorrow, but I won't get a chance to play until this weekend... looking forward to it!

Ozarkcop · Dec 12, 2013

I live about 30 minutes from the Choate Factory and have visited it a few times. Great bunch of guys and they will take care of you. I have Three of there stocks and they work great. They are heavy but not any heavier than my b&c and I feel they are just as good if not better. After shooting them for a while you grow to love the huge ass grip. If you can swing the price the custom tactical stock is pretty awsome looking but the standard tactical will do anything it will do for a whole lot less cash.

DRAGON64 · Dec 12, 2013

My Choate Tactical is here... I must say, that I thought it would be bigger... It is quite nice, with just a few rough edges (burrs on the bedding block). The palm swell is nice, and the large grip fits my hand nicely. I won't get to marry up to the action till tomorrow night or later this weekend. I'll get some pics when we have some day light.

VJJPunisher · Dec 12, 2013

looks like alot better stock than the "plaster disaster" days

DRAGON64 · Dec 29, 2013

I managed some photo time with the new Choate stock...

The red cap is a mil-spec connector cap that fir the varmint contour nicely...

I have not had a chance to start the break in of the new action... weather here has been a bit wet!

So far I have no complaints about fit or finish... I hope the same can be said for accuracy... Not worried though!

broncoaz · Dec 29, 2013

broncoaz said:
I am having a minor issue with mine. The bolt release is not activating enough to release the bolt when the action is installed in the stock. I haven't taken the time to see exactly what is happening but I assume it is something I can clearance to work. I did have to shim the trigger guard down with a washer on each screw to get the front screw to clear the bolt lug, but I had the issue with the bolt release not functioning before I did that.

I took another look at the stock last night and solved the bolt release issue. There was some plastic in front of the rear V block that was causing the bolt release lever to bind, some trimming with an exacto knife and it works fine now. Another observation: I have had the action out of the stock numerous times while adjusting things, enough that there is a visible wear pattern on the bottom of the action. The marks are even all the way across where the action sits in the V blocks, which suggests the fit is good and no additional bedding is required. I just bedded my Badger 20 MOA rail last night, so the scope will be mounted tonight and I can hit the range.

Armordude · Mar 28, 2014

TP

What bottom metal did you use, a Badger Od? Where is the best place/price for that.

I just got the same LH Choate for my Rem 700 SPS Varmint. Looks good but have not shoot it yet as I need to load some ammo for it.

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