Foundation stocks with large magnums

[Kspence49]

Hello all, I’ve recently been turned on to foundation stocks and am currently fighting the urge to convert all my fiberglass stocks over to micarta. My main hunting rifle is a 338 lapua magnum that weighs 8lb 10oz sans scope. It’s currently in a McMillan A5 but am considering dropping it in a revelation due to the “recoil soaking” properties of micarta. The revelation will add about 1.5lbs to my rifle, I don’t want to jump all the way to the genesis because it’s still a hunting rifle so I need to be able to carry it. The recoil is much more manageable than people thing with proper body mass behind it and especially with adrenaline, I’ve watched animals fall in the scope at 400-500. That being said, it isn’t the *most* enjoyable range range rifle, especially when trying to be super relaxed while grouping etc. Does anyone who has some experience think the $1300 spent on the revelation would pay dividends or would it not be enough of an improvement to justify the cost? I must say I’m a bit smitten by the way they look and feel as well, but I’m trying not to let that influence me too much.

 

[kthomas]

If you're looking for recoil benefits between the A5 and Foundation, I personally don't think it's a $1300 difference.

The biggest difference is observed between something like an MPA chassis (tuning fork) and a Foundation. An A5 vs Foundation not so much.

If you want the Foundation, by all means get it. The heart wants what the heart wants. But I don't think the recoil difference is really perceptible, unless compared to an all metal chassis.

 

[Kspence49]

If you're looking for recoil benefits between the A5 and Foundation, I personally don't think it's a $1300 difference.

The biggest difference is observed between something like an MPA chassis (tuning fork) and a Foundation. An A5 vs Foundation not so much.

If you want the Foundation, by all means get it. The heart wants what the heart wants. But I don't think the recoil difference is really perceptible, unless compared to an all metal chassis.

I think you’re probably right. I’m trying to justify it some other way but I think it’s purely aesthetics haha. Like you said, the heart wants what it wants haha.

 

[kthomas]

I think you’re probably right. I’m trying to justify it some other way but I think it’s purely aesthetics haha. Like you said, the heart wants what it wants haha.

And there's nothing wrong with that, if you want a Foundation, try it out. See if it's for you.

 

[Islas82]

Am currently using a MG2 on a 7 PRC build, am not comparing the recoil impulse of it to a .338LM of course but it is my first magnum caliber. The foundation works really well at absorbing the recoil and I do feel like it’s just a bit more “dead” than the manners stocks I have shot in the past and definitely more enjoyable than an aluminum chassis.

 

[Rust]

McMillan offers several weights of fill for their stocks, call them and see what the weight difference would be.

 

[Barelstroker]

Hello all, I’ve recently been turned on to foundation stocks and am currently fighting the urge to convert all my fiberglass stocks over to micarta. My main hunting rifle is a 338 lapua magnum that weighs 8lb 10oz sans scope. It’s currently in a McMillan A5 but am considering dropping it in a revelation due to the “recoil soaking” properties of micarta. The revelation will add about 1.5lbs to my rifle, I don’t want to jump all the way to the genesis because it’s still a hunting rifle so I need to be able to carry it. The recoil is much more manageable than people thing with proper body mass behind it and especially with adrenaline, I’ve watched animals fall in the scope at 400-500. That being said, it isn’t the *most* enjoyable range range rifle, especially when trying to be super relaxed while grouping etc. Does anyone who has some experience think the $1300 spent on the revelation would pay dividends or would it not be enough of an improvement to justify the cost? I must say I’m a bit smitten by the way they look and feel as well, but I’m trying not to let that influence me too much.

Although I've read a lot of opinions about the recoil absorbing properties of the micarta stocks, I kinda have to agree with Kthomas on this one.
Since the stock you're currently running on the 338 Lap is an excellent stock, maybe you should consider an upgraded recoil pad.
I've heard the "Backfire" recoil pads are very good. They are supposedly custom designed for the particular rifle & cartridge specified.
It would be interesting to see what you thought about how effective those pads are for recoil mitigation.

 

[st1650]

My heavy 7 SAUM sports a Foundation stock and also have a Backfire recoil pad on my lightweight 7 SAW. Neither of these ”soak” recoil that much compared to your typical heavy aluminum chassis / Pachmayr Pad.
I wouldn’t sell an A5 stock at loss to buy a foundation at full price unless you really like the look or the ergos.

A more aggressive muzzle brake might be a better investment but then again I hunt with ear pro when I shoot super sonics and not everyone do.

Or sell that 338 and get on the 7mm train.

 

[Barelstroker]

My heavy 7 SAUM sports a Foundation stock and also have a Backfire recoil pad on my lightweight 7 SAW. Neither of these ”soak” recoil that much compared to your typical heavy aluminum chassis / Pachmayr Pad.
I wouldn’t sell an A5 stock at loss to buy a foundation at full price unless you really like the look or the ergos.

A more aggressive muzzle brake might be a better investment but then again I hunt with ear pro when I shoot super sonics and not everyone do.

Or sell that 338 and get on the 7mm train.

So what are your thoughts on the Backfire Pad?
I wouldn't expect miracles but, just wondering if the custom design makes a significant difference?