Hating on B&C Stocks...

Oddball Six

Oddball Six

Commander of Meh
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 2, 2010
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40°25′N, 104°43′W
#1
Recently I have seen a few threads which suggest that one has wasted money buying a quality rifle and bedding it into a B&C stock.

Is this based in fact, or just based on reputation?

Do any of you hae hands on experience to base this on?

I ask because I have had nothing but good experience with them and have another build under way, this will be my first in a Medalist A5 adjustable. Are there things I should be concerned about or is this simply brand preference rearing its ugly head?
 
#2
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

Just spent a bit of time this morning getting a B&C to fit a ruger, the action screw holes weren't located correctly, and the bottom metal was not square to or inline with the action inlet. You get what you pay for.
 
#5
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rhys</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just spent a bit of time this morning getting a B&C to fit a ruger, the action screw holes weren't located correctly, and the bottom metal was not square to or inline with the action inlet. You get what you pay for. </div></div>

Does B&C make a "Medalist" for Rugers?
I've only seen the cheaper grade "carbolite" models.

4-Fun
 
#6
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

My B&C A5 fully adjustable is a great stock and I really like it!

I'm thinkin that if the same exact stock was sold with the McMillan or Manners name on the box, the price would double and... the fanboys would be all over it.
 
#11
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

I had an adjustable one on a M700 and it fit well and functioned flawlessly. The stock is a little heavy...if my memory serves me right it weighed in right around 5 lbs but that was my only complaint. The quality in the one I owned was on par with any of the HS Precision stocks I have owned.

Steve
 
#12
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: djw442</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have two that are serving me well. Obviously if compared to McMillan or Manners they will come up short. </div></div>

Ok, thats what I hear. And thats all I hear.

<span style="font-style: italic">How</span> does it come up short?
 
#13
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oddball-Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: djw442</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have two that are serving me well. Obviously if compared to McMillan or Manners they will come up short. </div></div>

Ok, thats what I hear. And thats all I hear.

<span style="font-style: italic">How</span> does it come up short?</div></div>

1. Optional flush cups.

2. Inleted for AI mag DBM system of some type.

3. Molded Color.

4. I don't think you can park a truck on a B&C.

Use the extra money on ammo and it will even out the short comings of the B&C.

I have seen them shoot well, and I'm sure it will work fine.

Good Luck.
 
#14
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

Ive had 2 B&C stocks, both were worth every penny. Keep in mind that it is not fair to compare a $200-$500 stock with no wait time to a $650-$800 stock with 6 month wait time.

I guarantee you, a properly bedded B&C will shoot just as good as a properly bedded MCM or Manners.

Oh and numbers 2, 3 and 4 from the post above is just silly.

2. Anyone can inlet any stock for anything! It doesnt have to be the mannufacturer.

3. Manners doesnt have molded in colors, and they seem to do quite well. Dont get me wrong, Im a huge fan of molded color stocks, thats why I have a A5, but its not a deal breaker.

4. How many times have you parked a truck on your stock CAT5? Come on man, get serious with that elitest attitude.

Bottom line is..NOT everyone can afford or wants to spend that kind of money on a stock, for those, B&C offers a quality product for a very low price. A price almost too good to be true, but isnt.
 
#15
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CAT5</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oddball-Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: djw442</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have two that are serving me well. Obviously if compared to McMillan or Manners they will come up short. </div></div>

Ok, thats what I hear. And thats all I hear.

<span style="font-style: italic">How</span> does it come up short?</div></div>

1. Optional flush cups.

2. Inleted for AI mag DBM system of some type.

3. Molded Color.

4. I don't think you can park a truck on a B&C.

Use the extra money on ammo and it will even out the short comings of the B&C.

I have seen them shoot well, and I'm sure it will work fine.

Good Luck.
</div></div>

All good, but after you get a manners and Mcm, WHAT EXTRA MONEY???
Many of the folks here have eons of experience on me but I am not new to this, and from all that I have seen, as long as the stock is fitted properly, the barreled action, optics and ammo are sound and repeatable, then its all up to the shooter after that. I saw a post a while back that some guy lost his temper and smashed his Mcm over a table, snapping it into pieces. He was very disapointed in the lack of strength. Any stock can break, bend, dent, chip, crack, or just be a factory screw up. Just because it costs 600 or more is not a garuntee its indestructable. One day when I see a stock made of adamantium I will eat these words, but until then, build whats in your budget.

And the whole parking a truck on a stock....yeah, thats just what I want to do. Molded color is nice, most people paint their stock anyway. Flush cups... have em installed afterwards if its needed. Special inletting is always good too, if you are using a DM setup. Good options if thats what gets you sold, but to me it doesnt justify.
 
#16
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: desertrat1979</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CAT5</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oddball-Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: djw442</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have two that are serving me well. Obviously if compared to McMillan or Manners they will come up short. </div></div>

Ok, thats what I hear. And thats all I hear.

<span style="font-style: italic">How</span> does it come up short?</div></div>

1. Optional flush cups.

2. Inleted for AI mag DBM system of some type.

3. Molded Color.

4. I don't think you can park a truck on a B&C.

Use the extra money on ammo and it will even out the short comings of the B&C.

I have seen them shoot well, and I'm sure it will work fine.

Good Luck.
</div></div>

All good, but after you get a manners and Mcm, WHAT EXTRA MONEY???
Many of the folks here have eons of experience on me but I am not new to this, and from all that I have seen, as long as the stock is fitted properly, the barreled action, optics and ammo are sound and repeatable, then its all up to the shooter after that. I saw a post a while back that some guy lost his temper and smashed his Mcm over a table, snapping it into pieces. He was very disapointed in the lack of strength. Any stock can break, bend, dent, chip, crack, or just be a factory screw up. Just because it costs 600 or more is not a garuntee its indestructable. One day when I see a stock made of adamantium I will eat these words, but until then, build whats in your budget.

And the whole parking a truck on a stock....yeah, thats just what I want to do. Molded color is nice, most people paint their stock anyway. Flush cups... have em installed afterwards if its needed. Special inletting is always good too, if you are using a DM setup. Good options if thats what gets you sold, but to me it doesnt justify. </div></div>

stockkkk-595x346.png




I was pointing out some of the differences as was asked in the post I responded to.

I didn't say anyone should or shouldn't buy a Manners or a McMillian.

I think B&C stocks are great for the money. I don't know how you didn't get that when I said "I have seen them shoot well, and I'm sure it will work fine."

That makes me an elitist? Or was it simply pointing out some of the differences that got your panties in a wad? Looks like some people are a little defensive about their stocks...

I realize modifications can be done on your own. I think it is these options from the factory that increase the costs of the stocks.

I was just joking about the truck.

As I said before, I've seen them shoot great. Buy one and use the extra money on ammo.
 
#17
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

About 3 years ago I got a Medalist. Somehow when I got the action in the rifle the bottom of the forend was canted a good 10 degrees from level. I tried everything I could to see if somehow I had managed to drop-in a barreled action incorrectly. Turns out it was the stock.

Lots of people have had good experiences with B&C. I just won't personally ever own another.
 
#18
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

On the difference between Manners, McMillan and B&C.

I have used and own a McMillan. I have used and currently maintain H&S equipped rifles. I own two B&C light tactical stocks. I do not own a Manners, but I may have them do one for me on a future project so I can round out my experience with the favorites.

McMillan and Manners will both build you a semi-custom stock. You can choose your shape, inlet, location and type of sling mounts, fill weight, adjustable comb, adjustable pull, BM inlet, etc. You pay for the extra options.

With H&S or B&C you buy what they produce and if you need a different barrel channel or inlet you take it to your smith and have it done. I believe B&C is working on being able to inlet for different bottom metal, but they could not do Surgeon when I ordered my last stock.

I really don't care about parking a truck on a stock. It's a neat trick, but that's where the interest ends for me. I have beaten the hell out of several McMillan HTG stocks. I have drug, dropped, banged and scraped my B&C Light Tactical. They survive just fine.

Now I have not taken the same action and bedded it in the stocks mentioned to check for an accuracy difference. However I speculate that there would be none. As long as a proper bedding job is done and the barrel is free-floated you should see equal accuracy. Hell, my action is not even bedded in my B&C. It's just torqued in because that gives me the accuracy I require from the system and ease of maintenance right now.

Any of the manufacturers can turn out a lemon from time to time. It's how they handle it that matters to me.

I will put it this way:

If you want a semi-custom stock and have the money to pay (and the time to wait) go with a McMillan or Manners.

If you would rather spend the extra money on high end glass and need a reliable, accurate, serviceable stock then get a B&C.

From what I have seen B&C exceeds the quality of H&S Precision stocks so those are not even a consideration.

Also remember that Remington uses B&C stocks on several of their models.
 
#19
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

I have owned several McMillans, Manners and a couple B&Cs. Currently I'm all McMillan, but that's a personal choice base on available patterns and fills.

I agree with the above comments, the truck demonstrations are simply eye candy, cool stuff to talk about at the range I guess. In reality, for "most" people in the shooting world and on this site, the B&C will do everything you want and need it to. It's a solid foundation to build from and with a good bedding job it's not going to be the weak link in a rifle build. The nut behind the trigger will likely play a much bigger role in the overall accuracy of a rifle.
 
#20
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

I do see the unavailability of an AICS mag compatible B&C as a major drawback. I know any smith worth his salt could make it work, but that's not what those int he market for a stock at the B&C pricepoint need.

If they had a AICS (now the most common DBM platform) compatible stock with the adjustability of the A5/T4A/AICS that retailed for under $500 it would be an excellent option.

I would be interested in a B&C for my backup rifle-as jasonk pointed out, it will be operator error that makes the difference between an unbedded Medalist bedding system and an unbedded AICS or a bedded Medalist and a bedded McM/Manners, especially for "other than benchrest" shooting. The lack of an AICS compatible stock makes me pass right by them as an option though.
 
#21
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

I am in agreement that they are a good value. I have 3 B&C, a MCM, and 2 Manners. The last 2 stocks I got were from Numrich sold as Remington factory stocks, at a nice discount. They have aluminum pillars/beding block not the Medilst block. The front pillar /block on both seemed to be installed to hign in the stock. Unsure but maybe the reason for the discount. This caused the inlet for the loading port and the port it self to be lined up in the rear and 1/8" high in the front. I was able to machine the block down the bed the rifle s and all has worked well. It just wasn't right from the get go.
 
#22
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do see the unavailability of an AICS mag compatible B&C as a major drawback. I know any smith worth his salt could make it work, but that's not what those int he market for a stock at the B&C pricepoint need.</div></div>

But is that a personal issue (you) or a stock issue?

There is a drop-in DBM avail for the B&Cs and with a very small amount of work an AICS mag compatible DBM can be installed.

The rifle I have under way for example will be using bottom metal from CDI Precision. I am not sure that I entirely agree with "they dont have this one feature I want so therefore all of thier stuff is not worth looking at".
smile.gif


It strikes me if Stock + cost of inletting would be the basis for the comparison against McM and Manners.

So other than someone having not yet run over one of these stocks with a UPS truck, how does the B&C fall down compared to one of the higher dollar units?
 
#24
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

I am a stock-whore and I have both, in fact I have 5 B&C stocks including a couple of carbolites which are not nearly as nice as the Medalist series but they are in rimfire rifles that I glass-bedded and are working fine. I did break one carbalite stock while bedding it, but it was a stupid mistake on my part and it would not have happened if it had the aluminum bedding block. I like the B&C A5, but I like the MCM A5 better as I should - it cost $800 which is twice that of the B&C. There reason I like it better is the KDW cheekpeice, it's shape & molded in texture on the grips, flush cups, the solid fiberglass feel and the molded in colors you get for the additional cost but I don't think it's any stiffer or will shoot better.

William is building two identical rifles for a friend and myself right now - both have identical receivers, Bartlein 5R barrels and Nightforce scopes, both chambers will be cut with my Palma 95 reamer; the only difference is mine wears a MCM A5 and my friends has my old B&C A5. Both will be bedded by William and when we get them back in a few weeks I seriouly doubt mine will shoot any better because it's wearing a McM. Now I expect to get more chicks with my very cool looking MCM and it's KMW cheekpeice & GAP Camo paint job, but I don't expect it will shoot a bit better. The McM will take more abuse, but Christ sakes we treats these rifles like they are made of crystal glass so that's not really a concern in our usage. We will be carefully testing both rifles, and if the McM stocked one shoots any better I will certianly let you all know but don't hold your breath!
 
#26
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

I have a B&C A3 medalist. It was the finishing touch after proper load development and trigger adjustment to getting my Rem SPS-V to shooting consistent 5 shot groups that are 1 ragged hole. I really like the feel of the B&C stock and would not have any problem buying another based on my experience.
 
#27
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cobaltbomb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have a B and C medalist stock on order for my howa with the aluminium full bedding block, will i need to bed it addtionally </div></div>

Many do what's called "Skim-bedding" with Marine-Tex or like material on the H&S and B&C stocks with the aluminum block to get every inch of accuracy out of the stock. Skim bedding uses a thin layer of the bedding material and makes the receiver to aluminum block a perfect fit.
 
#28
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

You should see some improvments after a STRESS FREE skim bedding a B&C/HS stock. Even though it has a aluminum block, that doesnt mean it mates with the action perfectly. Not to mention factory actions are all over the place with outside squareness.
 
#30
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

B&C Medalist stocks are GREAT FOR THE MONEY. I have had 3 of them and have had no issue. If you are looking for a nice custom stock, Lone Wolf is a HIGHLY underrated. They make a custom stock that is every bit as nice as MCM or Manners.
 
#31
Re: Hating on B&C Stocks...

I own a B&C, and it was worth ever penny, but I think that's been proven in above posts. But there is one other thing Manner and McMillan offer....

Manner "All stocks carry a life time guarantee. You break it we fix or replace it."

McMillan "100% Guaranteed Satisfaction
Every McMillan Fiberglass Stock carries an "Unconditional Lifetime Warranty" against cracking, warping, splitting, breaking or becoming unserviceable for any reason. If a problem occurs, the stock will be repaired, replaced or the purchase price will be refunded."
 
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