Magpul Hunter Vs. KRG Bravo.

[Potss]

Obviously the KRG Bravo is a nicer stock than the Magpul Hunter. The Magpul hunter is about $150 cheaper. My question however is simple: is there any difference between the two in terms of mechanical accuracy?

The both use bedding blocks, they both free float the barrel. The KRG is clearly a bit stiffer, but the Magpul doesn't look like loading a bipod will throw off accuracy. I've read a few threads that indicate the Magpul stock may be more sensitive to the exact amount of torque used on the screws. But when I watch install videos for both stocks, I cannot seem to see a difference between how they install (screwed into bedding block) so I'm not sure why the Magpul would be more sensitive to this? I certainly don't want to have to fuck around with adding or subtracting 5ft/lbs at a time to see what is most accurate, load development already takes enough time.

In other words, does the Magpul Hunter give up mechanical (as in not ergonomic) accuracy over the KRG Bravo? Will either inhibit the accuracy potential of the barrel+action?

 

[diverdon]

I suppose that they may have got a sweetheart deal, but there has to be a reason that PVA went with the KRG for the John Hancock.

 

[TanktheFrank]

I doubt you'll sacrifice much if any between them, they both seem adequate. Was the $150 less including magwell and mag?

 

[lennyo3034]

I've used both and think the Bravo is a much better chassis. My magpul stock flexed too much in the heat and the barrel would eventually make contact with the stock. From my understanding Magpul has relieved the channel more to fix this, but it still doesn't beat the full length block of the Bravo.

Ergonomically, I felt the Bravo is superior as well.

 

[Potss]

Yeah there is no question the Bravo is a better stock, especially ergonomically. I'm sure that is why PVA chose it.

Interesting about the flex, I'd heard it shouldn't contact the barrel (straight from Magpul) but I assume they are talking about a factory contour. I'd also heard you can open them up more yourself, but I'm not sure how much of a pain that is, and how much worse the flex would get.

And yes it was $150 less with the magwell and mag. Hence my question here. IF the current gen Hunter's don't negatively impact accuracy, I could see picking one up for a budget build.

 

[spife7980]

Magpul stock and bottom metal is 247+67=314
KRG bravo is 349 (With w3 backbone its 399)
So the 150 price difference isnt really accurate.

The KRG is aluminum from the front all the way to the end of the action. The magpul is only in the action area. So maybe not accuracy but repeatability under different shooting scenarios and varying amounts and types of fore end pressure I would expect the krg to perform better. I just expect the KRG to be a more durable product having more metal where I think it matters most.

 

[Potss]

What I'm looking at is the Ruger American Magpul Hunter stock which I can find for $260 pre-order with the bottom metal and free shipping. This is opposite the KRG Bravo for a Tikka T3x that comes in at $390 without free shipping. So right around $150.

It is interesting you mention varying amounts of fore end pressure, because that would certainly apply here. I thought that as long as the barrel was floated and the action was bedded, the fore end could flex as much as it wants (within reason) and as long as it doesn't contact the barrel anywhere, it wouldn't adversely effect accuracy (again within reason). Is that not the case? Is the flex in the fore end going to translate into the bedding block and action? If that is the case you are right, I'd be more than happy to pony up for the KRG Bravo and not have to pay attention to the amount of pressure I'm using on one obstacle vs. another.

Also interesting no one has brought up the torque spec sensitivity yet, maybe magpul resolved this issue?

 

[spife7980]

What I'm looking at is the Ruger American Magpul Hunter stock which I can find for $260 pre-order with the bottom metal and free shipping. This is opposite the KRG Bravo for a Tikka T3x that comes in at $390 without free shipping. So right around $150.

It is interesting you mention varying amounts of fore end pressure, because that would certainly apply here. I thought that as long as the barrel was floated and the action was bedded, the fore end could flex as much as it wants (within reason) and as long as it doesn't contact the barrel anywhere, it wouldn't adversely effect accuracy (again within reason). Is that not the case? Is the flex in the fore end going to translate into the bedding block and action? If that is the case you are right, I'd be more than happy to pony up for the KRG Bravo and not have to pay attention to the amount of pressure I'm using on one obstacle vs. another.

Also interesting no one has brought up the torque spec sensitivity yet, maybe magpul resolved this issue?

Ah, not a default 700 stock. Brownells actually has it for 237 on preorder, todays code M8y is for 20 off and free shipping so its really 217 (!!) So provided the american follows the tikka price delta thats a difference of 173 bucks, 55% of the krg tikka price.

Within reason I doubt you would notice too much of a difference between them off a bipod... but br shooters dont use polymer stocks for a reason. The difference in accuracy potential is probably a wash and lost among the noise. But the give in plastic could effect the points of impact if you were to shoot with a bipod on the end vs from a baricade at the mag box just based on the difference bounce. Shooting my xray off of a harris bipod on the spigot impacts about 1/2 moa higher than when I shoot it off of my benchrest, accuracy is the same, just different impact point on the target. Could very well be how I hold the rifle but I feel Im pretty adequate/consistent so Im going with it changing the rifles over all system and recoil impulse.

Another note is that the bravo screws go straight into the backbone to the action. The magpuls sandwich the plastic mag box in between, thats probably a point of weakness and possibly the difference with the screw torque you mentioned. But like the poly end might be lost among the noise.

What are you going to do with this? If youre going to go all prs and mount an acra rail etc I would go for the KRG because they have that stuff as an option, the magpul you would be fashioning up your own.

 

[bigdaddydmd]

I hope this Ruger Hunter stock is coming soon. Been waiting for what seems like forever for it to hit the market (since shot show 2017). I wish KRG had plans to make the Bravo for the Ruger American short actions but I don't think they have any plans to do so. Some please tell me I am wrong and KRG is working on it.

 

[Tigrexar]

Obviously the KRG Bravo is a nicer stock than the Magpul Hunter. The Magpul hunter is about $150 cheaper. My question however is simple: is there any difference between the two in terms of mechanical accuracy?

The both use bedding blocks, they both free float the barrel. The KRG is clearly a bit stiffer, but the Magpul doesn't look like loading a bipod will throw off accuracy. I've read a few threads that indicate the Magpul stock may be more sensitive to the exact amount of torque used on the screws. But when I watch install videos for both stocks, I cannot seem to see a difference between how they install (screwed into bedding block) so I'm not sure why the Magpul would be more sensitive to this? I certainly don't want to have to fuck around with adding or subtracting 5ft/lbs at a time to see what is most accurate, load development already takes enough time.

In other words, does the Magpul Hunter give up mechanical (as in not ergonomic) accuracy over the KRG Bravo? Will either inhibit the accuracy potential of the barrel+action?

For magpul Hunter I think you need to add the buttom plate/trigger guard and cheek riser price to the cost, which bring cost closer, by all means Bravo looks better for me lol, and the alumni frame goes from action all the way to fore-end, which is more stronger, especially if you using a bull barrel. I mean the price difference is already close to $50, maybe not even a range trip ammo cost, then why don’t you get a better stock per majority opinion?

 

[Potss]

Magpul are saying "spring 2018" so I'm assuming that means May 29th. But they could pull a UBR 2.0 and have use wait another year, I hope not though.

Thanks for letting me know about the brownell's deal, that is pretty awesome. This build is mostly for fun, but will see positional shooting (but not hardcore PRS). It sounds like the KRG is a safer bet to wring out the most accuracy for the money, even if that might be a very small amount. The Magpul hunter at almost 1/2 the price and very little sacrificed makes it very tempting too. I'll probably just have to get both and compare haha.

Still very curious to hear about anyone's experience with the Magpul Hunter vs. something like the KRG!

 

[atomic41]

I first owned the Hunter with a R700 PSS in it, then put the same rifle in the Bravo. I shot matches with both. I found absolutely no difference in accuracy between the two both bench shooting and PRS style matches. So the same rifle shot the exact same between the two stocks in a variety of conditions. That was your question, but...

The Bravo is better for tactical shooting. I think the Hunter is better as a hunting stock. The Bravo has a much better vertical grip, and more options which make it more functional for tactical shooting. To me it's clearly a choice of what shooting you plan to do with that rifle. The two stocks really are designed for a specific purpose, and they both shine at that one job...it's kinda apples to oranges.

 

[324matt]

Do you still feel the same way? I'm contemplating having my old 700 adl stock glass bedded vs. a magpul hunter vs krg bravo for a trip out west elk hunting. I have a bravo on my coyote rifle and love it, but I don't know how the bravo would do in the mountains. Maybe the hunter would be a better pack rifle platform?

 

[Jarrodb1975]

I have them both. I would say the hunter is nice but the bravo feels much more solid. As far as accuracy there is no difference in my opinion.

 

[324matt]

If you were going in a mountain hunt, and carrying a rifle in a eberlestock backpack and occassionally on a sling, which would you prefer? I don't intend on a bi-pod

 

[King_beardsly]

I’d say do the bravo, the whole system is unbelievable stiff with the back bone, the weight is good and you can pretty much adapt it to what every you need it to be.

 

[Jarrodb1975]

I would pick the krg.

 

[Baddog 0302]

Is the bravo ambidextrous ? I'm left handed,grip with my left hand, but since all of my shooting is from bench's I prefer using right hand bolt actions.

 

[King_beardsly]

I believe they are, Ive got a guy locally that’s mulled out the stock for a lefty action and hasn’t had any complaints about it not being ambidextrous

 

[Baddog 0302]

Just sent them an E mail , getting an answer straight from the horse's mouth as it were .
Now to read about both including a total cost; mags,bottom metal S&H, ect.

 

[King_beardsly]

Quotes from brownells

 

[viking78]

Bravo, no question doubt.
It also looks ten times better than that ugly stick of Magpul.

 

[Jarrodb1975]

They make bravo in left hand I think.

 

[Baddog 0302]

KING, the "B" dosn't include a 5 shot $ 70.00 (+-) mag., so about $ 420.00

 

[King_beardsly]

True it doesn’t include a magazine, but you grab a 5rd Magpul for like 35 bucks or a 10rd for 38 if you want an apple to apple comparison

 

[Baddog 0302]

SO, the Magpul $ 35.00 mags will work in the "B" stock ? ?
The bottom metal / mag well from Magpul comes with a 5 Rd.mag.
But if the Magpul mags will work in the "B" stock, then that gets the $$ a little closer.

 

[Baddog 0302]

The feed lips of the Magpul 762 AC mag are too thick to seat into the T3 (it’s designed for a Rem 700 SA). This is why we recommend steel mags (AI or Accurate Mag) for use with the T3. There have been forum posts by guys detailing how to file down an area of the Magpul’s feed lips to get the mag to seat fully. We have not done it, but it is reported to work well.