Manners T4 or McMillan M40 HTG

[Deltagunner00]

I know this is like asking what brand of peanut butter should I buy, but, anyone that has any input on either, please chime in.

I have a new Rem 700 SPS Tac in 223. This has the 16.5" barrel.

I would like to purchase a new stock for it in a month or two...alright, lets be honest, my inpatience will kick in a little later today after I hear from a few of you guys and I will buy it before going to sleep tonight (let's hope not)

I was originally researching and reading up trying to decide between a Bell and Carlson or finding an HS takeoff. The more I read I kept seeing some people stating to save up just a little more and buy a little better quality. If I hear some further guidance on getting an HS, I may possibly go that route as they can be found much cheaper than the Manners or McMillan and I can put that money towards better glass.

I have a B&C Medalist A2 on a Savage 308. While I like the stock a great deal I really do not like the huge front end where the bipod mounts and have always found myself wanting something a little better.

I have never handled a Manners or McMillan and probably wont have the chance to before buying.

This will mainly be for punching paper and the occasional coyote (although I really like taking coyotes with the 450 Bushmaster)

Thanks in advance.

 

[BoilerUP]

I've previously owned the Bell & Carlson A2 Medalist, the M40 Medalist, a Manners T2, McMillan HTG and currently have two McMillan A5s.

Big difference between the HTG and the T4.

If you are comfortable with the A2 Medalist's ergos save the blocky forearm, you'll probably be comfortable behind the T4. The T2 and T4 are pretty similar to the McM A5, though the McMillan has a slightly smaller palm swell that was more comfortable to my hand...the Manners slightly larger, with a slightly longer grip (IIRC the T4 a hair longer than the T2).

I personally had trouble getting comfortable behind the HTG while shooting prone. I found the butt had too much drop and the comb was too low; I also didn't much care for the grip angle. I did not experience the same comfort issues with the Bell & Carlson M40 Medalist; it was no McMillan but it was comfortable to shoot prone and had a slightly higher comb. As such, I can recommend the M40 Medalist as a budget option...never shot behind a HS Precision so I can't comment.

Here's the M40 Medalist I had on a 16.5" 308...balanced VERY well.

 

[Deltagunner00]

I've previously owned the Bell & Carlson A2 Medalist, the M40 Medalist, a Manners T2, McMillan HTG and currently have two McMillan A5s.

Big difference between the HTG and the T4.

If you are comfortable with the A2 Medalist's ergos save the blocky forearm, you'll probably be comfortable behind the T4. The T2 and T4 are pretty similar to the McM A5, though the McMillan has a slightly smaller palm swell that was more comfortable to my hand...the Manners slightly larger, with a slightly longer grip (IIRC the T4 a hair longer than the T2).

I personally had trouble getting comfortable behind the HTG while shooting prone. I found the butt had too much drop and the comb was too low; I also didn't much care for the grip angle. I did not experience the same comfort issues with the Bell & Carlson M40 Medalist; it was no McMillan but it was comfortable to shoot prone and had a slightly higher comb. As such, I can recommend the M40 Medalist as a budget option...never shot behind a HS Precision so I can't comment.

Here's the M40 Medalist I had on a 16.5" 308...balanced VERY well.

I really like the looks of that and thanks for the info. Do you like the M40 better than the B&C A2? I just don't want to regret spending a little less by going with the B&C, but, at the same time I do not want to spend the extra if it's no real big benefit.

 

[ZLBubba]

I know this is like asking what brand of peanut butter should I buy, but, anyone that has any input on either, please chime in.

I actually think the differences are much more pronounced between the McMillan HTG and the Manners T4. There are a number of Manners stocks that are closer to the HTG than the T4. It really boils down to what feels right and what you shoot the best. My favorite Manners is the T2, hands down. All of this is a matter of personal preference, so I'd organize a shoot with some other Hide members in Indiana and get down behind some rifles to see what you like best. Great excuse to get together and build community as well.

By the way, I grew up in Milan, Indiana so it's always good to see some Hoosiers on here!

 

[BoilerUP]

I really like the looks of that and thanks for the info. Do you like the M40 better than the B&C A2?

I like everything about the A2 Medalist except for the forearm...but that's nothing a belt sander, epoxy, and krylon can't fix, and it really isn't an issue for bench or prone shooting.

The M40 felt good to me, both offhand and prone.

If Bell & Carlson made the M40 for Savages (hint, HINT B&C) I'd own a pile of them...but only for a 20" or shorter barrel. For anything longer I'd like the heft of the A2.

 

[Rob01]

Look at the Manners MCS-T stock if you like the HTG look and feel. It is a more even comparison but the Manners has a higher comb and more comfortable for most to get behind. If you wanted the traditional back end of the MCS-T but wanted a wider forend then look at the T3. I use them on my comp rifles and love them. Manners build great products. I have both the HTG, 2 of them, and T3, 3 of them, and like the T3 much better.

 

[Deltagunner00]

To be honest, I think I would like that style of stock better. I just put the HTG out there because I seen another person recommend it to a guy building up an SPS Tac. I think I would benefit better out of the T4 and T2 styles as I really like the B&C Medalist A2, I just do not like the large forend that well.

I dont want to go above $600 so it looks like the T2 can be had for $555.

Milan is about 2 hours from me.

 

[BoilerUP]

Just for reference, here's what a 700 stubbie looks like in the A2 Medalist:

 

[Deltagunner00]

For most stocks I have been looking at StockyStocks. Is there anywhere else with better prices?

 

[BoilerUP]

For most stocks I have been looking at StockyStocks. Is there anywhere else with better prices?

They're the best/cheapest (only?) for ready to ship Manners.

Bugholes or Third Gen for McMillan
Red Hawk Rifles or Shooters Discount for Bell & Carlson