McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

[Matt_3479]

What is peoples preferences on a long range hunting rifle. I am just deciding on the last few components before i hopefully get my first project on its way. I always wanted the McMillan A5 or A3 stock and after takling to my gunsmith i decided A3. But in recent weeks i began thinking about the HTG ADJ due to weight and comfort. I haven't held any of these stocks as for its my first project. This rifle will be used for long hulls, long hikes, as well as sitting and long range shooting. The A3 and A5 are a little heavier and bulker and i began thinking are they too big and bulky for long hikes? The HTG is more of hunter version and i know that would be fine.

From your experience do you prefer the HTG or A3 for a hunting rifle and if you were to have an "all purpose rifle" so to speak (long hikes, shorter and longer range shooting) would you take the HTG or A3

 

[19Scout77]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

HTG--fixed--with a properly spaced stock pack or a Manners T or T3...but not necessarily in that order.

 

[Chili47]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

I have hunted with a .300, 700 with a A3-5 and i liked it alot stayed on the back and was not too heavy. I have no experience with the HTG but am looking at getting one.

 

[JaneDoe]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

Take a look at the A1-3. For me this is the best all-around stock.

 

[260shtr]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

I have an HTG and have had a A-3. The HTG is a little sleeker, but the A-3 I liked for all shooting positions. If most of your shooting will be prone I think the A-3 a better stock.

You might look into the A-3 Sporter which I think is the best of both worlds.

I checked the McMillan website and it doesn't show the A-3 Sporter. I saw a pic of one on the hide that someone took at SHOTSHOW. Oh well the A-3 would be my pick.

 

[Lowe Left]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tim8654</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Take a look at the A1-3. For me this is the best all-around stock. </div></div>
^^^^
Agree, just got one and I'm having my 260barreled action installed as I type. The comb is only 1/16" lower than the A-5 which should help with repeating your cheek weld.

 

[Graham]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

A3 if you are going to shoot it. HTG if you are going to carry it.

An adjustable cheek piece if you need a height higher than what a stock pack can give, but that will depend on the mounted height of the scope.

If I were to get an adjustable cheek piece on a McMillan I would not get anything but Terry's KMW hardware.... which makes a Manners more attractive at the outset, and a better value.

 

[JamieD]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

Agree,
Had both and I like the A-3 better. Just finishing up my own .308 shorty finished at 18.5 inches and putting it in an A-3 (suppressed).

I am going to try one for the McMillan Hunters for my Remington based 300 Blackout - Its a Sako 75 Varmint design and got it with an adjustable LOP. Until them the A-3 has my vote.

Good Luck,

JamieD

______________________________
Jamie Dodson
814-262-7994
Wolf Precision
AI Stocks and Accessories

 

[Lowe Left]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A3 if you are going to shoot it. HTG if you are going to carry it. </div></div>

The A1-3 is basically the HTG with A3 features (forearm and comb height are identical). Granted, there are no adjustable features, which sounds like the ultimate carry rifle. Seems like the logical choice for the OP. I know I'm excited about mine, coming soon.

 

[matchking]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

I wouldn't choose either for a hunting rifle. I would go non-adjustable HTG or A1-3 and use a pack, etc. to achieve correct cheek height if needed (the A1-3 is higher). Of these two, I would personally get the A1-3. It is a good stock.

 

[RemingtonSPS]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 260 shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You might look into the A-3 Sporter which I think is the best of both worlds.
</div></div>

I agree, Mcmillan is offering this stock. Here is a pic. I personnaly prefer the A3 but if you are trying to save weight this might be a better option. I like the grip of the A3 and A3 Sporter better than the HTG.

 

[JCH]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

more pics of the A3 Sporter. It is nice and light. I prefer the Adj HTG for an all purpose hunting stock though.

 

[JKirkland]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

I have a HTG fixed cheekpiece on a rifle now.
It is more typical of a hunting type stock.
If I could do it over it would have an adjustable cheekpiece.

I really like the looks of the A3 Sporter. I bet it is a comfortable stock to shoot.
Maybe with a Edge Fill for a hunting rifle.

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

I had an HTG. Sold it and bought an A1-3. Great all around stock. HTG sucks when using bigger scopes.

 

[RemingtonSPS]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">more pics of the A3 Sporter. It is nice and light. I prefer the Adj HTG for an all purpose hunting stock though.</div></div>

What do you like better about the HTG?

 

[JCH]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MuleHunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JCH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">more pics of the A3 Sporter. It is nice and light. I prefer the Adj HTG for an all purpose hunting stock though.</div></div>

What do you like better about the HTG?</div></div>

I wasn't crazy about the finger grooves on the A3 Sporter.

I learned to shoot with a stock that had a grip style like the HTG adjustable. I just like it better. Personal preference is all. Also the A3 Sporter seemed a little like it didn't balance as well as the HTG.
I'd buy an A3 again before I went A3 Sporter again.

 

[260shtr]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

Is the A-3 sporter on the website?

 

[RemingtonSPS]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

No but they make it. They haven't updated their website to show it yet.

JCH. I get it, just curious. I have heard the same complaint about the A5's rounded fore end, i guess its not for everyone. My personal favorites are the A3 and A3-5, either with the Edge Tech is plenty lite for me. My A3 Edge only weighs 31oz!

 

[KPK]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

I think the A3 is perfect. Not too bulky, straight grip, high comb, etc. That's the two I've got.

 

[Walsh]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

How does the A3 or A5 feel while sitting or standing up?

 

[KPK]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

The A3 has a lot thinner forend and no butt hook which, in my opinion, makes it much better for different positions, etc. The A5, in my opinion, is pretty much good for bench and/or prone.

 

[Overflow10]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

A1-3 or Manners TA if you like the standard grip. I had an A1-3 and had a KMW cheek piece installed (great job by Joe Ducos).

If you like the pistol style grip then A3.....

 

[scotharr]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

You mentioned "long range hunting." Well, if you are hunting, then it will be rare that you get a chance to shoot prone. The A3 is my favorite stock, but, alas it is a prone stock....not ideal for hunting. The HTG is a more traditional hunting stock, better suited for offhand, sitting: most common hunting positions. I"ve owned McM A3, A3-sporter, A1-3, & HTG. For hunting, I'd pick the HTG. I love the A-3, but it is a purely prone stock.

 

[RemingtonSPS]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scooter-PIE</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I love the A-3, but it is a purely prone stock. </div></div>

Maybe purely in design but i would have to disagree in function. I like the A3 for an all purpose precision rifle, alot of people use the A3 with no problem in the standing position or off a barricade type rest.

 

[D_TROS]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

I had an HTG and hated the low cheek rest. Yes, you can build it up, but still it takes more to build it up.

I just got the A3 for my 338LM, and I love it. But, I am a huge fan of the vertical grip.

If you like the traditional grip, more slanted, get the A1-3. THat is a great stock. Get teh A1-3 with the adjustable cheek. even better.

Do not get the A5 for anything hunting related, it is bulky, heavy and not as good a ztock for positions as the A3 (of course I say this as I just hunted deer and antelope with my 308 in the aics HA!) just cause I did it dont mean I want to again. I didnt mind the weight, just it too dam heavy for a quick off hand shot. But the thumb hole grip is a feature to think about as well.

Bottom line, I would choose the A3. One of the most important things for long range shooting is consistency. A good cheek weld and a straight back trigger pull goes a long way in achieving that goal.

Regards,
DT

 

[Former0302]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

I'm sure I'm speaking heresy, but for a general purpose stock for hunting I like the HS precision stock that came with my PSS BUT with a Karsten cheek piece added (or buy a new Pro-Series M24 stock with adjustable check piece). You could pick up a used stock pretty cheaply.

I have a McMillan HTG on my M40A1 clone, and don't like how you have to build up the comb to get a good stock weld. I suppose you could build up the comb with a mouse pad and some OD duct tape...I just haven't gotten around to it.

I also have a McMillan A1-3, and while I like it better than the HTG, I find the comb feels "thin" against my face and sort of cuts into my cheek under my cheek bone. I have a difficult time finding a consistent stock weld. Also, the grip, while very comfortable, feels thin in my hand as well. I really have to concentrate on consistent hand placement with this stock.

 

[Walsh]

Re: McMillan A3 vs HTG ADJ for long range hunting

Yea, I'm with Former with the HS. I love that stock and it fits perfectly to my hands, just wish they made one for the FN rifles!

Whats the closest thing to the HS PS012?