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Precision Rifle Gear McMillan vs Manners

Not sure I have ever worn out a stock. you buy the stock that fits your needs and that you like. Both of these companies make great stocks, I happen to like the features and look of the manners better right now, but it is a personnel choice.
 
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Hand fit is also a thing.

Most McMillans fit my hand better (esp the T series from Manners vs the A series)

But I wont buy new ones from them based on Bob Beck having bought them.

The EH1 from Manners is a smaller grip/shorter trigger reach and I like it a lot.
Havent tried the TCS or Pro Hunter, but will be here shortly.
 
I much prefer the feel of a stock, although the adjustability and ease of adjustability of a chassis is nice.

Have owned both Manners and McMillan. I still like both, but only own McMs at this point in my life. In the future, I'll need to get a hold of the Manners now that some of them have the relief cut for the thumb - just to see how it fits me. My McM preference has nothing to do with form or function. I just prefer the molded in coloring options better. If I wanted a bedding block/mini chassis and didn't want to bed...then that is an easy choice for Manners.
 
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Both are great quality. Mcm is generally my preference for looks and ergonomics.
Manners has some very innovative features such as the mini chassis and even a folder ( not sure if this is still offered).
For me, the wait time to get a manners is just not practical, but if I found one I liked on a shelf I would happily buy it.
 
I currently own 2 rifles in McMillan stocks. One is bedded the other isn't. I wanted to see if there was an accuracy difference between the two. There isn't.
 

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I haven’t kept up lately because, you know, foundation stocks are a thing now, but back in the day the difference was construction. Mcm was basically solid fiberglass and manners was a shell with a fill. The shell with fill allowed it to be strong and lighter weight. Superior imho. And their light hunting stocks were very popular. That said, I never broke my mcm a5 adj and it was the right weight. I didn’t want it lighter or heavier.
 
Have and am happy with both. Also like the Bell and Carlson stocks I have as well as the HS Precision. That being said, I LOVE a well made and figured wooden stock.
 
Feels the same to me, but two different actions in the LRH vs the EH1, Defiance in the LRH/PH versus Tikka in the EH1-TK.

I have a 700 clone EH1 on order, hopefully it won't be to much longer and I can compare using the same action.
 
People have mentioned the EH1 and I liked it a lot when I had it. Is the Manners LRH grip similar to the EH1 or thicker?
I’d say it’s similar(ish). The thumb notch gives it a different feel to me. And all my EH-1s have had a shorter grip-to-trigger distance than the LRH I’ve shot.

If I were starting from scratch, I’d probably go with LRH’s (maybe). But the LRH isn’t enough of an upgrade or difference for me to swap my current EH-1s. Take that for whatever it’s worth.
 
I haven’t kept up lately because, you know, foundation stocks are a thing now, but back in the day the difference was construction. Mcm was basically solid fiberglass and manners was a shell with a fill. The shell with fill allowed it to be strong and lighter weight. Superior imho. And their light hunting stocks were very popular. That said, I never broke my mcm a5 adj and it was the right weight. I didn’t want it lighter or heavier.
Theyre virtually identical construction. Mcmillan has never been solid fiberglass. Both stocks are laid up as shells with fiberglass or carbon(like a boat hull), then filled up from the butt ends will varying weights and combinations of fiber/resin slurry, or foam.



To the OP, I like both. Manners has some neat features, and have stayed at the forefront of developement. Really like the micro chassis idea. For the last few years, mcmillan has been streamlining its manufacturing process to cut lead times down, but they’ve still been putting out some new models. Their lead times are way way down. Not sure where Manners is on that.
 
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I only have one McMillian stock, it is on an Anschutz 54:18msr I bought from Champion’s shooter in 1998. Since then I have bought Manners until last week when I picked up a Foundation for my latest build.
 
Theyre virtually identical construction. Mcmillan has never been solid fiberglass. Both stocks are laid up as shells with fiberglass or carbon(like a boat hull), then filled up from the butt ends will varying weights and combinations of fiber/resin slurry, or foam.



To the OP, I like both. Manners has some neat features, and have stayed at the forefront of developement. Really like the micro chassis idea. For the last few years, mcmillan has been streamlining its manufacturing process to cut lead times down, but they’ve still been putting out some new models. Their lead times are way way down. Not sure where Manners is on that.
Yeah, Mcmillan leadtimes are down but there inlet selection are way down. They used to inlet for alot of actions but now you have to get a blank for some and have them inletted somewhere else which is cost prohibited…But if you have one of Bobs defiance actions you’re in luck 🙄
 
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Yeah, Mcmillan leadtimes are down but there inlet selection are way down. They used to inlet for alot of actions but now you have to get a blank for some and have them inletted somewhere else which is cost prohibited…But if you have one of Bobs defiance actions you’re in luck 🙄
Which actions did they stop inletting for?
 
Older Sakos and older Tikka’s ,steyr …right of the top of my head…They used to inlet for almost anything…I have a few and like them…I understand it is a business decision and respect that but it’s too bad the the hunting crowd…
 
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Older Sakos and older Tikka’s ,steyr …right of the top of my head…They used to inlet for almost anything…I have a few and like them…I understand it is a business decision and respect that but it’s too bad the the hunting crowd…
I looked into it. You're right, quite a large list of inlets they no longer do. 81 of them to be exact.
 
I'd really like to get my hands on a t2a. I currently have a mcmillan a3-5. I like the stock for the most part but wish I would've got the adjustable length of pull. Rather than adding it now I might just try a manners out because I also like the idea of the mini chassis. I do agree that I prefer mcmillans colors, just classic.
 
Ok, yes it does have that option, sorry my mind was stuck on the TCS style adjustment style. I have 2 x TCS, 2 x T4a and one T2a, I do like the T2a, it is lighter and slightly more compact that the T4a.
 
Manners Composite Stocks is proud to introduce a new lay-up option for our tactical line of stocks. It will be called the Elite Tactical shell option. This option will be offered in the MCS-T , T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 series of stocks. It is just a extension of the same technology that we have been using in our Elite Hunting series stocks, but we added a bit of old school twist to it. Back when we started Manners Stocks, some of the first stocks that we produced where clear carbon fiber, this option reflects that. To start, we will offer this option in 3 different finishes, Elite GAP, Elite Midnight and Elite Clear. The GAP will be Od green, Coyote tan and clear, the Midnight has two shades of Gray and clear and the Clear is just clear. These 3 finishes will be considered a field grade finish, what this means is that small imperfections may be visible in the finish such as mold lines, sanding marks and fabric imperfections in the carbon fiber fabric caused by hand laying up. All of them will also come with our tough armour-grip textured clear flat finish over the top. The last picture below shows a complete gun built by Logan at GAP which has the Elite Clear option. The reason I posted it is to show what the Elite Clear stocks can be finished out to. It took a lot of automotive clear and Logan's time. If guys are interested in this level of finish let me know.
The total combined weight of the adj cheek stocks below is only 2.8lbs, that breaks down to 34 ounces for the stock, 5.2 ounces for the large 1" decle pad and 5.8 ounces for the KMW bullet proof hardware. As a rough guide, depending on the inlet and stock type, ( 2A, 4A, 5A or 6A adjustable cheek stock) will come in around 2.7 to 2.9 lbs. These same stocks with standard fill are anywhere from 3.7 to 3.9 lbs. This is about a 1 lb savings. For the non adj cheek versions, ( T, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) they will come in around 32 to 35 ounces. The standard fill weight on these usually come in at 2.7 to 3.1 lbs. Just like the elite hunter stocks the ultimate goal stayed the same, to be as light as possible but still maintain the ruggedness, stiffness, stability, accuracy and ergonomics as the rest of our standard lineup of stocks. They have the same 100% carbon fiber shell and our controlled fill process as the elite hunters. They will hold up to any magnum caliber that you can throw at it. They still use our full size 9/16" pillars. Lightweight fill in non-critical areas and heavy fiber fill where needed. The heavy fill is what adds weight quickly, so we developed a process that can precisely control the amount of this material and only place it where it is most needed, example – recoil lug/front pillar area and web area in-front of the trigger. And just like our other products, they have a life time quarantee no matter if you are the first owner or the 100th. We will start taking orders for this new option Monday October 7th. That should give the office time to get the web page updated with good pictures and all the correct info. Thank you,
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I’d say it’s similar(ish). The thumb notch gives it a different feel to me. And all my EH-1s have had a shorter grip-to-trigger distance than the LRH I’ve shot.

If I were starting from scratch, I’d probably go with LRH’s (maybe). But the LRH isn’t enough of an upgrade or difference for me to swap my current EH-1s. Take that for whatever it’s worth.
I got rid of both my Manners', LRH and PH. I liked the LRH. It just felt silly to have my hand completely floating of the side just to get a 90 degree trigger placement. For the money spend, I felt they should fit me better and I could not justify keeping them. Went with a KRG W3 instead. Fits perfect. For reference, my hand is average in size and measures 7.4 from finger tip to crease of palm.

I am still looking for a "conventional" stock. I looked at the McMillan A10 for having a shorter trigger reach. Downside; no mini chassis and bedding is not particularly my favourite hobby. How much shorter is the grip-to-trigger distance on the EH-1 compared to the LRH?

I hear Manners can set the action back on request. If so, that might be a great option for the LRH. I would be curious to hear from someone who has done this and how it worked out, aside for having to wait a year for delivery I am sure.
 
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I got rid of both my Manners', LRH and PH. I liked the LRH. It just felt silly to have my hand completely floating of the side just to get a 90 degree trigger placement. For the money spend, I felt they should fit me better and I could not justify keeping them. Went with a KRG W3 instead. Fits perfect. For reference, my hand is average in size and measures 7.4 from finger tip to crease of palm.

I am still looking for a "conventional" stock. I looked at the McMillan A10 for having a shorter trigger reach. Downside; no mini chassis and bedding is not particularly my favourite hobby. How much shorter is the grip-to-trigger distance on the EH-1 compared to the LRH?

I hear Manners can set the action back on request. If so, that might be a great option for the LRH. I would be curious to hear from someone who has done this and how it worked out, aside for having to wait a year for delivery I am sure.
I spoke to Jim at Manners about this exact thing a couple of months ago... He said he could gain us about .100" due to the stocks I am looking at (T2A or another TCS) having a molded-in bolt notch... I haven't gotten around to testing to see if that will help me though.
 
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I got rid of both my Manners', LRH and PH. I liked the LRH. It just felt silly to have my hand completely floating of the side just to get a 90 degree trigger placement. For the money spend, I felt they should fit me better and I could not justify keeping them. Went with a KRG W3 instead. Fits perfect. For reference, my hand is average in size and measures 7.4 from finger tip to crease of palm.

I am still looking for a "conventional" stock. I looked at the McMillan A10 for having a shorter trigger reach. Downside; no mini chassis and bedding is not particularly my favourite hobby. How much shorter is the grip-to-trigger distance on the EH-1 compared to the LRH?

I hear Manners can set the action back on request. If so, that might be a great option for the LRH. I would be curious to hear from someone who has done this and how it worked out, aside for having to wait a year for delivery I am sure.
The W3 fits my hand about perfect as well. My EH-1s measure about 1.75” from grip to trigger shoe (Gen 2 mini chassis and curved TT special & primary).

I know manners used to offer setting back inlets. Maybe they still do for their original stock models. But I’ve called and requested it on the TCS & PH and was told it’s not possible. I assume the new shells used in the TCS, LRH, PH, and Nightstalker somehow prevent modifying inlets. It’s probably worth calling and asking on whatever model you’re interested in buying.

I’ve read that McMillans Mountaineer LR has a similar grip to trigger distance as the EH-1s (about 1.75”), and the U10-7 would be another consideration - but like you said, no mini chassis option.
 
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I don't understand conventional stock makers and their lack of consideration for ergonomics specific to grip adjustment or size options. Over the last 10 years, more and more are moving away from brands like Manners and McMillan and replace them with adjustable chassis' and for good reason. Fit is everything.
 
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When Kelly was alive I was hard pressed to get from anyone else. He was such a perfect person and did so much for all of us since I started using his products mid 1980’s

I have not used any since Kelly sold the company so no idea on quality etc now

Tom Manners is a fantastic guy as well and his products are so good I now find myself using more and more Manners stocks these days

I have a folding stock from Manners I purchased from ROB. It’s my favorite stock I own now.

To me Manners is the current stock
Manufacture to go to first and I am buying retail so no hidden agenda
 
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@tmanners is awesome! I've traded some PMs with him here, and chatted with him a few times on the phone over the years. He's been extremely helpful, and my perception is that he genuinely cares about shooters and shooting sports. I also agree with @vno.helix , and I wish stock manufacturers would develop adjustable grip-to-trigger options. With all the innovation that Manners has come out with, I think this is low hanging fruit......
 
Tom is a stand up guy who personifies what Customer Service should be. I asked a question about putting an Arco rail on an older stock. We traded emails and I received free of charge (overnighted !) all the instructions and mounting hardware. He then checked back in with me. Great product, great team, wonderful leader, glad he is here!