Boyds featherweight thumbhole Marlin X7

[Colorado Redneck]

I have a Marlin X7 chambered in 243 Winchester. The little rifle has been a sweet hunting rig, shoots fairly tight groups and I really like the gun. Since 95% of my shooting is done with various varmint rifles and they all are equipped with thumbhole stocks, it has been very tempting to put one on the little Marlin. Besides, I like to pimp up my rifles with laminate furniture. So, I ordered a forest camo featherweight thumbhole from Boyds. This order was placed June 19th, and the stock was delivered today. Quick turnaround! And the stock bolted on easily and fits like a glove. Can't weight to test fire the thing, get the scope adjusted (if needed). I'll update after the range session.

 

[FrankenMauser]

If you have issues after dropping it in the new stock, see if the rifle needs the pressure points present at the front of the X7 factory fore-end.

I dropped an XL7 in a Boyd's stock (Prairie Classic, maybe?), and everything went to crap. After some experimentation with screw torque and various barrel pressure points, I found that that rifle needed the pressure point.
I've seen a few other people mention the same thing about their X7s in Boyd's stocks.

For my use(s), the stock turned out to be too heavy; and was sold to someone else that had better luck ("plug and play", so to speak).

...Just something to keep filed away, in case the situation arises.

 

[Colorado Redneck]

Thanks for the advice. The factory stock had a pressure point ar the end of the barrel channel. A dollar bill won't slide under the barrel on the Boyds, but that doesn't mean anything at this point. I will keep that in mind. Thanks again.

 

[RC20]

I have both of the Boyds in TH, Varmint/Bench rest target version in 308 and the featherweight (30-06)

Both have a bull barrel. Both are good, but oddly, the featherweight on the 30-06 is about 20% better feeling and it shoots more consistently (not sure on the 308 barrel)

Surprised me but if I did it again (or do it again) I will get the featherweight.

I am shooting in a Savage build up so not the same (barrel free floats), but I did grease the receiver to check for uneven contact. There was a tad at the rear tang on both, it fit like a good bedding job everywhere else.

 

[Colorado Redneck]

Did the barrel free float when the stock came from Boyds? My Savage 12 is in a thumbhole stock and was free floated from the get-go. Varmint barrel.

I took FrankenMausers post to heart, and did some light sanding to open the barrel channel so it doesn't touch the barrel, except under the barrel where it rests in the channel. Then I added a couple thin strips of tape to provide a bit of a pressure point at the tip of the forearm. Going to shoot it tomorrow. The featherweight is a nice feeling stock, and surprisingly, fits my little girly hand well. (I must be like Trump....small hands. Just a poor boy though.)

 

[Colorado Redneck]

Took the 243 with Boyds thumbhole out for a date at the range. So, it looks like it will be fine, but getting zeroed proved challenging. At least one more trip to the range. Dang....good thing I like to shoot.

 

[RC20]

I had to open up my Boyds as I put a bull on the gun and Varmint channel not enough.

Easy to do with a dowel and 80 gritt.