I would like to put a better stock on my Deer rifle to help with accuracy and I've looked at Choate and Boyds thus far but I'm open to suggestions and experience from those who have gone this route before. I've seen some complaining about Boyds stocks splitting and some complaining about the weight of the Choate.
I'm not interested in a 15 lb rifle and id like to keep it in the medium range for weight.
I'm in the same boat as you looking for a new stock for my TH 6.5CM, but mine isn't for hunting (can't hunt with a rifle in Ohio.) What I've found:
Boyds: good for the money, but you'll need new bottom metal to use it, and can take a lot of work doing pillars/bedding.
Choate: People say it's a bit heavy, but it does have a full length bedding block so no worries about bedding it. Still need a new bottom metal, unless you get the new V2 and the synthetic bottom metal ($20)
Chassis: KRG, MDT, XLR, etc all make good chassis, but they can be much more expensive
There is also companies like McMillan and such. Lots and lots of choices.
I'm probably going to go with the Choate V2 and just keep using the stock mag (or a Dark Eagle Custom extended mag) because I just don't shoot enough to justify spending more money on it.
I'm also going to pick up a couple dark eagle mags with extended mag release as well but I want to get my stock situation worked out first. Are you a Metallica fan? I only ask because of your screen name.
I have a model 16 Trophy Hunter in 260 and I'm considering buying a Model 14 Classic take off stock on it. I like the look of wood and it'll add some needed weight.
Depends on what you want to spend on a hunting stock? The Bell and Carlson Classic Medalist is a great hunting stock if you want a good lighter weight composite stock. Otherwise, I have found a Numrich Gun Parts discontinued or surplus walnut (Savage Model 14 Classic) or Savage CF hardwood blind or DBM stock give you a solid platform to work with and accepts the Savage OEM bottom metal and aftermarket parts without modification. Walnut and hardwood stocks are lighter than laminated stocks. Blind magazine stocks are lighter than DBM stocks once you add the metal DBM parts. The picture below is a Savage SA, CF, DBM hardwood stock I purchased from Numrich for around $50. I stripped the original finish off with chemical stripper and re-sealed the wood with Duracoat epoxy paint. Duracoat is tough, oil, chemical and weather resistant. I also added a size small 1" Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad which only required some minor trim to fit work with a dremel tool and sanding block. Then customize the look with sponged on camo paint or use Krylon webbing paint.
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps6a65cb18.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps48a770e9.jpg
I have two Boyds stocks and no complaints, I'll be getting a third. They require a little work for a really nice fit but nothing major. I can't speak to choate
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I'm running into some issues because I'm a lefty, actually I'm right handed but left eye dominant. But still I shoot left handed bolt action rifles. Boyds or Bell and Carson may be my only choices.
I may have to try to bed the stock I have or send it back to Savage and have them put an Accustock on it for me, they said they wouldn't send me one to put on myself. Oh well I kind of like the Trophy Predator Max Accustock, I may go that way.
Or you could get one of these http://www.stockadegunstocks.com/res...huck_large.jpg