Why don't more people shoot rifles with thumbhole stocks? I was at Gander Mtn. for the first time today. I must say it is awesome. Better than Bass Pro Shop<--Worked there, it sucked. But, anyway, I picked up a .30-06 Howa Thumbhole Sporter in Laminate stock, and it was the best feeling rifle I've ever felt. Is there something wrong with thumbhole stocks? To me it felt like a I more control of the gun. When I can afford it, I think I'm going to get a .270 WSM in the Howa thumbhole. Any thoughts?

3 reasons that I can think of .
1 cost , most of us hunter are cheap
2 weight that laminated stock weighs more and I have been told that there is too much taken away in the wrong spots to use walnut or other woods.
3 Stuck in the mud , that stock is to wild looking or it's not like my dads.
I like the looks and feel of a good thumbhole sthock ,got 1 on a tricked out 10/22

Hi Jorkep:

I would not consider a thumb hole stock because they are ugly (subjective, forgive me). Additionally, you won't see them on larger bores because they weaken the stock and they can damage the main joint of your thumb, as that joint absorbs most of the recoil. The benchrest guys don't use them, and the big bore guys don't use them. There must be a reason...

Good luck.
CE

I understand how someone would hurt themselves who don't know how to shoot. If you're shooting correctly, your hand should still not take in punishment. If the gun is firm against your shoulder and you don't choke hold the grip, wouldn't you not hurt your hand? Maybe something like a 300 would have a chance of hurting you but a 7mm or lower? I do see the tendecy for people to hold the gun with the grip instead of their shoulder though. Hopefully I can talk to some people who've had more experience with them. I did a search on here looking for people who use a thumbhole stock, and they all said they were putting them their guns. But, I haven't seen updates on how well they have worked.

Thanks for the input.

Jordan

I love thumbhole stocks. I have one on my Knight 45 cal Black powder, 270 Weatherby Mag & a custom 22. I can not figure out why I do not see more of them, I love the stability the thumbhole provides. Just my .02

I enjoy thumbhole stocks as well, I have a TC Omega Muzzleloader with a thumbhole stock and love it. My father just purchased a thumbhole stock for his TC Encore and I think it is necessary equipment over that weird configuration the Encore originally comes with.

They are a little bulkier to carry, they also tend not to come in the hardwoods (instead laminate or synthetic) which I don't particularly like. My problem is that if it is laminate they ussually do not checker the forend, which bothers me with my Omega.

I agree thought that I feel that I have more control over the gun in my stand with the thumbhole.

I have a Boyds thumbhole I put on my Remington 700. This is the same that will come on the Howa. My only complaint is that ther aren't ambidextrous. I shoot with either hand depending on which side of my stand the deer come too. You can get an ambidextrous stock from Richards but you will have to fit and finish it yourself.

I guess if you are a "Cosmopolitan hunter" and are worried about keeping something "in proper style" (whatever that means) you might dis the t-hole. But those of us who know better... well know better! The stocks are NOT weaker, they are actually stronger, hell there is 2 points of support. How can that weaken the stock?

As for hurting your thumb, thats not true either. If that was the case you would blow your thumb off when shooting a .454 Casull handgun. The t-hole actually distrubutes more force across the hand and large muscles in the thumb than on the thin part of the inner palm like a normal stock does. This also aids in reducing recoil. You still are getting your shoulder behind the gun so you now have two places to absorb the shock into (your hand and shoulder).

Accuracy wise there are MANY MANY MANY t-holes on the competition range. Most super accurate customs in unlimited classes (well barring bolt em downs) are t-holes.

I personally dont actually hunt with a t-hole because I demand my guns be ambidextrous. But if you cant get it out of you head to only shoot on half the shoulders the good man gave ya, then by ALL means check one out!

Good luck,
RA

Superpig,

How old was your Remington when you changed it to a Boyd's? I have a Remington 700 from the 80's, and I was wondering if it was worth it to have a Boyd's stock put on it? The gun is in good condition. Did you change the stocks out your self or did you take it to a gun smith? How much would it cost to take it to a gunsmith?

I agree that the risk is thumb damage. I have handled some browings with thumholes & I would be ok with them in lower recoil. Have to admit I am kind of a traditionalist, though.