So the winter cabin fever set in and i started staring in the gun safe as i usually do. Decided my next project will be to revitalize a semi custom rifle that was my dad's. It is a mauser 98 spoter action in 338 win mag. The barrel was purchased separately by the original gunsmith. Looks to be Czech made but cant see name under the scope base. Ive decided to upgrade the stock. It doesn't have a good feel in my hands. Its slippery and has a cheap feel. Im going to consult with a local gunsmith this weekend. Im looking for a decent quality fiberglass stock that can handle the recoil. Considering bell and carlson sporter, but would take some advice. Given the action and barrel combo i dont expect or want a drop-in stock. I expect some custom fitting will be needed, hence the gunsmith. Wadda ya think?

Boyd’s gunstocks try them.

X2^

MPA stocks, aluminum alloy, own 2, 1 has a heavy barrel, 308, 2nd, bought the complete rifle 6mm Creedmoor heavy barrel, adjustable check & stock, is what I like about these stocks. Their not that much higher in cost then some fiberglass stocks. Most MPA stocks are custom built for rifles like yours.

laminated stock from Boyd's

work on them like wood , less swelling/ change compared to one piece wood

strong

nice and rigid unlike some poly stocks

not bad on price

glass bed the action tight and free float the barrel and it should shoot

I do have a Boyd's on my 22-225 rem788 so familiar with them. It is laminate too. Kinda heavy though. Had my heart set on synthetic but maybe giving it more thought.

I second Boyds, and I'm also partial to their laminated wood.

Boyd’s is good I like their laminated for synthetic Bell & Carlson makes a good one for the price

millitary or sporter barrel channel?

since it is 338 mag rebarrel I would guess sporter.

cost wise houge , then boyds and Bell and carlson

don't think you would be happy with the houge

I think if you want lighter than the Boyds bell and carlson is the way to go it looks to shave 3/4 of a pound off the Boyds , you could cut the barrel channel deeper and do some things to reduce weight , but wood especially laminate hard would has weight to it , it is a 338 mag so I don't know how light you want to go before you start abusing your shoulder either.

a guy I talk with on another forum had upgraded 2 rem model 7 to the bell and carlson and been very happy with them over the rem stock.

can you post of picture of what the current stock looks like ?

Last time I shot a 338 WM with synthetic stock the recoil was stout.

Sporter. Ill try to post pics later. Too much life getting in the way right now. Weekend likely. Should have taken pics when i had it apart.

Im not too worried about making it too light. It's ported. I can handle the recoil and current stock it pretty light.

I kinda ruled out hogue already. A lot of reviews of folks not liking the fit.

I have 3 HS Precision stock and am very pleased with them. One is over 20 years old and is very well traveled. It has held up well and looks like new. 2 of the 3 were replacements for wood stocks. In both instances felt recoil was reduced.
I also have a Bell Carlson that is very similar to the HS Precision stock. It came on a Remington custom shop rifle. The finish started to peel. I later learned that Bell Carlson had issues with that max guard finish. They refinished it free of charge even though I was not the original owner of the stock.

For wood stocks you can’t go wrong with a laminated Boyd’s stock.

Hogue makes a nice factory looking stock and I like the coating on the rifles. Great grip.

I went to using Manners when McMillan's back-order got too long and have been very happy.

Bell and Carlson has a full page add this in FFG... I don't anything about the company... but here is their page.....

www.bellandcarlson.com

Garry-

The stiffest one you can find which isn't the cheaper ones.