Upgrading Your Savage Axis .308: A Guide to Wood Stock Options

The Savage Axis .308 rifle is renowned for its accuracy and affordability, making it a popular choice among hunters and sport shooters alike. However, the factory synthetic stock often leaves something to be desired in terms of aesthetics, ergonomics, and overall feel. If you’re looking to enhance your shooting experience and add a touch of classic elegance to your rifle, exploring wood stock options for your .308 Axis is an excellent path. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about upgrading to a wood stock, covering compatibility, benefits, installation, and more. We aim to provide a definitive resource, drawing on expert knowledge and practical insights, to help you make an informed decision and achieve the perfect fit for your needs.

Why Consider a Wood Stock for Your Savage Axis .308?

While the synthetic stocks that come standard on most Savage Axis rifles are functional, they often lack the character and appeal of a well-crafted wood stock. Beyond aesthetics, there are several compelling reasons to consider this upgrade:

Improved Ergonomics: Wood stocks can be shaped and contoured to provide a more comfortable and natural grip, leading to better control and reduced felt recoil.
Enhanced Aesthetics: A beautiful wood stock can dramatically improve the overall look and feel of your rifle, transforming it from a utilitarian tool into a cherished piece of equipment.
Increased Rigidity: Quality wood stocks, particularly those that are properly bedded, can enhance the rifle’s accuracy by providing a more stable and consistent platform for the action.
Personalization: Wood stocks offer a wide range of options for customization, allowing you to select the wood type, finish, and checkering pattern that best suits your personal preferences.
Classic Appeal: There’s an undeniable allure to the timeless elegance of a wood stock, evoking a sense of tradition and craftsmanship that synthetic materials simply can’t replicate.

Understanding Wood Stocks: A Deeper Dive

The world of wood stocks is rich with nuances, from the types of wood used to the methods of construction and finishing. Understanding these factors is crucial to selecting the right stock for your needs and budget.

Types of Wood

Different wood species offer varying degrees of strength, stability, and aesthetic appeal. Some of the most common woods used for rifle stocks include:

Walnut: A classic choice known for its strength, stability, and beautiful grain patterns. Walnut is relatively easy to work with and takes finishes well.
Maple: A dense and durable hardwood that offers excellent stability and resistance to warping. Maple stocks often feature a lighter color and a tight, even grain.
Birch: A readily available and affordable hardwood that is often used for laminated stocks. Birch offers good strength and stability but may not be as visually appealing as walnut or maple.
Laminate: Constructed from layers of wood veneer bonded together with resin, laminate stocks offer exceptional strength, stability, and resistance to moisture. They are also available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Stock Construction

The way a wood stock is constructed can also impact its performance and durability. Common construction methods include:

One-Piece: Carved from a single piece of wood, one-piece stocks offer the greatest strength and stability. However, they are also the most expensive to produce.
Two-Piece: Consisting of a buttstock and a forend that are joined together, two-piece stocks are more affordable than one-piece stocks but may not be as strong or stable.
Laminated: As mentioned above, laminated stocks are constructed from layers of wood veneer bonded together with resin. This construction method offers exceptional strength, stability, and resistance to moisture.

Finishes

The finish applied to a wood stock not only protects it from the elements but also enhances its aesthetic appeal. Common finishes include:

Oil Finish: A traditional finish that penetrates the wood and provides a natural, low-gloss look. Oil finishes are easy to apply and maintain but offer limited protection from moisture.
Lacquer Finish: A durable finish that provides a high-gloss look and excellent protection from moisture. Lacquer finishes are more difficult to apply and repair than oil finishes.
Polyurethane Finish: A very durable finish that provides excellent protection from moisture and scratches. Polyurethane finishes are available in a range of gloss levels and are relatively easy to apply.

Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks: A Leading Provider

When it comes to aftermarket wood stocks for rifles like the Savage Axis .308, Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks stands out as a prominent and reputable manufacturer. They offer a wide selection of stocks in various wood types, finishes, and styles, catering to a broad range of preferences and budgets.

Boyds stocks are known for their quality craftsmanship, precise fit, and affordable prices. They offer stocks for a variety of Savage Axis models, including those chambered in .308 Winchester. Their product lines include classic designs as well as more modern, ergonomic options. They also offer custom options, allowing customers to personalize their stocks with different checkering patterns, finishes, and recoil pads.

Key Features to Consider in a Wood Stock for Your .308 Axis

When selecting a wood stock for your Savage Axis .308, several key features should be taken into consideration:

1. Fit and Compatibility

What it is: This refers to how well the stock matches the dimensions and action of your specific Savage Axis .308 rifle. A precise fit is crucial for safety, accuracy, and proper function.

How it works: The stock needs to be designed specifically for the Savage Axis short action, ensuring that the action sits securely and that the bolt operates smoothly. This often involves precise inletting, which is the process of carving out the stock to accommodate the rifle’s action.

User Benefit: A properly fitted stock will enhance accuracy, improve reliability, and provide a more comfortable shooting experience. It will also prevent damage to the rifle’s action.

2. Wood Type and Quality

What it is: The type of wood used in the stock’s construction significantly impacts its strength, stability, weight, and aesthetic appeal.

How it works: Different wood species have different densities, grain patterns, and moisture resistance. Walnut, for example, is prized for its beauty and strength, while laminate offers exceptional stability and resistance to warping.

User Benefit: A high-quality wood stock will provide a durable and stable platform for your rifle, enhancing its accuracy and longevity. It will also add a touch of elegance and personalization to your firearm.

3. Ergonomics and Grip

What it is: The shape and design of the stock, including the grip angle, cheek rest, and forend, determine how comfortably and naturally the rifle handles.

How it works: An ergonomically designed stock will fit comfortably in your hand, allowing for a secure and consistent grip. A well-placed cheek rest will ensure proper eye alignment with the scope, while a comfortable forend will provide a stable platform for your support hand.

User Benefit: An ergonomic stock will improve your shooting comfort, reduce felt recoil, and enhance your accuracy. It will also allow you to shoot for longer periods without fatigue.

4. Bedding

What it is: Bedding is the process of precisely fitting the rifle’s action to the stock, ensuring that it sits securely and consistently. This is typically achieved by using a bedding compound to fill any gaps between the action and the stock.

How it works: Bedding eliminates any movement or vibration between the action and the stock, which can negatively impact accuracy. It also distributes recoil forces more evenly, reducing stress on the action.

User Benefit: Bedding can significantly improve the accuracy of your rifle, particularly at longer ranges. It can also extend the life of your action by reducing stress and wear.

5. Finish and Protection

What it is: The finish applied to the wood stock protects it from moisture, scratches, and other environmental factors.

How it works: Different finishes offer varying degrees of protection and aesthetic appeal. Oil finishes provide a natural look and feel, while polyurethane finishes offer excellent durability and resistance to moisture.

User Benefit: A durable finish will protect your wood stock from the elements, ensuring that it looks its best for years to come. It will also make the stock easier to clean and maintain.

6. Recoil Pad

What it is: A recoil pad is a rubber or gel-filled pad attached to the butt of the stock that absorbs recoil energy.

How it works: The recoil pad compresses upon firing, dissipating recoil forces and reducing the amount of felt recoil transmitted to the shooter’s shoulder.

User Benefit: A good recoil pad can significantly improve shooting comfort, particularly when firing high-powered cartridges like the .308 Winchester. It can also help prevent shoulder soreness and fatigue.

7. Checkering

What it is: Checkering is a decorative and functional pattern of grooves cut into the grip and forend of the stock to improve grip and prevent slippage.

How it works: The checkering provides a textured surface that enhances grip, particularly in wet or cold conditions. It also adds a touch of elegance and craftsmanship to the stock.

User Benefit: Checkering improves your grip on the rifle, enhancing control and accuracy. It also adds a touch of style and personalization to your firearm.

The Advantages of Upgrading to a Wood Stock

The benefits of upgrading to a wood stock extend beyond mere aesthetics. A well-chosen and properly fitted wood stock can significantly enhance your shooting experience in several ways.

Improved Accuracy: A more rigid and stable stock can reduce vibrations and movement during firing, leading to improved accuracy, especially at longer ranges. The bedding process, often performed with wood stocks, further enhances the connection between the action and the stock, ensuring consistent performance.

Enhanced Comfort: Wood stocks can be shaped and contoured to fit the shooter’s hand and shoulder more comfortably than synthetic stocks. This can reduce felt recoil and fatigue, allowing you to shoot for longer periods without discomfort. Many wood stocks also feature adjustable cheek pieces and recoil pads, allowing you to customize the fit to your specific needs.

Increased Durability: While synthetic stocks are generally more resistant to scratches and impacts, high-quality wood stocks can be incredibly durable and long-lasting. With proper care and maintenance, a wood stock can withstand years of use and abuse in the field.

Enhanced Aesthetics: As mentioned earlier, a beautiful wood stock can dramatically improve the overall look and feel of your rifle. The natural grain patterns and warm tones of wood add a touch of elegance and sophistication that synthetic materials simply can’t replicate. A wood stock can transform your rifle from a utilitarian tool into a cherished piece of equipment.

Personalization: Wood stocks offer a wide range of options for customization, allowing you to select the wood type, finish, and checkering pattern that best suits your personal preferences. You can also add custom engravings or inlays to further personalize your stock and make it truly unique. Our analysis reveals that shooters who personalize their rifles tend to have a higher level of satisfaction with their firearms.

Reviewing the Pro’s and Con’s of Wood Stocks

Choosing the right stock for your rifle involves carefully weighing the pros and cons. Here’s a balanced perspective on wood stocks for the Savage Axis .308:

Pros:

Aesthetics: Wood stocks offer a classic and elegant look that many shooters find appealing. The natural grain patterns and warm tones of wood add a touch of sophistication to any rifle.
Ergonomics: Wood stocks can be shaped and contoured to provide a more comfortable and natural grip than synthetic stocks. This can lead to improved control and reduced felt recoil.
Potential for Accuracy Improvement: Properly bedded wood stocks can enhance a rifle’s accuracy by providing a more stable and consistent platform for the action.
Customization Options: Wood stocks offer a wide range of options for customization, including wood type, finish, checkering pattern, and recoil pad.
Timeless Appeal: The timeless elegance of a wood stock evokes a sense of tradition and craftsmanship that synthetic materials simply can’t replicate.

Cons:

Cost: Wood stocks are generally more expensive than synthetic stocks.
Maintenance: Wood stocks require more maintenance than synthetic stocks. They need to be cleaned and oiled regularly to prevent drying and cracking.
Susceptibility to Moisture: Wood stocks are more susceptible to moisture damage than synthetic stocks. They can warp or swell if exposed to excessive moisture.
Weight: Wood stocks are typically heavier than synthetic stocks, which can be a consideration for hunters who carry their rifles for long distances.

Ideal User Profile:

A wood stock is best suited for shooters who appreciate the classic look and feel of wood, are willing to invest in proper maintenance, and prioritize accuracy and ergonomics. It’s also a great option for those who want to personalize their rifle and make it truly unique.

Key Alternatives:

If you’re looking for a more durable and low-maintenance option, consider a synthetic stock. Companies like Magpul and Bell & Carlson offer high-quality synthetic stocks for the Savage Axis .308 that provide excellent performance and durability.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation:

For shooters seeking to enhance the aesthetics, ergonomics, and potential accuracy of their Savage Axis .308, a quality wood stock is an excellent investment. While requiring more care than synthetic alternatives, the benefits in feel and customization often outweigh the drawbacks. We recommend exploring options from reputable manufacturers like Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks to ensure a proper fit and lasting performance.

Gaining a Better Understanding

Upgrading your Savage Axis .308 with a wood stock is a significant decision that can greatly enhance your shooting experience. By understanding the different types of wood, construction methods, and finishes available, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your preferences and budget. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, ergonomics, or accuracy, a well-chosen wood stock can transform your rifle into a cherished and high-performing firearm.

Ready to elevate your Savage Axis .308? Explore the extensive selection of wood stocks available from Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks and discover the perfect fit for your rifle and your shooting style. Share your experiences with wood stock upgrades in the comments below!