Let’s Dive into Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801 is more than just a replacement stock; it’s a tactile and performance upgrade designed to breathe new life into your trusted rifle. Crafted by Hogue, renowned for their quality grips and firearm accessories, this stock promises enhanced comfort, improved accuracy, and a unique aesthetic that blends seamlessly into natural environments. The distinctive ghillie green color and textured surface immediately set it apart, making it an appealing choice for hunters and tactical shooters alike.
My journey to finding this stock stemmed from a persistent desire to improve the ergonomics and handling of my Howa 1500 long action. The factory stock, while functional, always felt a bit lacking in terms of grip and overall comfort, especially during long days in the field. I was also seeking a stock that could offer a more stable and accurate shooting platform, and I had heard great things about Hogue’s PillarBed design.
Upon unboxing the Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801, I was immediately struck by its robust construction and the pleasingly tactile feel of the overmolded rubber. The weight felt balanced and substantial, instilling confidence in its durability. The ghillie green color, while perhaps not for everyone, is perfectly suited for my hunting needs, providing excellent camouflage in wooded and grassy areas.
I considered several alternatives, including stocks from Boyds and Bell & Carlson, but ultimately chose the Hogue for its reputation for superior grip and its integrated PillarBed system. I was hoping for a noticeable improvement in accuracy and comfort, and my initial impressions were certainly positive. My first impression was definitely one of excitement, tinged with a bit of anticipation to see how it would perform at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801 at my local shooting range, focusing on achieving tighter groupings at 100 and 200 yards. The weather was slightly damp, which proved to be an excellent opportunity to evaluate the grip’s performance in less-than-ideal conditions. The overmolded rubber provided a secure and confident hold, even with slightly wet hands.
The improved ergonomics were immediately noticeable, allowing for a more natural and comfortable shooting position. I found that I was able to maintain a more consistent cheek weld, contributing to improved accuracy. There were no significant issues during this first outing, and the installation process was straightforward, requiring only basic tools.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801 continues to perform admirably. I’ve used it extensively during hunting season, subjecting it to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and mud. The stock has proven to be remarkably durable, showing minimal signs of wear and tear.
The ghillie green finish has held up well, resisting scratches and abrasions from brushes and branches. Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Compared to the factory stock, the Hogue offers a significant improvement in both comfort and accuracy, making it a worthwhile upgrade. The Hogue stock has surpassed my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801
Specifications
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801 is specifically designed for Howa 1500 and Weatherby Vanguard long action rifles with a standard barrel contour. It features a durable, overmolded rubber construction that provides a comfortable and secure grip in all weather conditions. The stock incorporates Hogue’s renowned PillarBed system, which enhances accuracy by creating a stable and consistent bedding surface for the action.
The ghillie green color offers excellent camouflage in a variety of environments. The stock is lightweight, adding minimal weight to the rifle. The key feature is the PillarBed design, which significantly improves accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801 excels in its primary function: improving the ergonomics and accuracy of the rifle. The overmolded rubber provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet or cold conditions. The PillarBed system ensures a consistent and stable bedding surface, resulting in tighter groupings and improved long-range accuracy.
While the stock is undeniably an upgrade over the factory option, the ghillie green color may not appeal to all users. The improved accuracy and enhanced grip significantly outweigh any aesthetic concerns. The Hogue stock more than meets expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801 is exceptional, with the overmolded rubber providing a comfortable and durable surface. The weight is well-balanced, contributing to improved handling and stability. The ergonomic design allows for a natural and comfortable shooting position.
The stock is user-friendly, requiring no specialized tools or gunsmithing skills for installation. The stock fits perfectly and feels great in your hands.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801 is built to last, with its durable overmolded rubber construction resisting wear and tear. The stock is easy to maintain, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. The stock is resistant to most common solvents and cleaning agents.
Proper care will ensure a long service life. The Hogue stock is designed to withstand years of use in demanding environments.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801 is compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories, including bipods, slings, and cheek risers. The stock can be easily modified to accommodate different shooting styles and preferences. The stock accepts standard sling swivel studs.
Hogue also offers a variety of grips and other accessories that can further enhance the ergonomics of the rifle. It is compatible with most common bipod mounting systems.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801
Pros
- Improved accuracy due to the PillarBed system.
- Enhanced grip and comfort from the overmolded rubber.
- Durable and weather-resistant construction.
- Easy installation with no gunsmithing required.
- Unique ghillie green color for effective camouflage.
Cons
- The ghillie green color may not appeal to all users.
- Limited customization options compared to some other stocks.
Who Should Buy Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801?
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801 is perfect for hunters seeking improved accuracy and a more comfortable shooting experience. It’s also an excellent choice for tactical shooters who value a secure grip and durable construction. Anyone looking to upgrade their Howa 1500 or Weatherby Vanguard rifle should consider this stock.
Those who prefer a more traditional wood or laminate stock should probably skip this product. People heavily invested in highly customizable chassis systems might also find this too basic. A bipod and a quality scope are must-have accessories to maximize the stock’s accuracy potential.
Conclusion on Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801
The Hogue Howa 1500/Weatherby L.A. Standard Barrel PillarBed Stock Ghillie Green 15801 is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve the performance and ergonomics of their rifle. The improved accuracy, enhanced grip, and durable construction make it a standout product in its price range. The price is definitely justified.
I would highly recommend this stock to anyone seeking a reliable and effective upgrade for their Howa 1500 or Weatherby Vanguard. Upgrade your rifle and elevate your shooting experience; you won’t regret it.