I ordered two of the identical stocks (Springfield 1903 JRS Sporter in pepper laminate) from Boyds back in August 2009. It took several phone calls and noisemaking on my part to even find out if the part was still available, let alone get an order placed. I was told they were updating their inventory management software and reviewing their inventory plan, and it was clear that the left hand (Sales) was not talking to the right hand (Manufacturing) about what SKUs were to be in the database, what parts were to be in inventory vs. special order, etc. The Marketing Manager (she, BTW) was shockingly clueless and disengaged from the whole process, and seemed completely indifferent to the whole customer experience. As a small business owner and former corporate Quality Manager I was livid, and let her know it. By contrast, the Salesperson (he) was right on the money as a customer advocate and apparently pushed the issue to resolution. After five or six phone conversations with both parties, I had just about given up on Boyds entirely when I got a surprise call from the sales guy with an order confirmation and delivery date for my two stocks.
The stocks arrived a couple weeks later, and both were simply outstanding quality, especially considering the bargain price of $69 plus shipping. Inletting was flawless, and an unmodified Rock Island 1903 barreled action (less rear barrel sight band) squeezed in perfectly with no gaps or additional inletting required. The only woodwork needed before applying finish was a relief cut for the turned down bolt handle (expected), and final finish sanding. The end results were outstanding, and was without question the easiest re-stocking project I have ever undertaken (and there have been many, believe me...)
In answer to the obvious question "Why bother?", this particular stock was for a special project with my teenage son, who had his heart set on the black laminate look for his first high power rifle. As it turns out, Boyds was the only company that offered that material in a classic sporter style, at a reasonable price, and with reasonable turn-around time. The project turned out great in the end, and my son now has his own custom Springfield 1903 sporter, which he helped build.
Consequently, my advice is to call Boyds first to confirm availability, before placing your order (either online or by phone, as you wish). The two stocks I received were outstanding quality (as described above), but apparently that may vary as evidenced by other comments in this thread. On that basis, I can no longer rule out the possibility that the two I received were somehow "special selection" or "one-off" production that may or may not be typical of their volume production. Either way, compared to the alternatives currently available on the marketplace I think the Boyds JRS sporter stock represents excellent value, and I would not hesitate to order from them again in the future.
Cheers,
Peconga in Boise, Idaho
