The HMR stock on my Bergara B-14 6.5 Creedmoor is a fine stock but very heavy – pushing 3.89 pounds with no bottom metal. I was looking for something lighter, better, and way cooler so naturally I turned to McMillan and their fantastic Carbon Ambush stock. This is truly a custom stock and Josh helped guide me through the options. I could not be happier with the results.
The Game Hunter is exactly what I wanted. It features a vertical pistol grip and a high Monte Carlo cheek piece. The complete spec sheet can be found on the McMillan website here. McMillan is known for their excellent fiberglass stocks but I opted to step up to the Carbon Edge technology. Josh suggested the Woodland molded in color option. It truly is a stunning stock especially when the sun hits the carbon fibers just right.
Other options requested were aluminum pillars, Decelerator recoil pad, sling studs, and 4″ picatinny rail for mounting a bipod. The McMillan order form is very detailed and includes an explanation of the various options. Of course, they also have a selection of standard stocks in inventory.
After receiving the McMillan Game Hunter Woodland Carbon Ambush stock, the first thing I did was to put it on my digital scale. Josh had told me the stock itself should come in at about 28 ounces (wow, that is light!). Adding in my options (studs, rail, etc.), the total weight without bottom metal was 1 lb, 15.8 ounces. By comparison, the Bergara HMR stock weighed 3 lbs, 8.9 ounces.
Attention to detail during the manufacturing process was evident as the HMR bottom metal simply “clicked” into place perfectly. I had initially planned to go with a third-party bottom metal for the detachable AICS magazine. Ultimately, I decided to stick with the Bergara unit for this review article so that it would be a true direct replacement stock. That means that McMillan now has the standard HMR pattern specs available to anyone.
How did it shoot? Glad you asked. I had recently cleaned the bore so I first fired several shots at steel before moving to paper. I was expecting to spend some time finding zero but the first three rounds of Hornady 143gr ELD-X were about a .75″ group on the top-left of the bullseye. I fed three rounds of 129gr American Whitetail and they were a similar group hard against the first group but at the top of the bullseye. Combined, with two different loads, it was about a 1″ group. Mind you, I really wasn’t shooting for accuracy but to re-zero the rifle after having it apart. Safe to say that the McMillan will perform and I can’t wait to spend more time on the range shooting at longer distances.
I sold a great shooting Tikka 270 WSM because I just hated the flimsy plastic stock. A better option would have been to order a McMillan replacement. I can certainly appreciate the difference in weight while carrying the rifle and a backpack and I’m confident that it will outshoot the factory stock.
There is a nice amount of texture on the grip and forend to retain purchase under adverse conditions. The Monte Carlo cheek pad is a good height for me with the Nightforce 3.5 – 15 X 50 scope.
Custom-built perfection is not inexpensive but we highly recommend McMillan stocks if you are looking for an upgrade.
Mike Coker
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