A short bit ago I received one of the first Grayboe Ridgeback stocks fresh off the production line shortly before the release date to do a review on. So, I made it a point the same day that I received the shipping confirmation that I would have the rifle built to start to finish within 7 days. So, I hopped in my truck and went down to gander outdoors and acquired literally every single component aside from the stock and the DBM and bipod. The sole reason I did this is because that is exactly what Grayboe wants you to do with their stocks, they want you to get out and shoot without all those massive backorders or wait times. This is what this particular rifle consists of;
Remington 700 BDL 6.5 Creedmoor
Vortex Viper HS-T 6-24×50
Spartan Precision Javelin bipod
Timney 520CE-A set at 1.5#
Vortex 30mm scope rings
Warne Precision 20MOA scope base
As well as the provided Grayboe Ridgeback stock and Grayboe DBM.
Everything on this rifle was readily available as in no special orders as it was in stock in the store. You see there is one thing in common that I have noticed between every single shooter that I know, not a single one of them is happy about “OK” accuracy. So, basically the first upgrade most precision shooters make is the stock because the factory molded plastic stock is just to insufficient to be applicable. That being said, the Grayboe Ridgeback in my opinion and very few others that I have come across online the Ridgeback is a seriously well thought out stock that keeps us long range fellas in mind. It’s features are so well thought out between the flat fore-end and the 12 MLOK slots for accessories or the ground breaking first of its kind integrated bubble level in the stock or the extremely light weight(compared to a majority) of it (coming in about 3 ½ pounds). For competitors we all know the struggle of an overall weight to recoil reduction ratio but this is not something that you have to worry about as it is injection molded so it has all the strength and reliability but cuts some of the weight off.
Now, they have already made permanent changes since the stock that I received as the one I currently have has a green bubble level and they have now switched to a blue bubble level instead. The green one was pretty hard for me to read due to the fact that I am red/green colorblind and I commonly shoot from just passed a tree line at the farm behind my house. The Ridgeback has some serious features for the price that I have come to enjoy very thoroughly like the adjustable cheek rest and butt pad spacer system they use to adjust the overall length. Grayboe has addressed practically every single overlooked feature that pushes us long range shooter to think that if it is not a custom stock then we will never get a custom feel and consistent shot. Even their DBM is made to suit long range shooters they anodize theirs instead of a rough black phosphate like most companies do so when milliseconds count you don’t get hung up inserting a magazine due to the slick finish they use.
Now I am not saying that if you simply buy a Grayboe Ridgeback that you will suddenly transform into a Jerry Miculek level shooter but you would be one step further towards being the shooter you want to be. I never thought I would say this honestly but compared to a stock rifle a quick click online and a 5 minute install just may tighten up your shot group and let you effectively reach out a little further. Every little advantage counts just as the first to go is the factory stock the second to go is the trigger I immediately switched to the Timney 520-CE-A because I like shooting with a flat trigger shoe as it gives me more surface area on the trigger shoe itself. This combination on a plain jane $600 Remington 700 BDL allowed me to stretch to 1000 yards consistently (with match ammunition of course) with ease simple and common upgrades that combined may have taken 15 minutes to install at my mediocre but practiced often skill level.
While I was testing this Grayboe Ridgeback stock I did however realize some astounding accuracy improvements over the factory stock although I shot both at the 100 yard point to gauge the difference there was only an 1/8” difference in shot groups. However, the further you reach out passed say about 300 yards you start to realize the massive difference for example at 800 yards which was the maximum distance I could maintain MOA (8” shot group) with the factory stock I was at a 6 ½” group with the Grayboe Ridgeback. Trust me at a 1,000 yards every detail and advantage counts something that is an eight inch off at a 100 yards is going to be several inches off at a 1000 yards that’s if you even hit the target to visually compare. The employees at Grayboe are extremely dedicated to making sure you are happy I myself have even called them passed 9-10 PM and they have always answered because they were still there working on bringing you a better product. All said and done I simply cannot think of a better way to go for fast service and accuracy improving options so they have two thumbs up from me personally, pick up a Grayboe Ridgeback for $599 MSRP and a Grayboe DBM for $159 and a Timney Calvin Elite for $249 and you are halfway there.
I can foresee that the Ridgeback is going to appeal to a very wide spectrum of precision shooters given its features. I would definitely say that bench rest, bipod, PRS competitors, as well as hunters that hike in to the hunt are going to be very pleased. It has the features to pull off each arena and I have the utmost confidence stating that from my time with the Ridgeback. So, if you are in the market for a solid option to ditch that factory stock for a custom, readily available, customizable stock give the Grayboe Ridgeback a solid look. Get out to the range or field in a reasonable amount of time with a Ridgeback and you will be impressed. You can also read my original article here.
