Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

[Strickland]

I'm looking to swap out my AICS 1.5 to something less meaty and easier to shoot positional and move with.

What are the pro / cons between a Tube gun style setup, i.e. MAK, Eliseo, versus a traditional stock, i.e. McMillan, Manners?

Right now I'm leaning toward a tube gun setup. The Eliseo RTS or RTM intrigues me.

BTW, I'm a lefty, but shoot a RH. So I need an ambidextrous cheek piece.

Thanks for the input.

Strickland

 

[jswhitesell619]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

I don't think there are a whole lot of advantages or disadvantages really either way. It's 100% what your more comfortable with. If at all possible try to get behind a couple different designs and see what you like. Plus to a tube style chassis is no need for bedding and all that work as is with a traditional style stock

 

[KNIGHT11B4]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jswhitesell619</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't think there are a whole lot of advantages or disadvantages really either way. It's 100% what your more comfortable with. If at all possible try to get behind a couple different designs and see what you like. Plus to a tube style chassis is no need for bedding and all that work as is with a traditional style stock </div></div>

There are traditional stock that also do not require bedding.

For example, Manners offers the mini chassis that can be put in any of their stocks. It is a chassis system that is combined with bottom metal. Saves you money on bedding and dont have to buy bottom metal

I have been shooting it for a good while now and it is an awesome stock option.

 

[Mike]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

I have an Elisio. Although I haven't shot it I've been dry-firing the crap out of it and think it's great. There are some distinct advantages to the way the barreled action sits in the stock. BTW I shoot RH as a LH shooter and the Elisio is no problem.

What I think it really comes down to though is personal preference. You shoot best with what you feel the most comfortable with. The only real way to tell is get behind one and shoot it. I don't think there is an advantage/disadvantage, especially with today's top notch stocks available.

 

[WhiskeyWebber]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

I met a guy at the last comp who shoots the Tubb Spec-tac and he says it's the best tactical(as in tac matches) rifle he's ever been behind. The adjustment and ability to get into all of the off balance positions is much better than a traditional stock. He also said the best part is the trigger/action combo... The Annie trigger is perfect and it takes just two fingers to rack a new cartridge so he can almost keep up with gas guns on stages.

I've shot the Tubb 2000 once and it was on a whole 'nother level, but never the Spec-Tac. His enthusiasm for the gun got me thinking though...

 

[Mike]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WhiskeyWebber</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I met a guy at the last comp who shoots the Tubb Spec-tac and he says it's the best tactical(as in tac matches) rifle he's ever been behind. The adjustment and ability to get into all of the off balance positions is much better than a traditional stock. He also said the best part is the trigger/action combo... The Annie trigger is perfect and it takes just two fingers to rack a new cartridge so he can almost keep up with gas guns on stages.

I've shot the Tubb 2000 once and it was on a whole 'nother level, but never the Spec-Tac. His enthusiasm for the gun got me thinking though...</div></div>

In the military we used to have an expression called "RTFQ". It was for a situation where you read right past the obvious and in to the oblivious.

you CAN NOT shoot a Spec Tac LR as a LH shooter. The LH models (and I don't believe he made more than a few) are going to be difficulty if not impossible to find and very expensive.

Remember the OP said.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Strickland</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
BTW, I'm a lefty, but shoot a RH. So I need an ambidextrous cheek piece.
</div></div>

 

[WhiskeyWebber]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

Should have said he mentioned that he modified grip and cheek rest to be shot in left or right hand config but it was a right hand bolt.

 

[mike4045]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

I purchased an Eliseo RtM setup from a friend this year and have been very happy with it, and yes, I am a lefty that prefers right hand guns. From a supported position you can run the bolt damn fast, if you like the feel of an AR you would definitely like the tube guns.

 

[Sharpsman]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

Gary Anderson won several NRA HP Championships at Camp Perry shooting a right hand M70! Do I need to say he shot off the left shoulder?? Smooth as silk working the bolt across the top!!

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

Ive tried many different stocks, both McMillan and Manners. Also, I've owned several chassis systems like the AICS and the AX. If just shooting all prone and nothing else, I love my T4A. However for a match of both prone and positional I've found that just the simple ole' T3 really works the very best for me. It's not as fancy with all the many adjustments, but for a match that requires prone, positional, on the move stages, ive found the T3 just does the job better for me.

I've made the switch to all Manners and all have the mini chassis setup. No bedding required and I can swap out and drop in several different barreled actions using the same stock.

 

[ranger1183]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Strickland</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm looking to swap out my AICS 1.5 to something less meaty and easier to shoot positional and move with.

What are the pro / cons between a Tube gun style setup, i.e. MAK, Eliseo, versus a traditional stock, i.e. McMillan, Manners?

Right now I'm leaning toward a tube gun setup. The Eliseo RTS or RTM intrigues me.

BTW, I'm a lefty, but shoot a RH. So I need an ambidextrous cheek piece.

Thanks for the input.

Strickland </div></div>
There is nothing <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">LESS MEATY</span></span> about a tube gun stock. Tubeguns are typically made of LOTS of aluminum and all that aluminum adds up. They are heavy, no two ways about it.

They are, however, EXCELLENT stocks for positional shooting. So if you're looking for a match rifle, they are an excellent way to go.

If you're looking for a light weight field rifle, I recommend you buy a Lone Wolf Rifle stock, or a light weight Manners stock. Best of luck either way.

 

[echo3]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

There seems to be a large move towards tube guns. I have to tend to agree.
I have been watching closely for years and now my next build is going to be one. They have shown the things I feel necessary for their consideration. Market longevity (I can get parts and the companies are still there)
They win. Not necessary any MORE than a McMillan.. but certainly not any less!
They are solid and being so close to the AR in ergos.. as more and more people come in that start on a gasser and a bolt comes later, the similarities and crossover do count.

 

[Rob01]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

Personal preference. I hate pistol grip or thumbhole stocks on a bolt gun. Just doesn't feel right to me and slows down my working the bolt having to unwrap my thumb. I know people will say you can lay the thumb on the side but it doesn't feel right.

I persoanlly like the Manners T3 as I like a more traditional grip area but also like the larger forend. It's the perfect stock for me.

 

[Strickland]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

Thanks for the responses guys.

Rob, having to take the thumb off the stock doesn't affect us lefty's.

I like the pistol grips as I feel I can better maintain pressure on my shoulder with them. But that is just me. I LOVE the AI chassis for prone shooting. Shot many f-style matches with it and don't have a problem.

I guess I'm leaning more toward a tube gun than I am a traditional style.

 

[Jedi]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

Just got my LH Eliseo RTS
built like a tank, stock so adjustable you can fit gun to you vs fitting you to gun
This thing makes McRee chassis look cheap n flimsy, which they are not. Stock is super nice and looks tuff as nails.
Adjust ability of stock is a huge benefit over standard stocks which offer maybe adjustable cheek piece.
RTS also completely encloses action which i prefer over the XLR or McRee chassis which leaves action exposed.
My Defiance Mutant action should be here next week, purpose made to custom fit Eliseo chassis
Cant wait to get it together n get to shooting

 

[BookHound]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

I agree about the quality and feel of the Eliseo. In addition to Defiance, Pierce Engineering also makes an actions specifically for the Eliseo chassis systems. We used a Pierce on this build and it is a tack-driver for sure. We glued the action into the chassis and ditched the recoil lug on this switch barrel setup.

Ergonomics are a very personal thing. Everyone must find what works best for them. For example, the AICS doesn't really fit me well. I don't like the slight outward angle the chassis forces my shooting hand into. However, the AI AX chassis fits me very well and I absolutely love it.

Now after playing with an Eliseo I think one of those will be in my future.

Mark

 

[Chiller]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

Have two of them and have to say they have served me well. The fit and finish is also great.

 

[awp762]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

I have always enjoyed my Pierce/Eliseo Tube gun.

 

[Wolvenhaven]

Re: Tube Gun vs. Traditional Stock

I love my RTS, it is heavy but it's a damn awesome chassis.