https://www.foundationstocks.com
Anyone have any experience with these? They look awesome, and I like the concept of them..
Anyone have any experience with these? They look awesome, and I like the concept of them..
- Thread starter kabarNC
- Start date
They look great to me, the only thing missing is aluminum pillar bedding/block at that price point. The amount of machine work involved in their manufacture process probably accounts for the price... i also realize an alum pillar bed might not be everyone's cup of tea. Material-cost-wise, micarta is not expensive at all however, its very strong and is a suitable material for this application (if they're using a suitable resin, which of course... most likely they are and its not cheap).
Aluminum pillars became obsolete with the introduction of modern composite stocks. They're a tradition; a carryover from wooden stocks that would actually compress over time from action screw torque.
The only reason, especially in this material, that adding aluminum would be a worthwhile endeavor would be for built-in DBM compliance.
The only reason, especially in this material, that adding aluminum would be a worthwhile endeavor would be for built-in DBM compliance.
They look neat with that wood simulating micarta, however in my experiences micarta has some issues. First of all it stains and gets dirty easy. Secondly it absorbs moisture like sweat incredibly fast. It does have more grip than fiberglass so there is a plus, also micarta will probably be a much tougher material compared to traditional fiberglass in terms of brittleness. Interesting product, but to me this is one of those cases that would require handling it before making a purchase. It looks like they make huge blocks of micarta then machine the entire gun shape out, compared to McMillan who uses hand laid molds. So there is a reason the price is higher. But it is really only an aesthetic thing so they can have faux grain patterns.
Aluminum pillar beds are not outdated... there are very well founded reasons for using them in a composite stock as well as wood. Plastic(composites) compresses as well as wood, and yes even aluminum compresses, however aluminum is BY FAR superior to plastic as far as compressive strength goes (per surface area unit). Factor in heat, static shock and harmonic vibrations, fire 500 rounds and then re-torque your non-aluminum pillar bed stock, most likely the action's bolts will slightly turn and be out of spec. It appears their micarta utilizes either linen or canvas, which both are a porous fiber when used in micarta are then impregnated with a phenolic resin(or resin of some sort) and cured usually in a STATIC compressed state.
4 months ago I started designing rifle stocks to be fabricated using carbon fiber/kevlar/hybrid and currently have 2 models 3d printed for fit, feel, function & aesthetic tests. I've run physical as well as CAD animated stress tests on different fibers and more importantly resins. Some of my tests are crude and some complex, but all in all I run tests that are relative to the subject at hand, a rifle stock.
I have seen one, but have yet to USE a Foundation stock, but here are several PRO's to their stock's design/material... even considering the lack of alum pillar support:
1- Most folk don't fire 100's or more rounds without taking the barreled action out of the stock to give it a decent cleaning/wipe down... which upon reassembly, the torque specs on the newly compressed areas are renewed.
2- After doing this several times, the material will only compress so much, id estimate after 2 or 3 times the material will be compressed so much that it wouldn't be an issue anymore.
3- I'm just saying, it'd behoove one to incorporate a minor "break-in" maintenance procedure (like rotating your tires), 50-100rnds loosen and re-torque action screws (x3). After that, she's compressed, material density is max'd and custom mated "personally" to YOUR action and you're good to go. It's actually like a custom "active" time-lapsed bedding job.
4- The claims i've read about shooters not experiencing harmonic vibration resonance (or as much) when using these stocks indicates the stock has exceptional vibrational harmonic dampening properties.
One thing's for sure, i'd love to try one out.
I wish em the best, i'll leave luck out because it's not needed, they're onto something good!
4 months ago I started designing rifle stocks to be fabricated using carbon fiber/kevlar/hybrid and currently have 2 models 3d printed for fit, feel, function & aesthetic tests. I've run physical as well as CAD animated stress tests on different fibers and more importantly resins. Some of my tests are crude and some complex, but all in all I run tests that are relative to the subject at hand, a rifle stock.
I have seen one, but have yet to USE a Foundation stock, but here are several PRO's to their stock's design/material... even considering the lack of alum pillar support:
1- Most folk don't fire 100's or more rounds without taking the barreled action out of the stock to give it a decent cleaning/wipe down... which upon reassembly, the torque specs on the newly compressed areas are renewed.
2- After doing this several times, the material will only compress so much, id estimate after 2 or 3 times the material will be compressed so much that it wouldn't be an issue anymore.
3- I'm just saying, it'd behoove one to incorporate a minor "break-in" maintenance procedure (like rotating your tires), 50-100rnds loosen and re-torque action screws (x3). After that, she's compressed, material density is max'd and custom mated "personally" to YOUR action and you're good to go. It's actually like a custom "active" time-lapsed bedding job.
4- The claims i've read about shooters not experiencing harmonic vibration resonance (or as much) when using these stocks indicates the stock has exceptional vibrational harmonic dampening properties.
One thing's for sure, i'd love to try one out.
I wish em the best, i'll leave luck out because it's not needed, they're onto something good!
Some of the best shooter out there are running them. The testimonials page includes Tate, Griz and A-A-Ron, those guys know a little bit about shooting. I'm not a fashion-show shooter, but they do look sweet, even better in person. I hope they will make a thumb-hole or pistol grip stock.
I agree, seen some pictures of Heatstroke this past weekend and seen a few of them, definitely piqued my interest..
Kabar, I have a cousin that RO'd the Heatstroke and i heard all about how badass these Foundation stocks were.. They are kinda neat.. Everytime I see one it reminds me of my Skullguard hard-hat, looks like the same material
I absolutely love them. They are like a traditional A-5/T4a, but better. The micarta is much more stiff and machines well. The founder of the company is an awesome guy. The product itself is awesome. I haven't looked at the price, but I promise you are interested in one, get it. It will not disappoint.
Seen these over on Accurate Shooter. I love Micarta, Its dense, solid, warm to the touch and grippy. I called and spoke with one of the gentlemen at Foundation. Great to speak with and very knowledgeable about their product and the material. I want one of these for a boomer long distance build. The weight and density would really help tame a big powder burner down.
I just saw a few of these stocks yesterday. They are awesome and are really pretty. They make for a beautiful rifle. The guys running them shoot PRS almost every weekend and they seem to hold up well.
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I will be receiving my Impact Precision action Foundation stock rifle on Friday. So I will get some pics and post my thoughts on this stock. I have previously used several Chassis systems, McMillian stocks and Mastin Offset prone stocks (High Power Long Range) so this stock is supposed to be tough as a fiberglass but have the deadness of a wood stock.
What exactly is the difference between the Exodus and Genesis? What I can tell, there's a larger palm swell and a different (flatter/better bag ride?) slant at the bottom of the butt, on the Genesis.
Anyone had negative experience with these at all?
Anyone had negative experience with these at all?
Genesis is the original design. Forend is 2.6" wide to better protect your scope bell while in a barricade/prop.
Exodus was released earlier this year.. has a narrower forend of around 2" and the vertical grip is about 0.3" closer to the trigger (the hand position to trigger "reach" isn't as far)
Both can be had with or without butthook. And both can come in standard or light.. light has more material removed to reduce weight.
I've got an Exodus w/butthook in the light version. I actually ordered it in standard weight, but there was a mistake and it came as a light. I actually prefer the light.. balances well on a barricade. On the light, you have the option to add heavy fill like lead or epoxy in some of the pockets that were milled out to reduce weight if you want to increase weight or tailor the balance.
I don't foresee moving away from this stock anytime soon.. they are exceptional.
Exodus was released earlier this year.. has a narrower forend of around 2" and the vertical grip is about 0.3" closer to the trigger (the hand position to trigger "reach" isn't as far)
Both can be had with or without butthook. And both can come in standard or light.. light has more material removed to reduce weight.
I've got an Exodus w/butthook in the light version. I actually ordered it in standard weight, but there was a mistake and it came as a light. I actually prefer the light.. balances well on a barricade. On the light, you have the option to add heavy fill like lead or epoxy in some of the pockets that were milled out to reduce weight if you want to increase weight or tailor the balance.
I don't foresee moving away from this stock anytime soon.. they are exceptional.
They sponsor a LOT of Oklahoma based shooters. I see Foundation supported at almost all the events I go too in North Texas / Southern Oklahoma.
They are very nice IMO but expensive.
They are very nice IMO but expensive.
I just received mine today. I'm going to put the rifle together later today but I can admit this now, this is the nicest rifle component I have personally owned. The attention to detail is perfect.
All I know is they need to make a hunting stock similar to a Manners EH2 or MCS-T. I would love one of their stocks for my Origin/Proof/6.5PRC, but 4lbs is much more than I want.
Your pretty much stuck with what they make. If they change anything it will be for the competitors. Heavier is the way to go.
You want light get a manners in carbon. That’s what I sold to move to a foundation. Manners are too light lol.
Yep I've heard of guys adding 4570 projectiles and gasket sealer to the foundation stocks honeycomb to add weight already. Depending on how mine balances I will be doing the same.
I too am looking for a system to add weight. I know a guy who is supposedly coming up with a system. I don’t want to add anything permanent though and would like to be able to change it up as I change needs of the rifle.
I hear he is using custom lead molds with o rings to stay in the stock.
If someone could make a system I would buy it right now. Just need about 3 lbs lol.
Assuming Texas I've heard of the same guy. Similar plan as the guys I've talked to smashing 4570 projectiles with a hammer to make disc shapes that are being held into place with gasket sealer. Admittedly the other guys playing maybe more refined, LOL. But last I heard not available commercially and is being tested.
Put my rifle together today, optic going on tomorrow then shooting a velocity ladder. The fit and finish of this stock is very impressive. Micarta is really nice feeling in the hands.
For those that have one what is the torque spec of the action screws in the stocks?
I run mine to 65 in-lbs
60-65 here, but many folks would say anything from 45-60 is adequate. Front first, then rear, with equal torque likely more important than cranking it down super tight, IMO.
Those stocks are awesome looking!
From my understanding, they are not too slick. I bet that they are really comfortable in fact, based off of how one of my micarta knife handle feels. I don't think any moisture or wearing gloves would be an issue with these stocks.
They are really cool looking stocks in the right color. Personally, I love the looks of the really dark distressed models. The lighter shades have that unfortunate fake wood look. If I had a lot of disposable income, I would probably pick one up to try one out. Maybe in the future.
One of my biggest hold ups is that it doesn't necessarily do anything better than a fiberglass stock. Very similar product, just a different material. And it has all the downsides. You still have to purchase and fit a DBM. The stock is inletted to a specific action - want to change actions? Change the stock. Want a rail on the side? Too bad. Want a 2 round holder? You can use the SAP one and velcro it to the side - looks ghetto as hell though. ARCA rail? Yeah, companies make some aftermarket ones, but they look like an after thought. NV mount? Sorry, not available.
Again, great looking stocks (in the right colors), but once you dress them up with some aftermarket accessories (ARCA/RRS rail, 2 round holders, etc.) they really start looking unrefined (AKA - kind of "ghetto"). I also don't like the fact that you are stuck with whatever action it is inletted for. I really want to like them, but that is what really holds me back.
The above reasons is why I went the chassis route. Got tired of the disadvantages of a regular/traditional stock, and have moved on to JAE chassis. By nature we are tinkerers, and I love the versatility that a chassis provides over a more traditional style stock.
They are really cool looking stocks in the right color. Personally, I love the looks of the really dark distressed models. The lighter shades have that unfortunate fake wood look. If I had a lot of disposable income, I would probably pick one up to try one out. Maybe in the future.
One of my biggest hold ups is that it doesn't necessarily do anything better than a fiberglass stock. Very similar product, just a different material. And it has all the downsides. You still have to purchase and fit a DBM. The stock is inletted to a specific action - want to change actions? Change the stock. Want a rail on the side? Too bad. Want a 2 round holder? You can use the SAP one and velcro it to the side - looks ghetto as hell though. ARCA rail? Yeah, companies make some aftermarket ones, but they look like an after thought. NV mount? Sorry, not available.
Again, great looking stocks (in the right colors), but once you dress them up with some aftermarket accessories (ARCA/RRS rail, 2 round holders, etc.) they really start looking unrefined (AKA - kind of "ghetto"). I also don't like the fact that you are stuck with whatever action it is inletted for. I really want to like them, but that is what really holds me back.
The above reasons is why I went the chassis route. Got tired of the disadvantages of a regular/traditional stock, and have moved on to JAE chassis. By nature we are tinkerers, and I love the versatility that a chassis provides over a more traditional style stock.
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you can buy an arca rail right from foundation that looks just fine like any other arca rail on any other gun.
Full Length 1.5" Dovetail / RRS Compatible Rail | foundation-stocks
The full length rail measures 13.750" in overall length and allows movement of RRS attachments or variants along the full length. The rail comes with the hardware needed to mount to the SS Rail found in every Foundation Stock.
www.foundationstocks.com 
You're either a chassis or stock guy. I personally think most chassis' are ugly, but the functionality and modularity can't be argued with. I also think most stocks require more work than they should. The foundation to me is the best looking stock (or chassis) you can build your rifle on, and one of the easiest to work with as well. No pillars, bedding, or inletting needed. Just order it how you want it from Foundation, and torque your barreled action down. You can also talk to John-Kyle and ask him to inlet for a couple of different actions if you want. I specifically asked about Surgeon and Impact, and he said he could do it so that both will drop in no problem. I'm not sure on others, but it might be doable.
It's definately personal preference. To me the Foundation stocks look like a 7th grader made them in shop class. It's the latest and greatest and gets a lot of hype.
i can see that.
i still love the looks. i have an exodus on order. only thing that worries me is there seems to be drastic variation even among the different finishes. Some "dark finishes" look way better than others.
i sent John-Kyle an example from their website of how i would like mine to look. He said he can tell by the blank how they'll finish up and pulled a dark one for me.
my biggest worry is getting it in and not liking the finish. some look not so good - some look awesome to me.
you can buy an arca rail right from foundation that looks just fine like any other arca rail on any other gun.
Full Length 1.5" Dovetail / RRS Compatible Rail | foundation-stocks
The full length rail measures 13.750" in overall length and allows movement of RRS attachments or variants along the full length. The rail comes with the hardware needed to mount to the SS Rail found in every Foundation Stock.
I personally still think that rail looks like an after thought on that stock. They just don't look right for some reason.
i feel you. definitely not for everyone.
i was into the whole chassis look for awhile. then quickly found myself liking the tradition stock look better.
so that left me with:
manners
jallen
foundation
if i don't like the foundation - i'm probably going to try a manners next, but i don't like the slanted forends of the PRS1 and PRS2, so i'd have to give a different style which i haven't fully researched yet. my buddy i shoot with regularly has a jallen and its badass but i still wanted to try a foundation first.
J Allen is what I've settled on. Two of my rifles sit in JAE chassis's, and I can't speak highly enough of them.
To be fair, I'm pretty critical of a lot of chassis as well. A lot of chassis look unrefined to me as well. Some are a bit gimmicky with all the attachments. And most are just plain ugly.
I think JAE does the best at providing comfort, versatility, quality and all while coming in a package that looks somewhat refined. They are pretty expensive though.
I bet you will enjoy the Foundation. They do seem like a well made product.
I have money down on a foundation, I too sent a picture of the kind of finish i am hoping to get. I am worried that when they ship it to me I will not like the way it turned out...
same. hoping for the best!
when did you order yours?
i ordered mine march 1 - John-Kyle said 10-12weeks BUT they just got a new machine in that day and it could mean he got it out sooner.
I ordered mine a few days ago and John-Kyle told me 8-10 weeks so the new machine may be moving things along. I hadn't thought about sending a reference photo of the finish, the dark distressed looks great but they are not all as good looking. Regardless, I imagine it will shoot just as well even if it was hot pink.
Depending on what material or "grain" is showing dictates how the finish turns out.. they are all kind of snowflakes in that regard. Mine is by far the darkest dark distressed I've seen, but I get alot of compliments on it.. it's almost black on red.
Not sure what my next one will look like, but I know it'll be different.
Exodus #2 with a Fuzion inlet. #1 went to Travis at TS Customs.
Not sure what my next one will look like, but I know it'll be different.
Exodus #2 with a Fuzion inlet. #1 went to Travis at TS Customs.
I'm hoping to get into a Foundation Stock this year. I have a Seekins Havak Pro HP1, not as Gucci as others here but I think the Foundation will be the next step in the right direction. My Havak shoots pretty damn well with the Magpul Hunter 700 stock but I have been eyeing a Foundation since JK started his business, after college when I heard he had started a precision rifle stock company, micarta was not what I had envisioned. Knowing JK though, it doesn't surprise me that he has built it into what it is today and I'm sure it has a long successful future ahead.
I'm not too picky on the color, they're all different because of the materials and processes involved and it'll probably look wonky anyways because my action and barrel are both uncoated stainless. Oh well.
I'm not too picky on the color, they're all different because of the materials and processes involved and it'll probably look wonky anyways because my action and barrel are both uncoated stainless. Oh well.
