First Look: McMillan A5 Thumbhole Rifle Stock

McMillan has long been popular with precision shooters, thanks to the company's line of fiberglass rifle stocks designed to provide premium performance in rugged environments, and one of the company's most-recognized designs is its A5 tactical stock. Now, in 2018, McMillan enhanced its A5 design with the all-new A5 Thumbhole Rifle Stock, offering an additional ergonomic option for shooters who prefer this particular stock style.

When it comes to stock ergonomics, individual shooter preference counts, and many shooters find it more comfortable to use thumbhole-style stocks for wrist alignment. This allows them to increase the length of time spend behind the gun, leading to longer shooting sessions and more skill-building practice, thanks to the enhanced feel of this particular design. Another benefit offered by the thumbhole-style stock is an increased ability to produce a trigger-pull motion that comes straight to the rear, minimizing movement and ensuring that precision platforms stay securely on target throughout the firing process.

Each McMillan A5 Thumbhole Rifle Stock is built on the classic A5 stock design, adding in the ergonomic benefits of this particular setup without compromising the accuracy- and durability-enhancing elements of the tried-and-true A5 system. In addition to the improved feel of the thumbhole setup, the stock also incorporates an adjustable comb that allows users to find the perfect cheek weld for their particular precision optic.

At the front of the stock, consumers will find a flat, wide fore-end that's designed to rest securely on shooting bags or rifle rests, providing a solid shooting position for precision work. The inlet allows a barreled action to rest deeply inside the stock, lowering the center of gravity and providing enhanced stability for reduced movement while shooting. On the underside of the stock, a cut-out in the butt offers an opportunity for users to put increased pressure on the gun, burying it solidly in the shooter's shoulder for further security. The cut-out also provides space for a shooter's support hand to produce slight adjustments to the aiming point through the use of a toe bag.

Each McMillan A5 Thumbhole Rifle Stock can be had in a number of colors and finish choices, and consumers can also customize their stock from the factory with a range of recoil pads, butt plates, pillars, accessory rails and cheek pieces. The suggested retail price on the stock starts around $700 and depends on finish options and additional accessories selected.