Mail Call Mondays Season 8 #33 - McMillan A6 vs. KRG Bravo

[@777Raze]

McMillan needs to start competing or they will become a relic like mag lights and serpa holsters

[@Vamike9]

Since the first KRG I owned until my most recent, I couldn't be happier with the fit, feel and function. Thanks John

[@jameshealy4594]

I love fibreglass stocks, they have a deadening feeling to the recoil, as you said they take away some of the "snap" of recoil. And they really feel great in the hand, more solid or dense feeling than even chassis systems with bolt-together aluminium components in my experience. But I don't think many people are really struggling to choose between these two specific stocks, their price difference is just so profound. Both great options though.

[@Cristopher1976]

I plan to go to the bravo in the near future on my 700. I dont care for the hs precision stock. It was ok to start with but it has more limitations than I'm willing to keep dealing with anymore.

[@campnoutdoors1621]

I chose the KRG Bravo and am very impressed with the functionality, and fit & finish of the chassis! KRG AI mags also fit like a glove and offer 2.95 coal for the 6.5 creedmoor. I don't know how they make such a great product at the price point there at.

[@EverythingisFire]

That's good to hear.

[@uwehoffmann9255]

I prefer the KRG Bravo. I have used McMillans in the past but the added expense for every nickel and dime part which you best add when you order because it isn't easy to drill the brittle fiberglass, the need for a DBM, as well as the need to bed and with it the apprehension about doing the right thing, or having the right gunsmith, the lack of ease to reconfigure, and lately the lack of responsiveness to customer inquiries I have experienced from McMillan (this could be a fluke but once I don't get responses to 4 emails in a row I'm done), all have led me to appreciate the customer service and products of KRG. I might still look at fiberglass again with a Manners with a built in mini chassis at some time but unless McMillan wakes up and smells the coffee I think they'll have a hard time getting me excited about them again. As for methodical set up it doesn't get more methodical than with a KRG before you get the action there is a box with every minute detail accessory already on hand and installation mapped out with options galore to decide from including the tool-less adjustable buttpad, and heavy length of pull spacers.

[@Shootsmith]

Have a Tikka Tac in the KRG, love it.

[@zeke0496]

I’m thinking about doing the same thing. How much does your rifle weigh bare without a scope?

[@samr3703]

Very interesting. Why didn't you go with the CTR or Varmint if you were going to switch out the stock anyways?

[@Shootsmith]

@@samr3703 Tac is a better tactical rifle, heavy threaded barrel, scope rail, etc

[@samr3703]

@@Shootsmith The CTR has all of those things, I assume you just didn't like the Tac a1 stock, considering if you wanted the advantage of a larger bore the varmint would have been a better choice for the money.

[@Shootsmith]

@@samr3703 You do you man. When I bought my Tikka Tactical in 2013, the CTR didn’t exist yet. It was a T3, before they came out with the newer T3X. The Varmint back then didn’t have an adjustable stock, a threaded barrel, and was only available in lighter calibers, not .308. There were not as many Tikka models available in the U.S. As for the stock, I didn’t know I was gonna switch it out. Eventually I wanted more features and last year put it in the KRG stock (which is great). Next purchase is a Tikka T3X TACT A1 in 6.5 Creedmoor.

[@ericj1103801]

I just bought the KRG Bravo and put a Tikka T3x CTR in 260 in it. It is amazing. I almost bought a McMillan but a friend recommended the Bravo. I am very happy I had the extra $500 to put toward a new barrel! The thing is a tack driver.

[@barneygo2010]

McMillan fan boy for over 30 years, but currently own 4 KRG Xray platforms because my shooting games / clients/ training needs are always changing. My favourite never sell A5 was a Badger M5 bottom metal in GAP Camo, ironically had to go to make way for a KRG Whiskey 3, main PR competitor….miss the McMillan feel as JM highlights here, but my needs are always in tweak mode! Peace Be The Journey!

[@jf7393]

Can get a KRG, atlas bipod, spuhr mount and timney trigger for about the same money as a McMillan with bottom metal. Pretty crazy, and yet I'm still torn because the a5 looks cooler in my opinion

[@Welder6131]

Really enjoy my KRG, gets me good results!

[@chrisboon4526]

Thank you for making and posting this comparison. I learned a lot!

[@TheIamfrustrated]

Two reasons why I like fibreglass stocks over a chassis. Firstly is that I find it far easier to use the safety on a rifle with a fibreglass stock. That being said if the action was designed to be used in a chassis such as RPR this is a moot point but your Tikka’s and Savages generally are meant to be used with a stock. The second and biggest point for the fibreglass stock is thermal transmission. Anyone who’s shovelled snow at -30° with a shovel with a metal handle will know how fast the heat gets sucked out of your hand no matter how good the gloves or mitts you are wearing are.

[@JacksonMalcolm]

My origin is in a bravo and it's great. Dont know that I could jump to a McMillan or manners for feel alone but I get it. I'm still trying to decide where to go from here.

[@JacksonMalcolm]

Oh and you need to get your hands on a bergara B14 rimfire asap!

[@insertname8]

I've owned McMillan (A5) but I actually found it to be lacking in the cheek adjustment department. I think the KRG is great (have one on a 700) and honestly like HS Precision the most. They are my preferred stock. If you can't get an HS Precision, I'd highly recommend the KRG over the McMillan.

[@alanmeyers3957]

I just bought the Bravo for my Tikka ctr, I'll eventually come home with a TRG 22 Folder, someday.

[@michaelthrelkeld212]

I guess now KRG has added the tooless adjust butt plate now

[@nilescoyote4829]

I prefer a fiberglass stock but... I run a MPA chassis because of the ease of adjustments and attachments. I know there arca/rrs rails now for fiberglass stocks and had that been available when I made the switch several years ago I would probably still be running fiberglass.

[@bobpena1490]

Nice stocks would like to see a close look at the B-14R .22 LR Rifle by Bergara rifles ...

[@Millennial_marksman]

McMillan for me, solely because I’m methodical with my setups and plan out rifles way in advance of ordering any parts. This planning coupled with their exquisite build quality and quality control leave me in the field with a stock that does exactly what I need it to do without fail. I own 6 and have my 7th on the way. I do have a KRG X-Ray chassis on my .22-250 solely because I prefer how it works with my red light for hunting at night. The McCann Industries SIRS rail on my A5 sits too far to the side and causes alignment issues at long distance with the light. Another testament to McMillan quality is a first hand story of a training mission that I heard from a sniper. He used his McMillan to knock down saplings after breaking his hatchet in order to build a hide. The stock didn’t fail, rifle maintained zero and he made a first round impact at 800 after beating baby trees into oblivion.

[@johngnipper8768]

he must have worked his ass off to knock down small trees with a rifle stock. Cool but unnecessary for most

[@prfwrx2497]

Features wise, it's not even a comparison. The KRG lets you use clip on image intensifiers or thermals, and cost less to boot. Polymer and aluminum may not feel as good as one solid hunk of fiberglass resin, but form follows function.

[@randalkidd6404]

I got a bravo cause I want to go shooting ! not working to pay for mc.mil stock !!!!

[@LAAM619]

in 2008 i used to lust for the mcmillan stocks, in 2024 i see them as an outdated relic, like acogs.

[@seaneastham2905]

McMillan has a nice stock But they are too proud of their shit Their prices are Ridiculous

[@adamkadir3803]

Disagree. Their gear is gold standard and costs less than mirage and cadex chassis'. Will happily pay their prices.

[@uwehoffmann9255]

@@adamkadir3803 KRG's customer service beats McMillan to pieces and as for gold standard, that used to be years ago, glass bedding on aluminum pillars was the thing, technology moved on to the chassis block and McMillan is still camped out on its laurels. Manners finally saw the signs with their mini chassis stocks it will be interesting to see if McMillan has it in them to catch up.

[@stroudads]

The A5 and A6 are nice stocks but for the money it really does not beat the Bravo. The Bravo is 1/3 the cost and has a great feel to it. McMillan makes a nice stock but there falling away because of price.

[@mmgee]

Good stuff!

[@williampenatac9832]

Absolutely zero foxtrots.

[@matthewgarrett6371]

FWIW, I lost a considerable amount of hearing with a Remington/McMillan 40X Stock. I am living from the tinnitus that the 40X stock stock caused. I can only suggest that new shooters choose with a buffer between their cheek and the vibration. FWIW...

[@fredpatrick1]

Are you suggesting that a particular stock was a direct factor that contributed to your hearing loss? Ive never heard of anyone experiencing hearing loss due to vibrations from a stock. Even a quick Google search found nothing on this. Not being sarcastic. If this is a real thing, im very interested in hearing details.

[@matthewgarrett6371]

@@fredpatrick1 Fred I hadn't heard of anyone having the problem I have either. That is to say until I experienced it from the front row myself. The clearest way to explain the problem is that the rifle would actually make my ears ring when DRY FIRING with ear protection in place at the range... I thought my experience, the bitch that it has been, was limited to me UNTIL I read Kelly McMillan explaining to someone that they KNEW it was a problem (particularly with the light fill Kevlar ultra stiff) models, and that he would send a piece of .25" foam to tape to the stock cheek weld area. His smart ass attitude didn't help... I came away pissed that they knew it was a problem and said absolutely nothing. An Eagle Stock Pack could have saved the last 23 years of misery. Further I carried the rifle to my Doctor of Audiology, a tinnitus specialist and fellow shooter, and he measured the resonance of the rifle stock when dry fired over several weeks. He confirmed the resonance of the firing pin fall was in the range to do damage to the cilia of the inner ear when transferred directly through the jaw bone. I gave him one of my GA Precision A-5 Rocks and it DID NOT present the same problem. I will pass on the looks I received in the waiting room when I wheeled a Pelican Rifle Case in...;-). I have, which makes me question my own intelligence, had 17 McMillan stocked custom rifles in the mean time and they've all worn an Eagle or Tactical Operations stock pack. I would further note that the stocks without light kevlar builds, and hollow butts, have never exhibited this problem. The heavier fill weights(Remington Sporter Fill, Weatherby Sporter Fill, Sniper Fill, etc) do NOT have the same issue. I can't say this is a problem that is across the board for "stiff" stocks as I own several NULA rifles that DO NOT exhibit the same issue, and they are the stiffest stocks I am aware of in the industry. I mention this, again with a giant FWIW & IME. I would HATE for someone else to go through what I have due to a particular stock build. If you don't think it applies to you by all means ignore the experience... Regards, Matt. I am NOT trying to cause McMillan trouble. I use and recommend their product. I am a school trained gunsmith(Colorado School of Trades) and have been a Schmidt Bender Dealer for 19 years. That being said I do not shy away from calling out a dangerous product. FWIW & IME.

[@matthewgarrett6371]

@@fredpatrick1 Fred, I should also note that the stock was specified by the Remington Custom Shop, not McMillan, to make weight. Their bench guns have never, in my experience, been competitive against true custom guns irrespective of their weight. I can remember having the choice to buy a Remington Varmint Special, the old wood stock model or the 40XB-KS both in .22-250, and I chose the latter. Bad choice... Wood and laminated wood make this a non issue. Regards, Matt.

[@talkingrock7011]

I have owned my A2 for 20 years and it’s still a solid stock , buy once cry once and buy a McMillan

[@freemenownrifles8814]

Can anyone on earth make a cz 527 stock.... please and thanks

[@henrynelson11]

What would be the preferable budget chassis system between the KRG Bravo and the Oryx :0 ?

[@larrydecker881]

That was a good question. Which one did you go with?

[@mossydog34]

I have a McMillan A3-5 and I love it.

[@mossydog34]

@B4 freedomfighter I have used both and the Mcmillan is a lot better. I can remove my action screws turn my action upside down and shake it. The inlet and bedding is done so well it won't fall out under its own weight. The KRG. Bravo is cool but it just feels like it can't take the abuse I'm willing to dish out. But I sell them both and shoot both.

[@Skank_Hunt42]

It's 2022 KRG ftw

[@craigb24680]

Skip KRG, picked one up and doesn't fit me and the forend I have fits ZERO options they sell