Upgrade: Boyds Agility DEADSET Stock

While Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks has been helping people customize their rifles since 1981, they just released DEADSET, a patented bedding system that redefines what makes a Boyds stock!

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About the Boyds Agility DEADSET

DEADSET’s two-piece system comes with both a top and bottom piece, secured by screws.

Boyds has combined this technology with their popular Agility stock. If you’d like to learn more about Agility, check out our dedicated story here!

As a recap, the Agility features an adjustable buttstock and Monte Carlo comb.

Included is a 5/32 Alan key to adjust the cheek riser.

The semi-beavertail forend and hybrid grip allows for more comfortable shooting. The entire design is ambidextrous to accommodate both left- and right-handed shooters.

Agility is available in 15 different varieties of eye-catching laminate as well as high-grade walnut and maple. While Boyds is always expanding, DEADSET is currently available for certain inlets.

I decided on a Sky blue laminate color scheme for a Tikka T3x. The factory bottom metal and magazine work well with the DEADSET system.

Tikka T3x OEM Stock, Action with Carbon Six Barrel, and OEM Barrel

From Boyds Gunstocks:

Sleek and compact, DEADSET is the next evolution in gunstocks design from Boyds.

What is DEADSET?

New, Patented all aluminum bedding systems designed to be combined with our agility performance gunstock.

Made for innovators and traditionalists, DEADSET is an internal skeletonized and Cerakoted aluminum bedding system that can improve your shooting experience with added rigidity and precision. It’s light with uncompromising structural integrity.

Why DEADSET

Combine DEADSET’s advanced aluminum technology with enduring hardwood craftsmanship in our Agility Performance Gunstock and enjoy traditional styling alongside modern performance benefits.

Some combos are just better together.

- Lets you precisely adjust your gun for a custom fit and further fine-tune your firearm
- Semi-Beaver Tail Forend to ergonomically fit your hand
- Hybrid Grip comfortable for offhand & prone shooting

1. BRING-IT butt pad adjustment: At the push of a button (adjust from 12-1/2″ to 14″)
2. Monte Carlo Comb & AMBIDEXTROUS CHEEK PIECE: For proper cheek weld, adjustable comb available on certain models
3. Hybrid grip: Comfortable for offhand & prone shooting
4. Semi-beavertail forend: Ergonomic design for better fit and comfort in the hand
5. Swivel studs: Factory installed for your favorite bipod or sling
6. AMBIDEXTROUS DESIGN: To accommodate all shooters

AGILITY Colors

A laminated hardwood gunstock is made to perform but also to look great. The lamination is both classy and eye-catching. Agility gunstocks are also available in high-grade Walnut and Maple.

Installation and Shooting

I had to do a bit of milling work to accommodate the larger 1:8 6.5 Creedmoor barrel I had spun up for theTikka T3x.

This custom barrel is much thicker than the traditional Tikka thin profile .308 barrel the gun originally wore.

Boyds Agility DEADSET Before Milling the Barrel Channel

Boyds Agility DEADSET After Milling the Barrel Channel

I removed DEADSET and enlarged the barrel channel, taking some time to admire its construction before I reinstalled it.

The barrelled action fit perfectly, passing the “dollar bill” test to confirm the barrel is free-floated.

I added a BANISH Backcountry suppressor and Element Titan 5-25×56 Scope and took the rifle out to the 100 yard line.

Once on paper, I reset the turrets on the Titan and tested three different types of ammunition.

I had the best results with Hornady’s factory 100 gr. ELD-VT V-Match ammunition – just under ¾ MOA for three shots. This wasn’t bad for casual prone shooting with a carbon fiber barrel.

Happy with the results, I rezeroed the scope turrets using Element’s toolless design, and set up on a tripod 200 yards away from a steel rockchuck target on the ridgeline.

I didn’t miss a single shot, all six grouping on the freshly-painted steel. Wanting to take full advantage of the DEADSET Agility’s compact design, I finished off my range day with some offhand shooting in the industrial yard. The nimble stock handled well and was well balanced.

Conclusion

DEADSET is a welcome upgrade that only maximizes value as paired with the versatile Agility. Anytime you can enhance a stock to provide greater rigidity is a good thing and DEADSET provides solid metal-to-metal contact with no need for bedding.

Remember that milling out the barrel channel was a unique situation to accommodate a custom design. This would not have been necessary with a regular factory option. Boyds’ iconic laminate also really dressed up our factory Tikka!