GRS Berserk stock review

GRS is new to the synthetic rifle stock market with the introduction of the Berserk. In 2012 , GRS (located in Norway) began producing laminate wood stocks that have developed a strong following in Europe. The Berserk is molded from 15% fiberglass reinforced Durathane. It is available for Savage Model 10/100, Remington 700 SA/LA, Howa 1500 and Tikka T3 rifles. The stock shown in this review is inletted for a Howa 1500.

The Berserk looks different than the majority of stocks on the US market. Most noticeably, the pistol grip is cut heavily towards the center line of the stock, placing the shooter’s wrist directly behind the action. This is a different position than most fiberglass stocks, which require a fiberglass shell to prevent breaking at this point.

The Berserk has an adjustable GRS Speedlock length of pull and cheek piece. These are push button adjustments that utilize stainless steel hardware. Simply push the bottom, move the cheek piece or recoil pad to the new position and release. No need to lock anything down and the system holds surprisingly tight.

The pillar surfaces inside the stock are reinforced with 65% fiberglass contact surfaces. These act as pillars to prevent the stock from compressing during installation of the barreled action.

The pistol grip and fore end of the Berserk are coated in a soft textured rubber. This provides a positive feel for the rifle during handling.

To facilitate use of a sling, the GRS Berserk comes with two QD flush cups on the left side of the stock. It is also equipped with a sling stud to mount a bipod.

When I reviewed the stock as part of the Howa GRS rifle, I thought its hand position mimicked a KRG Whiskey-3. Further examination shows it’s styling is similar to the McMillan A5. The McMillan A5 is widely regarded as one of the most successful fiberglass precision rifle stock designs. For comparison purposes, I placed the Berserk along side an A5.

You’ll notice the exterior profiles of both stocks are remarkably similar. The McMillan A5 is shown in desert camouflage.

Both stocks possess a vertical pistol grip. The Berserk has finger grooves.

Firing hand position with the Berserk is more inline with the action than the McMillan. This is good if you only shoot right handed, the Berserk cannot be shot lefty.

Perhaps one of the bigger limitations of an injection molded stock like the Berserk is the difficulty in adding material in order to customize the fit (which is often done by rifle smiths on fiberglass stocks). Take a look at the fore end of the GRS Berserk below:

You’ll notice it is hollow. If you wanted to fit the stock for a smaller diameter barrel, you’d end up filling a larger area with epoxy than you would with a traditional fiberglass stock. I did reach out to GRS to see if they have successfully mounted embedded night vision rails, like the Badger EFR, and was told they were attempting it soon and I suspect, with the proper amount of epoxy, it would work.

My thoughts on the GRS Berserk:

Comfortable. I like the design and lines of the stock. It fits exceptionally well in prone and improvised positions. The rubber gripping surfaces feel great.
Great adjustments. The length of pull and cheek adjustments are among the best I have ever used on any stock or chassis system. Good job.
Accurate. Our testing of the GRS Berserk on a factory Howa GRS can be found here. We were able to approach 1/2 MOA accuracy by simply bolting the barreled action into the stock. No bedding.
Nice features. I like the QD studs and soft recoil pad.
Emerging technology. The GRS Berserk is one of the more expensive, and better made molded stocks I’ve encountered. You end up with a strong, well fit and relatively light product. When compared to a fiberglass stock, you are somewhat limited with your ability to customize it; for instance, you can’t simply fill a barrel channel to fit a skinnier barrel. For most users, who probably leave their equipment OEM, this is likely a non issue.
Lefties go home. The design of the GRS Berserk is not ambidextrous. Right now they are right handed, and shooting one lefty would be nearly impossible.