Boyds Gunstocks Receives Outstanding Employer Award

by
posted on September 22, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
boyds-gun-stocks.jpg

Boyds Gunstock Industries, a renowned manufacturer of hardwood stocks since 1981, was awarded an Outstanding Private Employer Award—in the large company category—by South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Sept. 15. The honor recognizes the firm’s contribution toward improving employment opportunities and independent living for people with disabilities.

Each year, the South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Statewide Independent Living Council accept nominations for the awards. Recipients in a variety of categories are honored at an annual event at the South Dakota State Capital Building in Pierre, SD.

Boyds Gunstock Industries is located in Mitchell, SD, and delivers gunstocks worldwide. It has more than 100 employees and produces some of the finest aftermarket laminate and traditional wood stocks available today.The founder of the firm, Randy Boyd, retired in January. Today, his son-in-law Rob Carstensen and Dustin Knutson—another longtime company employee—are the owner managers.

“The gun industry is very unique, and we have a lot of people here who share a passion for the custom gunstock industry,” Knutson told the Mitchell Republic shortly after the transition. “Randy trusts us and believes in us, but Rob and I had to earn this.”

Although the company may be best known for its finely crafted stocks, with fleur-de-lis checkering available, its At-One laminated model is thoroughly modern without abandoning wood’s familiar charm. It features convenient, push-button adjustments for length of pull and comb height. The hardwood is dried to exacting tolerances to ensure stability and rigidity, then its coated in a chemical-resistant finish for longevity and weather resistance.

The company’s facility covers 35,000-square feet and has the kind of machinery and veteran staff to crank out 1,000 stocks a day, when necessary. Since Boyds Gunstock Industries was founded it has designed more than 1,200 gunstocks.

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter 1
Smith Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter 1

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter

Smith & Wesson's Model 1854 Stealth Hunter is one of the latest additions to the company's line of modernized lever-action rifles.

VKTR Goes 2011: The Vanguard VKP Pro

Primarily known for its premium AR-15 rifles, VKTR Industries jumped into the 2011 handgun world in 2026 with its VKP Pro and Vanguard designs.

Rifleman Q&A: Cracking Marlin’s Code

Q: I have a Marlin Model 782 repeater, Serial No. 27392733, with a Micro-Groove barrel. I would like to understand how to narrow down its time of manufacture.

Review: Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

Ruger recently released a variant of its popular 10/22 made with modern materials and incorporating performance-minded engineering: the 10/22 Carbon Fiber.

Winchester Celebrates USA 250th With Commemorative Ammo Line

Winchester Ammunition's special line of commemorative ammunition honors the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, with unique packaging that honors the American heritage.

BANISH Suppressors Introduces BANISH 556

BANISH Suppressors introduced its BANISH 556, a full-auto rated suppressor with controlled-flow technology that the company claims is the "most advanced 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. suppressor on the market."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.