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

Kimber 1911 Ds Warrior Gotw 1
Kimber 1911 Ds Warrior Gotw 1

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Beretta's 1301 Tactical vs. A300 Ultima Patrol Shotguns: Which Should You Choose?

Ever since Beretta launched the A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun in 2024 as a less-pricey alternative to the 1301 Tactical, shotgunners have debated whether the 1301 is worth the extra cost. Let's examine them both.

ZEV Technologies Escaping Washington State’s Hostile Political Climate

ZEV Technologies announced it is moving its headquarters and manufacturing operations out of Washington state to Utah’s Second Amendment-friendly business climate.

U.S. v. Hemani Arguments

On March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Hemani. The case involves a defendant who is fighting a federal indictment for possessing a firearm while being a marijuana user.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.