PSE EVOLUTION CARBON-FIBRE RIFLE STOCK

› PSE has been making carbon-fibre stocks since 2008, and the company has continued to innovate. The Evolution stock is designed to be the ultimate lightweight option. Its key distinction from other stock designs lies in the use of two carbon shells moulded together—the inlet and external surfaces—with an internal longitudinal skeleton. A monocoque exoskeleton like a beetle, yet with a chassis/skeleton too, like a mammal. A modern monocoque is more like an eggshell in that the outer shape/form is the stiffening structure, and although more complicated to make, it allows the overall dimensions of the structure to be larger and stiffer, yet thinner, allowing optimised mechanical properties for the same mass of material.
PSE’s Evolution stock seeks to combine conventional hunting rifle ergonomics with a blend of the more tactical type stocks of the 2000s, with a vertical pistol grip and flat underside design.

Adjustability
The Single Hand Quick Release (SHQR) cheekpiece is height adjustable via a low-profile knob that does not snag on clothing or foliage, and it can be swapped to either the left or right side.
The cheekpiece is spring-loaded and rises to meet your face, and once in position, simply re-tighten the aluminium dial. It slopes slightly downwards towards the action, meaning that under recoil, as the gun moves backwards, it fractionally withdraws from your cheekbone to reduce the transfer of recoil to your head and face.

Spacer system
The butt shows a foam rubber recoil pad secured by two screws, and the length of pull measured 13” (330mm). Three 9mm spacers were supplied, and more are available. The spacers are a relatively hard rubber material that also helps to minimise recoil transfer, and there is no hollow resonance throughout the stock due to its rigid foam core.
The butt has a flat underside, giving it stability on a rear bag, and it offers effortless, intuitive elevation control when using either a soft bag or a clenched fist.
The pistol grip features a slight pentagonal palm swell, which is advertised as enhancing grip in the same way as a tennis racket, and although it feels tactile and provides assured control, it remains relatively slim.

Options
PSE’s Internal Carbon Skeleton (ICS) means that the stock weighs in at just 700g (24oz) as standard, but there are many options. It’s available with either a standard varmint or extra-large barrel channel inlet, without compromising rigidity. Unlike some stocks, it cannot be milled out to a larger size later, so it’s wiser to choose the larger option from the outset.
The stock features a sharkskin texture on the grip and fore-end, providing plenty of mechanical grip, although this can be omitted if preferred when specifying your build.
The options are extensive, and the website details all the possibilities for sling studs and accessories. I opted for the standard lateral QD flush cups, and rather than a conventional front sling stud for a bipod, I had a Picatinny rail fitted to accommodate a Tier-One A-Tac, keeping with the lightweight carbon theme. PSE can also install Spartan’s magnetic bipod cups if desired.
This stock was designed for my custom .223 rifle, which features a relatively modest 20” varmint-profile barrel, making it more suited to foxing and general varminting than stalking. To suit this purpose, I added an underside Arca rail to match my tripod head. I also fitted a shorter section of Picatinny rail to the left side of the fore-end for an IR illuminator, allowing instant access with my leading hand.

Bedding
The construction is incredibly neat, with a beautiful finish to all the surfaces. The inlet is impeccable, and if you opt for a Tikka inlet, then the barrelled action will fit immediately, although PSE advises it is better to have a bedding job done for the Remington 700 inlet. I would also say that no matter how good a stock is, epoxy bedding removes any chance of stress application.
The underside inlet is compatible with various PSE bottom metal options, and I opted for a standard aluminium unit compatible with AICS magazines. It fits perfectly in position, and PSE advises how to optimise the release catch for certain magazine types, which can vary slightly. There is ample space for the trigger mechanism, which can be any Remington 700-compatible design.
Although I plan to have the stock bedded, I initially shot it in its bare format, which, on a light-recoiling .223, showed no real disadvantage. Even so, I will be bedding it for my own peace of mind.

Handling dynamics
The surface texture of the stock is incredibly tactile, providing assured grip in all areas. I particularly liked the light, slim and easily adjustable cheekpiece, which ensures excellent scope alignment. I plan to add a couple more length-of-pull spacers to suit my height, but recoil transfer was already linear, with no tendency for torque to disturb the rifle’s aim point when cycling the action. The recoil pad anchors securely in the shoulder pocket without feeling spongy. Crucially, the rifle can be controlled precisely with the support hand under the butt for fine elevation adjustment, and regardless of shoulder pressure against the recoil pad, the fore-end remains completely rigid, with generous free-float clearance to prevent zero shift. I also appreciated the underside ARCA rail for tripod use, and with flush cups fitted, the rifle was relatively light and comfortable to carry. The underside Picatinny rail provided a solid and reliable mounting point for the bipod.

Conclusion
The PSE Evolution is a fine stock, and I really like the intelligent design approach of an internal skeleton and external exoskeleton, combined with the moulded inlet rather than machined inlet, which, although more expensive, optimises the true capability of carbon fibre. It was great with a short varmint barrel but would complement an ultralight carbon-barrelled action to create a true featherweight rifle.