VRGunstockLab / Methodology
How We Test
Every gunstock reviewed on this site is scored across ten categories, using the same questions in the same order. The categories, the questions behind them and the arithmetic that turns them into a rating are all published here, so any score on this site can be checked rather than taken on trust.
10
Scored categories
50
Points available
54
Questions per stock
1
Published process
VGL / 01 — Scoring
The scoring system
Each of the ten categories receives a rating from one to five stars, and half stars are allowed. No category counts for more than any other — a weighted model needs a defence of its weights, and ten equal categories is a claim anyone can check.
10 categories × 1–5 ★ = 50 → ÷ 10 = overall rating
The individual questions listed under each category are not scored on their own. They are the evidence behind the category score, not 54 separate ratings to be averaged again.
What the stars mean
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ★★★★★ | Excellent — among the best tested, with no meaningful weaknesses. |
| ★★★★☆ | Very good — performs very well, with only minor drawbacks. |
| ★★★☆☆ | Good — works properly but has noticeable compromises. |
| ★★☆☆☆ | Poor — significant problems affect normal use. |
| ★☆☆☆☆ | Very poor — fundamentally flawed or unsuitable. |
VGL / 02 — Example
What a finished scorecard looks like
Every review ends with this. An illustration of the format only — no product is named and these are not published results.
Tracking and accuracy
4.5
Adjustment and dimensions
4.0
Weight and ergonomics
4.5
Controller connection system
3.5
Game and weapon compatibility
4.0
Reloading and other interactions
3.5
Handling
4.0
Setup and ease of use
4.5
Build quality and durability
4.0
Package, features and value
3.5
Overall
4.0 / 5
★★★★☆
VGL / 03 — Product data
What every review opens with
Recorded before any scoring starts, so two reviews can be compared line by line:
- Manufacturer
- Model
- URL
- Configuration tested
- Tested on
- Price as tested
- Officially supported headsets and controllers
- Upgradeable for another headset — yes / no
- Separate cups, docks or adaptors required — yes / no
- Controller straps and accessories can remain fitted — yes / no
VGL / 04 — Test categories
The ten categories
These are the questions asked of every stock. Most are answered simply by using the thing — a few magazines downrange in a game settles more of this list than it looks like it should.
Tracking and accuracy
- Does tracking remain reliable during normal and rapid movement?
- Does controller occlusion occur, and if so, when?
- Does the stock reduce aiming jitter?
- What shot grouping does it produce compared with unsupported aiming?
- Can the same aim position be found after reloading and reconnecting?
Adjustment and dimensions
- How many genuinely useful adjustment points are provided?
- What can be adjusted?
- Length
- Height
- Stock angle
- Controller position and angle
- Cheek rest
- What are the minimum and maximum usable lengths?
- Are tools required, and are they included?
- Do the adjustments remain locked during play?
- Can settings be reproduced after storage or transport?
Weight and ergonomics
- What is the total tested weight?
- Does it feel front-heavy, rear-heavy or balanced?
- Are the shoulder contact, cheek position and wrist angles comfortable?
- Can all controller buttons be reached normally?
- Does it support left-handed and seated use?
- Does it remain comfortable during a long session?
Controller connection system
- Front controller connection — magnetic, cup, clip, friction-fit, mechanical latch, fixed or other
- Rear controller connection — magnetic, cup, clip, friction-fit, mechanical latch, fixed or other
- Can any detachable controller connections be released and reattached without looking?
- Is there any wobble, rotation or accidental release?
- Is the release force comfortable and consistent?
- Can the connections or mounts be replaced separately?
Game and weapon compatibility
- Which games were physically tested?
- Which weapon types work properly?
- Rifles and SMGs
- Shotguns
- Pump-action weapons
- Bolt-action rifles
- Bullpups
- Pistols
- Are there any known problem games or weapons?
Reloading and other interactions
- Do the controllers or stock collide during reloads?
- Can magazines be reached and controllers reattached without looking?
- Can the following be used naturally?
- Grenades and thrown objects
- Sidearms
- Medical items
- Radios, maps and inventory
- Doors, switches and environmental objects
- Does the stock restrict throwing movements?
- Can both hands be released quickly?
Handling
- How quickly can the stock be raised into a stable aiming position?
- Is it suitable for close-quarters movement?
- Can shoulders be switched easily?
- Can the player quickly return to the stock after using another item?
- Does the sling or stock obstruct movement?
Setup and ease of use
- How long does initial assembly and adjustment take?
- Are the instructions clear?
- Is in-game calibration required?
- How long does it take to go from storage to playing?
- Is it easy to adjust for another player?
Build quality and durability
- What materials and construction methods are used?
- Is there noticeable flex, wobble or controller movement?
- Is there excessive rattling, squeaking or mechanical noise during use?
- Do joints, locks and fasteners remain secure?
- Are there obvious wear points or fragile components?
- Did any faults or wear appear during testing?
Package, features and value
- What is included, and are additional purchases required?
- What unique features does it have?
- Are those features genuinely useful?
- What is the price of the exact tested configuration?
- Are replacement parts and upgrades available?
- What warranty and support are provided?
- Does the complete package represent good value?
VGL / 05 — In progress
Still to be published
Two parts of this methodology are written up but not yet published here. They are listed rather than omitted, because a reader should be able to see what is missing as easily as what is not.
Pending
The test rig
The exact headsets, controllers and games used, and what is held constant between one stock and the next. This is the part that makes two scores comparable, so it gets published in full rather than summarised.
Pending
Funding and conflicts of interest
How this site is funded, and what happens when a manufacturer supplies a stock rather than it being bought. A reader deciding whether to trust a score looks for this first, so it will be stated plainly — including if the answer is “nothing yet”.
VGL / 06 — Revisions
Changelog
Scoring weights and category definitions are not changed silently. Every substantive change to this page is dated here, and if a change affects published scores, those scores are restated.
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 2026-09-13 | First published — ten categories, 1–5 stars with half stars, total out of 50. |