Author Topic: Synthetic vs. wood (Read 1190 times)

THE#1hunter · « **on:** July 21, 2003, 11:18:53 AM »

Synthetic vs. wood What would you prefer to have?

KN · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2003, 12:23:51 PM »

Depends on the gun. KN

jhm · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2003, 12:51:59 PM »

I guess since its another poll I will go with wood like why wood you not just ask a question? JIM

ringo · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2003, 02:08:28 PM »

I love to look at wood, stroke it and polish it, but for sheer no nonsense use I go with the ugly stick, it doesn't swell or warp with temperature or humidity (rain) and hence is more accurate.

Dave in WV · « **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2003, 03:29:30 PM »

I voted wood since laminated isn't a different choice. I like laminated over walnut and synthetic. I like synthetic over wanut. Dave

Carl l. · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2003, 03:50:44 PM »

I like the wood. Carl L

Zachary · « **Reply #6 on:** July 22, 2003, 04:55:25 AM »

I prefer synthetic stocks for the following reasons:
1) generally lighter,
2) strong and rugged without concern for scratching, etc.,
3) NOT AS SUBJECT TO WARPING!!!

I'm surprised that wood is currently leading the poll. I own (currently) 17 rifles and ALL of them are synthetic except one (which is a Tikka Deluxe - which I bought as my "Rolls Royce" rifle - you know, more show than go.)(Oh, I forgot that I also have a Tikka Laminated SS - so then I have 2 wood stocked rifles.)

For me, I want a gun that is like a true hardcore SUV - take it anywhere and don't worry about scratching it.

Granted, plastic stocks are really not "synthetic." For me, true synthetic stocks are McMillan, HS Precision, etc. The cheap plastic injected molded stocks on certain Factory Remchesters are junk. Still, I somewhat prefer them over wood because you just can't damage them. AND, although they feel like junk, my guns are still very accurate.

Zachary

Lawdog · « **Reply #7 on:** July 22, 2003, 09:26:18 AM »

WOOD!!! The reasons why are,

1.] Absorbs recoil better

2.] Warmer

3.] Quieter

4.] Doesn't feel like you're shooting a toy

Also anything that is designed to be used to take a life should look good not sterile and void of feelings. :wink: Lawdog

Zachary · « **Reply #8 on:** July 22, 2003, 11:15:54 AM »

It's interesting that you mentioned that wood stocks absorb recoil better because I have been told that synthetic stocks absorb recoil better. The reason for this is because the synthetic stocks are more flexible and, thus, more able to absorb the kick. I must admit that my synthetic stocked rifles, at least to me, seem to absorb the kick better. Maybe it's just my imagination? On the other hand, I recently heard from someone that he also believed that wood stocks absorb recoil better. I know that wood stocks are generally heavier than synthetic stocks and that extra weight reduced recoil, but I just don't know if wood is flexible enough to actually absorb it.

Zachary

smoky · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2003, 11:40:02 AM »

I agree with Zachary. From my first hand experience, I have restocked a Remington Model 700 BDL 7mm Rem Mag with a Bell and Carlson synthetic stock and the synthetic definately absorbs recoil better on my gun.

In regards to the topic, I am of the opinion that blued metal and wood look better together and stainless steel and synthetic look better together.

I also am taking a keen interest in the laminated stocks. On a gun that will not be carried for a long distance, I think you can have the looks of wood and the stability of synthetic all in one package.

Smoky

sport240 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2003, 04:16:07 PM »

None of the above...LOL

I own both...and they have their advantages....

Synthetic is great in a duck blind or on those wet-snow/high-humidity/ground-level blind days...are also a bit lighter, but higher on recoil and have little if no charm at all...

Wood is precious...great to hold and feel, usually good balance and the looks are great on a nice piece of walnut...

But my true favorite is a laminate...very stiff, will not warp, generally no worries in the high humidity stuff, very precise (commercial bedding) and basically gives you the feel and balance of wood, not to mention diminished recoil as opposed to synthetic. My Remington M700 LSS in 300 Win. is a real keeper for that.

Sport240

Graybeard · « **Reply #11 on:** July 24, 2003, 09:28:23 AM »

Enough with the polls already!

Just ask your question in the form of a question. Anyone interested will respond.

If the constant use of Polls continues I will have to take some action that either you or other members are not gonna like. Most likely the option I chose will have YOU not liking it.

GB

THE#1hunter · « **Reply #12 on:** July 24, 2003, 10:05:55 AM »

sry again, :oops: .... Ill stop

jim21 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 14, 2006, 04:15:21 PM »

I like wood,I think they should outlaw a synthedic stock!

George Foster · « **Reply #14 on:** April 15, 2006, 12:00:17 AM »

There is nothing like the looks of a fine walnut stocked rifle with a blued barrel. I also like laminate stocks and these are as stable as the "Plastic" Synthethic stocks. The problem I have with Synthethic stocks are that a lot of them are hollow in the butt and the forends flex too much.

Mike in Ct · « **Reply #15 on:** April 15, 2006, 01:57:59 AM »

as in all things "there is nothing in this world you can't
make a little worse for a dollar less" I love the feel & look of Good Wood..I use Syn. stocks & laminates also..I have seen & used the best & the worst of each type ..A good quality Syn stock can be very utilitarian & practical...Maybe even better than wood for the task...That said I still like the look & feel of GOOD WOOD I use both but The real deal always looks better..I have a couple of odd ball rifles half stainless half blue with wood & high tech stocks..They shoot but they are nothing to look at & admire..The rifles sitting in wood are the attention getters...mike in ct

PDR · « **Reply #16 on:** April 15, 2006, 03:12:10 AM »

All my rifles are stocked in wood or wood laminate.

A few weeks back we had a meet up with 40 shooters from the across the UK and I had a chance to try out a number of synthetic stocked rifles in .308 - .300 win mag.

One thing that struck me was how hard these stocks feel compared to wood. There was only one high end custom rifle that I found comfortable. I know the advantages of synthetic stocks and was considering buying my next rifle with one, but having tried out various examples, I for one will be sticking with wood or laminate.

lilabner · « **Reply #17 on:** April 15, 2006, 07:01:52 AM »

To me, there is nothing nicer than a well figured walnut stock and a quality deep blue job. I have rifles like that, but I don't hunt them any more. I take them out of the safe and admire them, and will occasionally take them to the range and shoot a few groups. They will go to my sons when I assume room temperature. I hunt rifles with synthetic stocks and stainless steel and they get the job done, maybe even a little better.

jro45 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 15, 2006, 09:16:39 AM »

I like wood. Never cared for Synthetic. I know it weather proof but wood has worked longer the anything else. Wood just looks better also.

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #19 on:** April 15, 2006, 09:30:54 AM »

Synthetic, Baby!!!!!!!!!!!! -- Plus, it's reassuring knowing that when I get back in from the woods that my $1000.00 rifle didnt just become 300.00 because of all the mars, scratches, and injuries assumed while out huntin. Some guys will go out and spend $1500 on a nice wood gun and take it into the woods once, whoops - now ya can't even sell it as 'as new'. I dont know, personal preference I guess - But most wood guns I have had the opportunity to hunt with have dragged me down physically. A nice light, synthetic gun like a Kimber IMO is the way to go. :twisted:

Cottonwood · « **Reply #20 on:** April 15, 2006, 01:56:52 PM »

I fully agree with HuntingGuy and that is why I chose an all weather Ruger M77, MkII stainless in 30-06 with the indented stock. It can go into places that if I was lugging my others they would get scratched up.

Now for sitting on the bench or shooting P dogs on the prairie I prefer a good lam stock with a wide forstock and weighs in at around 10 to 11 pounds... not the type you carry around in the woods, and thru dead falls.

corbanzo · « **Reply #21 on:** April 15, 2006, 05:30:52 PM »

Always liked both, it's good to be able to pick up a rifle, and it just has a different feel than the others... The smoothness of wood, or the grain of synthetic, heck the slight give of rubber on a revolver. I don't purchase different guns to have different calibers or uses (why I have three 12 gauges) but they have something you like about them. If all the finishes were the same, I might get bored looking my guns over and over (might)

Quote from: Graybeard

Just ask your question in the form of a question.

Like jeopardy! :-D :-D

billy · « **Reply #22 on:** April 16, 2006, 05:18:18 PM »

I love the feel of wood stocks ,walnut or laminate.