WOOD or PLASTIC?

[boattailed bandit]

Alright, although the title is misleading, the question is which do most of yall prefer? Wood stocks or synthetic? I have always hunted with a wood stock Browning a-bolt or a wood stock Rem 788 so I am just wondering if I am missing out. Ive shot several synthetic stock rifles, but other than the reduction in weight and the obvious "tacti-cool" of some of them, is there a true benefit? Weight really isn't an issue because I don't have a heavy barrel counterpart that I have to balance out. Just wantin to see what most of yall think.

Happy shootin,

BTB

 

[MudRunner2005]

The main benefits of synthetic is that most have a full aluminum bed block which improves accuracy and regidity. Also, the synthetic fibers won't expand & contract with temperature swings like a wooden stock will, causing accuracy swings.

I am synthetic fan, but my .280 AI / .25-06 AI will be on a vintage BDL wood stock because I got it for a really good price, and my rifle is a budget build. I will eventually swap it over to an original Sendero SF stock (no palm swell), if I can find one for a reasonable price.

 

[PhulesAu]

All of the above, and moisture resistance.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Good catch! I forgot to add that in there. It was in my head, but never made it to my hands. LOL

 

[varmintH8R]

The high-end synthetics are very nice for the reasons you mention. The lower cost true plastic stocks can be very questionable. I am in the plastics biz - believe me when I say that some of these stocks move around in temperature a LOT more than you think, and can deform due to molded-in stresses when exposed to moderate (left in your car in the sun) heat.

Just like budget wood stocks, you generally get what you pay for...

 

[SidecarFlip]

All the above plus one other attribute...

You can beat the snot out of a snot stock, take a damp rag and wipe it off and be good as new. Can't do that with wood furniture.

I like the look of wood but it's not practical for a 'go to' rifle. One time using a wood stocked rifle as a downhill brake and you'll understand what I mean or, if you are on horseback and your mount decides to brush a rock...you get the idea.

I tend to take the nice wood stock off and put it away for later....

Personally, I like the looks of wood better but it's not as practical and candidly, I don't look at a snot stock as 'tacticool', just practical.

You can pillar bed or bar bed either wood or plastic. Makes no difference.

 

[Rocky Mountain]

If your talking McMillan or Manner stocks they would be my choice over wood.

 

[SidecarFlip]

I wasn't referring to any particular brand. In fact, I like Houge myself.

 

[Joel Russo]

Wood has heart and soul....plastic is cold.

 

[benchracer]

Wood has heart and soul....plastic is cold.

+1 I prefer wood. My carry rifles all have wood or laminate stocks. My bench/target rifles have fiberglass/bedding block stocks.

I have found that a properly bedded/sealed laminate stock will perform just as well as all but the higher end fiberglass stocks (HS, McMillan, Manners), costs less, and sometimes weighs less.

I also like the feel of checkered wood in my hands. No synthetic can match that feel.

I have wanted to try an Accurate Innovations wood stock with a bedding block for a long time. Can't bring myself to drop the coin, though.

I guess I am just a traditionalist at heart. I don't like stainless either.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Wood has heart and soul....plastic is cold.

So does Al Sharpton......................