[samuel]

My wife always says synthetic stocks are ugly.(I think the price is involved) Anyway,when hunting in wet areas such as the western coast of NA,I have had a little trouble with wood,never with laminated or synthetic.Of course these were not cheap plastic. sam.

[mrT3]

i like the balance of wood but synthetic is light and all u fell is the barrel but from wat ive seen i like the compisite dura touch armour coating that looks nice and from what people say about it. i might get one with my tikka t3 30-06 .

[shotgun shooter]

Im trying to decide what to buy a mossberg 535 ats 12 gauge with a wood or synthetic stock anny suggestions?

[Ten Man]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Turbolover

Are there any significant differences in having a wood, or synthetic stock? I've been looking at the Ruger Hawkeye in both synthetic, and wood stock, as well as the savage 110 in both as well. If anyone can suggest whether the synthetic, or wood would be a better choice. As much as I think wood looks nice. I've also had people tell me that in dry climates it can get dried out, and possibly crack. Plus I figure the synthetic will stand up to more use than wood, is this theory correct? Does wood require much maintenance? Lastly, what do people think of the all-weathers? Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

My Ruger Hawkeyes are the All-Weather variety. I have them in .223, .308, and .44 Magnum.

The stainless steel is the only way I like my guns in the Pacific Northwest (read soggy). The synthetic stocks hold up very well, and do not seem to have any problems with temperature or moisture variations.

Bottom line is: they get the job done with less hassles than blued steel and wood stocks.

[Dragunov]

I prefer the synth stocks because:

I feel no guilt about custom fitting it to fit my shooting style or painting it.

A black rifle is NOT ugly.

I can add weight to it without much work.

If it gets screwed up, they're cheap and easy to replace.

All black rifles are frikkin' COOL looking and are harder to spot at night.

If I scuff it, a black marker will touch it up.

Weather doesn't affect it.

Synthetic stocks are the greatest thing since Swiss cheese as far as I'm concerned.

[thrillbilly]

^pretty much what he said.

[AllAlaskan]

Quote:       Originally Posted by dragunov

i prefer the synth stocks because: I feel no guilt about custom fitting it to fit my shooting style or painting it. A black rifle is not ugly. I can add weight to it without much work. If it gets screwed up, they're cheap and easy to replace. All black rifles are frikkin' cool looking and are harder to spot at night. If i scuff it, a black marker will touch it up. Weather doesn't affect it. Synthetic stocks are the greatest thing since swiss cheese as far as i'm concerned.

+3

[FortyXDM]

WOOD WOOD WOOD ! Beautiful Wood.

[ArkansasHunter]

I like both synthectic and wood. Though the past 9 rifles and shotguns I have bought wear synthectic stocks.
I now prefer synthectic stocks because I no longer have to baby them like I do my wood stocked guns.
I can't stand a scratch or ding on one of my wood stocked firearms.

[jmp8927]

Synthetic. Lighter and moisture doesn't make it move.

[waterdog]

I like the synthetic stocks, I've seen the POI change on a Rem. .280 my son owns after a heavy rain [Central Florida] and about a two day dry out. Damn stock was pretty tho.

[Para Cassatt]

Stainless and synthetic only makes sense, if the action is weather resistant so should be the stock plus it looks right. Blued guns look correct with walnut, rediculous with synthetic and laminates belong on the bench or with someone who is willing to lug the heavy thing around. I'm not.

[sniper1958]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Para Cassatt

Stainless and synthetic only makes sense, if the action is weather resistant so should be the stock plus it looks right. Blued guns look correct with walnut, rediculous with synthetic and laminates belong on the bench or with someone who is willing to lug the heavy thing around. I'm not.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I love the look and feel of a good walnut stock. That said, I now own a SIG .30-06 that has a black synthetic stock and the blueing is almost black. The point of aim doesn't change with elevation, temperature or humidity.

[srt 10 jimbo]

I like a nice wood stock, looks a lot better then a synthetic stock. However, If Im Gonna have to do alot of walking while I'm hunting I'd rather be carring a synthetic. When I get a rifle, I like to have one stock of each, I'll take the wood to the range( to show off) and I'll use a synthetic when I'm hunting.

[GlockMeister]

Synthetic has its purpose. Doesn't scratch or dent as easy as wood. Weather friendly more so then wood. But in this instance, to me anyhow, wood that is properly finished holds up just as well. Also, to me again anyhow, a nice black synthetic stock looks great with a stainless barrel. A grey/gray synthetic stock also looks great with a stainless barrel. Yet it also looks great with a blued barrel. To some a black synthetic might loo good with a blued barrel.

But one doesn't, and rightly so, shouldn't buy a gun just because it looks good.

Personally, I prefer wood. But I would gladly own a rifle that has a synthetic or wood stock.. Why, because I just like the look of a rifle with a wood stock that has a good finish on it not to mention some real good looking grain lines and or pattern.