In your position, I would also go synthetic. Why? They are much lighter, easier to carry when you are hunting a long day with lots of walking. Both synthetic and laminates should be very stable, so that is a wash. Synthetic stocks seem to flex enough when shooting that they dampen recoil a little. I have an '06 with a Brown Precision stock that I got long ago. (I had no idea they were that expensive now!) The gun only weighs 7# with scope, sling and full magazine. Carries great, and it is just muzzle heavy enough to aim really well, despite the light weight. Would not change a thing.