DON'T get me wrong, I aint baggin on synthetic guns and I aint about to throw em out in the trash either. They have their place. My primary big game gun will still be my Sako/Warbird (and yes Roskoe is right about the McMillan stock being far superior than most other synthetics. Those on my Rems, Browns etc... feel like plastic toys compared too the one on my Sako!) like I said, it's probably just a stage or desire to go change things up a lil bit. I also have a laminated wood gun as well, my 700 Custom Shop 280 with a 24" stainless barrel. Yes it does wear like iron and still feels like wood, but I guess it's more of a "cosmetic thing" with me. I aint just talkin about plain ol walnut and average bluing. I am growing more and more attracted to hand rubbed oil finishes with subdued blues AND super high luster "knock your eyes out" type finishes like those of Mark V Deluxes and even high line Blasers (as if they build any "cheap" lines).

I will continue to keep my true "hunting guns" for inclement weather, rough conditions and carrying on trips out west. But for just getting out of a truck and climbing into a treestand/shooting house or the occasional "slink around/mini stand" hunting I am more inclined to carry something nice. Various products like Gun Chaps, Camo Clad and the neoprene slipover covers make it possible to reasonably hide a guns finish from sunlight as well as protect a quality piece of wood or bluing. I'm even getting into various 'super' stocks like birdseye and tigerstripe maple, blonde walnut and other highly ornate wood types. They truly are a piece of artwork too me and carrying a multi-thousand dollar stock into the woods during inclement weather or rough conditions is purely rediculous. I guess I'm just gonna "pick my poison".

Anyone seen some of the stocks available from Bullberry Barrel Works for Encores?
RA