I took the Nikon scope off and mounted that on a White .451. That stock looks composite or synthetic but it is wood. Who ever finished it did an excellent job as if you did not take the barrel out of the stock, you would never know it is Myrtle wood. It is painted but I can not figure out what kind of paint it is. It's not a Latex or oil base. It's almost like a plastic paint if there is such a thing. And the rifle has a good firm grip. I honestly thought it was composite when I bought it. Take the barrel out and you can see the wood down where the locking lug goes...