The only factory synthetic stock I like came on the " new" version of the Ruger MK II I now own. It is extremely stiff and has very little foreend flex unlike a lot of the flexible flyers out there in second place would be the Savage synthetic stock . I personally prefer the look of a laminated stock but most not all of the factory laminates are plain ugly and some are more glossy than bowling balls . I like the Acrabond models since they are walnut and don' t really look like a laminate , have great checkering and come with a easily redone oil finish . They can be pricey if you let Acrabond finish the stock otherwise they aren' t so bad pricewise. They will withstand whatever weather a fiberglass stock will and they have character . They have a well earned reputation for durability and they weigh in less than a comparable stock from Boyds. Now there is nothing wrong with a Boyds stock they are a good dollar value and they make them for just about all rifles I just prefer the look of the Acrabond.