Obviously the whole thing is driven by profit. I think we all can agree about that.

However IMO the term "composite" is a misnomer.

The first "synthetic" stocks were made of Fiberglass. And were named as such. Then they started adding different fibers to the Fiberglass(like Kevlar) to make the stock stronger. Then they started adding the bedding blocks. But the higher quality "synthetic" stocks were made of Fiberglass and Kevlar. At this pinnacle the synthetic stocks were very good, and were bedded properly, and were worth the money.

So hunters started buying the better "synthetic" stock rifles because of their durability. And they were more durable. So less hunters wanted wood. In the mean time wood prices were going up. Supposedly because supply was dwindling, however I do not believe that . I believe "good wood" prices went up because the mfrs. standards went down. The gambit of wood prices out there is ridiculous. I have seen one mfr. want $2,000 for a piece of wood that is standard on another rifle. Rifles like Cooper at one time offered great rifles with great wood. Now they want $600-$1600 for upgraded wood that can be bought else where for $300-$400. But people will pay-so they will charge!!

Then the dreaded "composite" came along. They had to have a new name. They could not use Fiberglass, because they were injection molded plastic "Tupperware". Or IMO "JUNK". This was done for one thing only. "PROFIT". And by this time they had the hunters fooled by using a term like "composite". And made some money. If you notice you are now starting to see a slow switch back to better made stocks. But some of the cheap'os like CVA and Savage are going to be around because of pure price. However if you notice Savage is also upgrading their stocks(some). And their prices reflect it. Now Savages prices are approaching, and in some areas have overtaken Remington prices.

Personally I will never own a "Tupperware" stock rifle. And I will never buy an MZ made of any "synthetic", or "composite". I feel I have already lowered myself enough by owning 2 laminated MZ's.

Laminated stocks definitely are better than any "synthetic" or "composite"(that mfrs. offer) IMO. But they are heavier-so there is a trade off. Make mine Walnut.

Bottom line is the word "composite" is a word that was created and used by the industry to imply one thing, but actually offer and sell another. And the word "composite" can cover a wide variety of inexpensie "junk" materials. Instead of fiberglass or Kevlar. If it says Fiberglass then it better have fiberglass in the stock. And the mfrs. knew it didn't. Hence the name change----PROGRESS. Tom.