No, i don't baby my wood or laminate stock.

What i have learned about tools, is the worst thing a tool can endure is disrespect from poor craftsmen.

I have always been hard on tools, but i have always admired, and respected good tool. One can't baby the tool, when one is trying to maximize production for the company.

When i carry a rifle, i don't want to carry a rifle that doesn't feel or look good to me. My rifle hunts. My rifle may be the prettiest wood on this side of Rapid City; even so, it goes with me into the brush. Right or wrong, it is my opinion the finest walnut wants to be used for hunting. My rifle has dings, scratches, and places of no finish. It is pretty to me, and it feels good in my hands. My rifle hunts and kills. My rifle will be stocked with wood, laminate, or synthetic, if need be.

Myself, i will choose laminate over synthetic whenever i have the choice. The laminate may get dinged or scratched, but not because i wish it to. Right or wrong, it is my opinion that laminate is as good in foul weather as synthetic.

Twelve year i hunted damp Western Montana with a solid walnut stock. Many years more hunting the East side of the continental divide of Montana. Not once whilst hunting wet, cold, miserable conditions, did i ever miss an elk, because the stock was warped. Last year i hunted but one day when my rifle stock got soaked. Too bad i can't write, i nailed a big buck that day with a wet laminate stock. Truth is, i didn't see a dang thing to shoot at. Last year i hunted but one day when the rifle stock got soaked; i hunted 50 day when it didn't. Given a choice, i will never again spend a day afield whilst my coat, cap, and rifle are getting soaked.

Perhaps those that pay for a two week trip hunting in Alaska, would be smart to bring along a stainless synthetic rifle. I wouldn't know; i have never done it. However, i admit to wondering how Jack O'Connor managed those many trips to Alaska whilst packing a blue walnut rifle.