I replaced the laminated stock on this one just because I wanted a composite TH to have dipped. I prefer TH stocks for rangework and hunting. You definitely ain't gonna break it hunting and some battle scars add character IMO. The Knight laminated stock you have is not slippery due to it's design. I would hunt with it if you like it. Composite stocks are not cheap for your gun either, especially if you buy through Knight.


This one gets hunted with as is.


And this one will be hunted with this upcoming season as is.

If you could see the scratches, dings and dents on my truck you would instantly know my answer to this one.

I'm pretty sure I've never missed a deer because of some flaw on the stock. (Isn't that first scratch almost a relief? )

Now I'm wondering if that ding on the right side of my X7's stock is what causes an occasional flier in a five shot string.

Basically laminated stocks were brought out for two reasons. It gives the feel of wood. With the stability of synthetic. Notice I said synthetic and not composite. To me the composite stocks are the plastic ones, and they are not as stable as a laminated stock. However the better made synthetic stocks(not the plastic ones) are as durable as the laminated. But the laminated stocks are definitely more rigid and better stocks than the plastic ones.

It is also considerably harder to ding up the laminated when compared to walnut. So you get the feel of wood in laminated stocks. But definitely more durable than walnut(and plastic). Tom.

Unless you plan on tiein up your gun behind your truck and dragging it down some gravel roads I wouldn't worry about it. If you get a few dings in your laminated stock it is a piece of cake to refinish them and get them back to like new condition.

Semi,
I put a few scratches in my 700ML stock while sanding the channel to fit the barrel. I got over them already.

I did win a Sako .270 Win. Short Mag with a beautiful stock that I would not take in the woods. I traded it for that reason to my brother in law who had no problem though hunting with it. I wish now I would have kept it.

I only own 1 gun that has a composite stock (870 Turkey Special) all my other guns (30+) are wood or laminate. So yes, I hunt with laminates. I don't collect guns though. Any gun I buy will be taken into the field and used.

If you are afraid of scratching your fancy stock, why did you buy it in the first place?

Every hunting gun no matter what will have dings and marks on it. No matter how hard you try it will happen. But thats the history of the gun and when you hand it down to your kids a part of you will always be with the gun. I have a .450 marlin I got new and hunted with it for over ten years. Almost looks new with the walnut stock. Has a few marks but thats just part of the gun. Also I have a M1 that has only one mark on it and I will never get rid of it. My uncle did it when he was helping me take it apart for the first time. Let the gun get a few marks. Build up the history.