I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

Yesterday I bought the lil 22/250 Savage (11GNS) and lastnight I took it down too the bare wood, got out the linseed oil and began handrubbing everything down both internal and external. The lil piece of wood actually looks very good and has a fantastic, straight grain too it and really woke up once the oil worked into it. I left it under a ceiling fan all night and this morning it looks like an entirely different gun. The lil stock looks like something from Ruger or Browning instead of one from Savage (now if I could just do something with that typical Savage bluing! :eek: ).

I realized then that I am FINISHED with synthetic guns. I have a safe full of guns and this was the 10th centerfire that is in it. 3/4s of them are synthetic "tools" but the wood guns just have so much more character and "warmth" too them. I have found NOS Kane's Gun Chaps for just about all of them now. I doubt I will bother with one for this Savage as it isn't going to be a traveling gun so I doubt it will get knocked around.

My next big game caliber will be a 300WSM and I was deadset on the Abolt Titanium, but after playing around with that wood stock lastnight I realized that I am now back on plans for something like a Abolt White Gold, possibly even a standard Medallion, a new Savage 14 American Classic or my another, which is a question I pose for anyone that might know. Will the new Weatherby Vanguard short actions fit into the old Vanguard Deluxe Custom (look just like the Mk V Deluxe stocks with maple spacers and rosewood caps and high comb Monte Carlo butt) stocks? I know Weatherby just "re-introed" the Vanguard Classic which features high gloss wood and a rosewood cap, but it still isn't as "classic Weatherby" as the old Vanguard Deluxe stocks. I can find shortaction Deluxe stocks here and there, just wandered if they fit (or can be slightly inletted to fit) the new 300WSM versions?

IMHO synthetic guns are no different than a box of allen wrenches or screwdrivers, just tools. An attractive wood gun with nice accents is not only a tool but takes on their own personality and almost becomes a "friend" while in use. Does that make sense? :D
RA

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

I have to agree; I think a wood stock just looks better.

There's something about the grain in walnut that is really beautiful to me.

Maybe synthetics are more "practical," but they just don't have any appeal for me.

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

There's room in my gun cabinet for both kinds. The synthetic variety may not be as attractive to look at, but they arefunctionally superior. To me all guns are tools, no matter how pretty they are. You mention that to you wood stocked guns are almost like "friends". As much as I like and enjoy my guns, I just can't think of them like that.

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

When I was younger, I liked the feel and looks of wood. However, as I age I realize that a gun (speaking for myself only) is just like a set of tools. My only interest now is practicality/function. Synthetic makes more sense to me.But to those who prefer wood, Ihope gun makers continue to offerguns with wood as an option.

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

lol SM I guess it's because I am crazier than most! :D I have synthetics in 30/06, 7mag, both my muzzleloaders, two of my turkey guns and of course my Warbird. All the others are wood and I find myself increasingly "drawn" too them. I guess it's more a stage than anything. I have been doing this for 20 years now and because I work in the business I guess I am just entering another phase where I am more concerned with certain aspects of the hunt (I think I've heard it called the "asthetics" of the hunt) than I am with all out hardcore pursuit. All my personal goals I have attained, I have P&Y bucks with my bows, a 150+" buck with my gun, a B&C elk, nice mulies and antelope I've taken as well. I don't say that to brag, I just mean that perhaps I have "been there done that" too the point that I am more motivated by now teaching my young kids and others the art and enjoyment of hunting than actually doing so myself. I really don't care if I kill another whitetail buck in all honesty. But the thought of the occasional trip too wherever and more importantly, doing so with my kids... THAT is what I see motivating my future. I'm more pumped about my annual gunhunt in southern MO this fall more because I am going to be using my recently deceased step-fathers 300Wby Deluxe that he left me than I am with the concern that we have taken bucks over 160" on the place and it is a great place and time for my family and friends each year!

The gun thing is partially a desire to collect em and partially a desire to "change up the scenery" every now and then with a new arm. Over half the reason I even bother gunhunting is because I like rifles so much. I would MUCH rather take the animals on "one on one" with my bow than anything in my safe. BUT I so much enjoy a rifle that I continue to use them more for an "individual" reason than because they are a tool and will get the job done. I know I am going on a few more hunts out west before I begin taking my kids out there. But the prospect of going out there with a "classic" beckons me more than taking something like my SS Stalker 7mag/VXIII which I KNOW is more than capable and would probably be the most practical rifle I have for such trips.

I don't know, like I said I guess it's just a stage I am going through. BUT one thing is for sure, it's all still FUN and THAT is the reason for doing it in the first place right? ;)
RA

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

I know where you're coming from Red.

I've done some tinkering with rifle-stocks in the past few months and have really enjoyed it.

There really is something inviting about a beautiful wood stock that no synthetic piece can match. That's just my opinion, of course.

I also am intrigued with the laminated stock. It's got the feel and touch of wood (because it is wood), but it also has many of the practical aspects of a synthetic stock (impermeable to water, no shrink/swell with humidity).

I do find myself desiring to acquire a rifle that's more well suited for nasty conditions than any of my blued/wood guns. A stainless steel rifle set in a birch laminated stock would do the trick, huh?

For me it's more about the guns than it is about killing stuff, too. I'm quite certain that I'm either a very poor hunter or a very unlucky one. Of my countless (and I choose my words carefully) days spent in the backcountry of NE Arkansas, the only deer I've killed were the ones seemingly dumb enough to walk out in front of me. I have no hope of ever killing a deer with a bow. A deer (or group of deer) have literally every single possible advantage over me in the woods. They can see better than me. They can hear better than me. They can smell me from a mile away (heck, my wife can smell me from several hundred yards, perhaps a deer has 2 miles to sniff me out!). They can run faster than me, jump higher than me, and walk through the woods virtually silent (sometimes).

The only way I will ever kill a deer is with the ONE advantage I can give myself: a projectile traveling ~3000 FPS.

And I take back my previous comment about it only being about guns. That first bite of fried tenderloin with some biscuits and gravy seems to ALWAYS hit the spot!

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

The main advantage of synthetics is not cosmetic - the good ones (McMillan, H-S Precision) will hold zero better than most wood stocks. Butsome wood stocks are quite stable - particularly if glass bedded and free floated. You won't know until you start shooting your wood stocked rifle - and figure out its "personality".

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

There's NOTHING like blued steel and walnut.....

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

I agree with you. I just cannot stand to get a single scratch on a beautiful woodstock. So I've opted for laminated on most of my rifles. The feel of wood with better looks than a synthetic. You can also get some awesome grain patterns from Richards Microfit and others.

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

Well Red, it sounds like your priorities are in the right place. I just like to remind folks whiletrying not to be too preachy that people are friends, guns are just things.

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

I love the looks of wood stocks and being a carpenter for many years, I have done a ton of work with wood. However when it comes to going out hunting in the weather of the Dakotas, give me the synthetics. I have replaced most of my wood stocks but keep them in case I want to resale or trade a gun in. The stock then still looks like new and helps the resale value.

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

Hey, good idea James!

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

DON'T get me wrong, I aint baggin on synthetic guns and I aint about to throw em out in the trash either. They have their place. My primary big game gun will still be my Sako/Warbird (and yes Roskoe is right about the McMillan stock being far superior than most other synthetics. Those on my Rems, Browns etc... feel like plastic toys compared too the one on my Sako!) like I said, it's probably just a stage or desire to go change things up a lil bit. I also have a laminated wood gun as well, my 700 Custom Shop 280 with a 24" stainless barrel. Yes it does wear like iron and still feels like wood, but I guess it's more of a "cosmetic thing" with me. I aint just talkin about plain ol walnut and average bluing. I am growing more and more attracted to hand rubbed oil finishes with subdued blues AND super high luster "knock your eyes out" type finishes like those of Mark V Deluxes and even high line Blasers (as if they build any "cheap" lines).

I will continue to keep my true "hunting guns" for inclement weather, rough conditions and carrying on trips out west. But for just getting out of a truck and climbing into a treestand/shooting house or the occasional "slink around/mini stand" hunting I am more inclined to carry something nice. Various products like Gun Chaps, Camo Clad and the neoprene slipover covers make it possible to reasonably hide a guns finish from sunlight as well as protect a quality piece of wood or bluing. I'm even getting into various 'super' stocks like birdseye and tigerstripe maple, blonde walnut and other highly ornate wood types. They truly are a piece of artwork too me and carrying a multi-thousand dollar stock into the woods during inclement weather or rough conditions is purely rediculous. I guess I'm just gonna "pick my poison".

Anyone seen some of the stocks available from Bullberry Barrel Works for Encores?
RA

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

As much as I love a real dark walnut stock (the Browning A-Bolt White Gold Medallion is a thing of beauty), I just can't bear thethought of dinging or scratchingthe finishwhile tromping through the woods.Getting a second synthetic stock forsuch a rifle is a decent option, but too have found myself disliking synthetic stocks of late. I say that with one qualifier, that being that I have no experience with custom grade fiberglass and composite stocks like those madeby McMillan or HS Precision,just the typical factory synthetic fodder.

I've really gravitating toward laminate stocks.It looks and feels like wood,but has the strength, stabilityandmost of the weather resistance of synthetic, at the cost of a bit of added weight.If I wanted a super-light rifle forhard core humping through the mountainsI'dprobablygo back to synthetic, but for a medium weight sporterto heavy varmint rifle, laminate is my first choice.

Mike

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

yea i agree too. i never really liked the way a synthetic stock looks. Also with the wooden stocks you can sand them and then finish it to a color that you like.

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

I tend to agree with the "woodies" here also. I used to use synthetic stocks on all of my firearms, because of the practicality (primarily, weather resistance). I never really liked them...but I used them anyway. Now, in my "old age", I have decided that, since I prefer wood...wood it will be. If proper care is taken in finishing/ sealing a wood stock...and if the action is properly bedded in the stock.... then there is very little difference in practical terms - except in the most severe conditions. Since I don't use my firearms in the "most severe conditions"...especially not anymore...it follows that I can get by just fine with wood furniture. So far, I have had no problems in this regard. As well, as we all know....a wood stock is MUCH more pleasant to use on a cold morning...than any synthetic !

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

I like the looks of wood or laminated wood stocks. I’ve used my Remington with the wood stock for a number of years but this will be the first year I’m going with the synthetic stock and I’m looking forward to it. For me the synthetic stock is for hunting and the wood is for show.

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

Nothing is prettier than a great piece of wood.Yet some people with these nice guns after putting out the bucks for them,don,t want them stratched ect.Wood does change when introduced to different elements of mother nature such as rain,snow,heat ect. synthetic stocks began to come to being for two reasons. First our forfathers only planted so many type and grade of good woods for stocks like walnut for instance. A lot of these trees have gone by the wayside and orchards are being plowed down for housing developments.With the availablity of wood yrs ago being projected and the hunters wanting a stock that would,nt be effected by the wether like wood is,thhis market was the father of the synthetic stocks and they were and are cheaper to make. Hence also more profit for the companies. They are just trying to fullfill needs of a hunter whom hunts a lot,and i mean a lot,and make more profit for there share holders of the company. vangunsmith

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

I have to agree with you Red. I personally love the looks of a nice walnut or other grainy harwood stocks. I currently own only 3 guns withsynthetic stocks. At first i hated that boring, black, matte look. But after a couple times hunting with them in rain or wet snow.I take notice at the ones I have to really keep up with to prevent surface rusting and dings or scratches in the wood. All in all, I still love my nice wood guns. But i am also happy to know...i got a couple on my wall that i can take into the elements with me as well. And about that dull dry savage bluing (I own a couple of them too) maybe you could try some " BLUE WONDER" I have had the best luck with this product. I have made my savages and newer ithicas as black as the ace of spades. Also to mention that the finish comes out smooth and shiny too, not matte and rough. I am currently working on a H&R single shot manufactured 1904. It had alot of pitting and bluing turned a brownish copper. Now it looks like a browning bps' dark, rich, smooth blue finish. It is all in the preparation before bluing that is most important. Make it clean, polish it and remove all grease from the area. Even grease from fingerprints have been known to make bluing appearscattered or blotchy. Try it Red, and let me know how it goes.

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

Thanks for the headsup buckstalker, I might just have to give that a try. In all the years of selling all this stuff I have NEVER had the "nads" to try all the various blues and other finishes we have sold. Alot of my customers buy them without hesitation, but I just haven't been confident enough. BUT one thing about it with the Savages, you aint gonna make em anyworse thats for sure. I wouldn't mind a shiny finish on my new lil 22/250. But the Savage muzzleloader I got lastyear, that's one I wouldn't want shined up. I keep threatening to have it "Black T'd" but just haven't had it done. Is there anykind of durable black matte on the market that could be applied by a nimrod at home?

Thanks,
RA

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

Right on.

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

if your into looks and cosmetics wood is perfect ! if your into hunting get a synthetics stock , and stainless barrel ..i week of CARIBOU hunting in rain and snow made a believer out of me ..BROWNING A- BOLT STAINLESS STALKER with BOSS in 300WSM ...180GR. ACCUBOND

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

Heinz I'm not arguing the merits of a wood/blue vs synthetic/SS gun. I have a 7mag SS Abolt with a VariX III 3.5x10x50 sitting in the safe ready to go on a moments notice. I likewise have a 700 30/06 that was parkerized and sits in one of Rems syn stocks, a Custom Shop 700 SS/Laminated 280 and of course my Sako TRG-S Warbird with the McMillan syn stock. They are all true "hunting guns" and killing tools. But too me they have the appeal of a pair of brown loafers!

I have a severe weakness for rifles and have several others in wood/blue and will continue to add too the collection. I just have decided that whatever gets added will be something with some "sex appeal" and "flash". But I realize that's a personal decision and alot of folks are more utilitarian in mindset so they are deadset on syn/SS/flatblack "tools".

That's the same reason there are Blondes, Redheads and Brunettes!!! (But the Blonde I have had for 12 years now doesn't play well with other "models" so I am restricted too only her. Thus my desire for other multiples in life and guns are one of those options!) ;)
RA

RE: I think I'm through with synthetic rifles!
 

we all have different tastes ,and that's what i enjoy the most .we can make our own choises of rifles and amunition