Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I have decided my next rifle will be a .243 which will be used for Antelope, Wolf (I hope) and Coyotes when its a little too windy for the .223. I have used a synthetic stock on my Ruger .270 for years and abused the heck out of it. I really like the looks of the laminate stocks and stainless barrels. From a performance standpoint, what are the advantages/disadvantages of each? I am looking at the Tikka, Ruger and Remington's which both have the option of laminate and synthetic stocks.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Laminates are more stable than walnut, but not as stable as snythetics. They look a lot better than synthetics though. I think they're a good compromise of looks and performance.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I really like the laminates they have a good feel to them. They feel like a wood stock and have a good weight to them. They feel solid when you hold them. The synthetic i was never a favorite of, but my friend has 1 that he wouldn't part with. So, I guess that means something.. anyways... have a great night

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Laminated stocks are indeed as stable as synthetic stocks,as my buddies in alaska tell me. I feel they would be in a good position/climate to find out. They are usually heavier however.
As far as synthetic stocks,there are actually 2 main types. First are the "lower end" injection molded. These stocks are not as stiff as other types.
The second kind is mostly hand laid layers of fiberglass,carbon,or other materials. These are more costly,but worth it.
One thing you should look for is a full length aliminum bedding block. This
is the most stable,rock solid,idiot proof method available to consumers, regardless of which type you buy.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Sometimes the synthetic stock feels better in your hands.. BF recently acquired an TC encore pro hunter.. tried synthetic and laminate thumbhole.. the synthetic was bigger.. wasn't as comfortable in his hands and laminate.. Now, he tried several rifles in sythetic and laminate and the synthetic felt better.. Easier to get his hands around.. You have to find and hold both.

As far as wear.. yes sythetic will hold up better but what would you be more comfortable holding ?

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Yeah the injection molded synthetic stocks can be very flimsey, at least the one I have on my savage ML is flimsey.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I like the laminate thumb hole stocks. IMO they are more stable than most synthetics, not all, but most. Fairly inexpensive. Good looking. Downfall is their weight. IMO they are heavier. This is good for me, all my hunting is from a fixed position. Tom.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I like the laminates the best of all. I could care less about weight, at 6'3" 255lbs and a body builder that isnt even in my thoughts. I just like how they feel and look. I took the cheap a$$ stock off of my savage 116ffss .300 wm and bought a laminate from midway for about 170.00 now I really like it.When I can find my digital camera i'll take some photos

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I would definately prefer laminate.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Personally I don’t think you can beat a GOOD synthetic stock for a hunting rifle but I sure like the looks and feel of a laminated stock...

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I am leaning towards a synthetic at the moment based on your replys. Is there a decent gun available out there that comes with a good synthetic stock from the factory without breaking the bank? I have been looking at Remington, Tikka and Ruger, but they all seem pretty cheezy. I imagine they would do the job just fine, but dang they look cheap. I haven't seen a laminate stock yet that looks cheap, is there any difference in them to look out for?

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Did I get this right? ;)

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I find one of the best synthetic stocks is the Sako. It’s a sturdy stock that doesn’t make that cheap plastic sound as other brands and has the rubber inlayed for grip. I’m not familiar with after markets stocks but you must be able to get a good stock for brand name rifles...

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I am looking at a Remington 700 SPS stainless in the .243. Would a Bell and Carlson stock made for a BDL Short Action fit, or do I need to be looking for an aftermarket made specifically for an SPS? The stock I am looking at is the same that is on my 700 LVSF which I really like.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I prefer a laminate stock! Looks good and functional too!

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Really....I guess I should have my 1903 Springfield which has seen action in 3 wars, drug thru the trenches, stacked arms in snow, drowned in sea water and still shoots sub MOA 84 years later............... restocked to synthetic.Sorry......yourpremis holds no water as you have no 100+ years of emperical evidence:D.

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RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Ya red lion that is right 5'3" 355lbs!!

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Just funning! ;)

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I don't care for laminate. I have one on my Omega muzzleloader and would love to upgrade to a synthetic thumbhole. In cold weather mine feels slippery in the palm...and feels cold to hold in the hands. Maybe a thumbhole laminated would feel better. That's just my two cents worth.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

To 48thguns: I would really like to see some close ups of that Springfield. And a liitle more information on it. Are you saying that it was never refurbed? Do you know any of the history of the rifle? I do not know about the other guys, but I would sure be interested in the story. Tom.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Have you ever compared the 2? The laminate is much more comfortable and "warmer" to the touch than synthetic. The laminate is a little slick on the Omega.. but that could easily be remedied with a little stippling work.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I like the look of the laminate stainless also. The Remington 700 Mtn LVSS is very sharp looking as well as the Ruger laminated stainless. Have you handled them all or just seen internet pics? Maybe it's just me but my M77 stainless synthetic looks very far away from cheesy? Now the SPS, that's another story. Why would they ever replace the stock they had on the ADL with that?!?!?! Good rifle none the less. I can't stand the looks or the feel of the Tikka T3 lite but are supposedly the best value (not just cause their ad says so).

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Finnally got this pic small enough to load. This is my savage 116 ffss .300wm with a replacement laminate stock from midway, nikon 3X9X40 buckmaster.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

Synthetic has undeniable benefits but I like the feel, looks and balanceof most wood or laminate stocks better.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

I have a Browning stainless stalker,(synthetic stock and stainless steel barrel).270 and I have a Remington 700 mountain rifle in Laminated stock and stainless steel.The Remington is actually lighter than the Browning,not by a lot though.I prefer the Browning as it is better balanced and I know it so well I am that much more comfortable with it.The Remington is cosmetically beautiful though.
I would suggest that you look at the various rifles that you are considering and see which one feels the best or fit's you best.

RE: Laminate vs. Synthetic
 

These synthetic stock, like that used on Tikka T3, are very tough, durable material. If you're like to be using in situations where it has opportunity to be scratch, banged, in spite of best efforts to avoid, synthetic stock may be your best bet.

I've use synthetic stocks for a number of years in shotguns and I honestly wouldn't go back to wood for that reason. Moisture or tough use, they hold up and are tough as nails.