RE: synthetic vs wood
 

Once again I say, I have and do hunt in some of the worst environments for wood stocks (rain, cold, and snow) and again, if you take proper care of your firearms you should experience no problems. If you don't you will experience more problems than simple warping of wood.
Next to safety, the care and maint. of your firearms is the most basic and essential responsibility of owning them. Having a synthetic stock is not an excuse for ignoring that responsibility.

RE: synthetic vs wood
 

If you take your rifle apart and seal the inside of the stock with a few coats of polyurethane then put a coat of turtle wax on the entire rifle, you will never have a severe problem with warpage unless you drop your rifle in a lake or leave it out in the rain overnight. I hunted last season in two days of pouring rain with my old walnut stocked rem 700 then took it to the range a few days later to shoot up my leftover ammo and it held its zero. Of course, every rifle is different.

RE: synthetic vs wood
 

the synthetics will take more puishment than wood, they are also weather resistant and won't warp or crack like wood, and they also absorb more felt recoil than wood stocks do, however it's because of the way they're designed in the palm grip area, it pushes the recoil downward and not upward towards your face. wood is nice looking and has it's place as well, majority of my rifles have wood, but as i'm getting older i'm kindof starting to change my preference towards synthetics, my latest aquire is a model 700 rocky mountain elk federation in .300 rum, and it has a realtree camo finish synthetic stock, i'm planning on taking this rifle elk hunting in upstate ny next year

RE: synthetic vs wood
 

I'd go for the Synthetic stock.

Chris Johnson

RE: synthetic vs wood
 

I'll split the difference here. I would prefer either a quality wood or synthetic stock. Wood is fine as long as its cared for. But, either a crappy wood or plastic can be a headache.

"Lord, make me fast and accurate."

RE: synthetic vs wood
 

Wood is great if you're going to hang it on a wall and look at it, but if you're going to take it into the woods, go with synthetic.

RE: synthetic vs wood
 

I agree with Shooter Dan. Wood may look better but it is about to 2times heavier. I don't mind the kick of most guns, to tell you the truth, I like it. I would also go with synthetic, especially for turkey and deer. I like the camo synthetic.

Bubba

RE: synthetic vs wood
 

I prefer synthetic stocks.

RE: synthetic vs wood
 

Well, I made my decision. I bought the Browning A-Bolt Composite Stalker. I have no regrets thus far about going synthetic. We'll see how I feel after this fall!

Your comments were very helpful. Thanks!

RE: synthetic vs wood
 

Fillae,
You'll never regret your decision to go synthetic. You will notice the following beneits almost immediately: (1) Your stock will be virtually impervious to bad weather, (2) It is relatively lightweight, therefore more portable for the long haul, (3)It will assist in felt recoil reduction, (4) You will gain much more respect from fellow hunters because of the rugged appearance <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>, and (5) Your hunting capabilities will increase a hundred fold <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>. Just kiddin'. I am glad for you and I wish you well. Enjoy, and may you be blessed with many years of hunting.

Regards,
Boltaction

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