Synthetic vs. wood rifle/shotgun stocks - which do you prefer and why?

[huntfishtrap]

Synthetic vs. wood rifle/shotgun stocks - which do you prefer and why?

[jcarlin]

Good question.
My deer rifle is a black synthetic stock and I wanted it that way. It's not pretty, but it's weatherproof and stable and when I scratch it it's difficult to notice or care.
My shotguns are with one exception wood stocked. Some are things of beauty, if not of exceptional value as shotguns go, I'm not real worried about pinpoint accuracy, and I still cringe when battle scars appear.
I have a .30-.30 lever gun that has an absolutely beautiful walnut stock. I got it used, it had been kicked around and chipped in spots. It's a close range gun. I don't hunt with it much. But a lever gun should just be wooden. No rational reason. History and coolness is key.

[jhjimbo]

Web site erased my answer. 30-06 went back to wood. .300WbyMag went to synthetic. All others are wood except my .17WSM Savage.
This is the Weatherby Mk V with both stocks.

[JM]

I love wood stocks, and I like the look of scratches even more.

[Kody]

I love the look and feel of a wood stocked rifle or shotgun. So much the better with fine checkering or scroll work and beautiful wood grain features I have a real aversion to those synthetic stocks but sometimes function has to take priority over beauty and style. I shoot heavy 3" and 3 1/2" 12 guage rounds. The recoil is as hard on the firearm as it is on your shoulder. I have split the wood fore end on my past autoloader. So, I acquired a 3 1/2 "synthetic camo stock Beretta A 400 with the recoil reduction in the butt end and within the pistol grip of the stock. It may not be as good to look at but it is a real pleasure to shoot. It is by far the best shotgun I have ever owned.

[pineywoods]

I love wood, but I use plastic, except for my old Browning Superposed.

[huntfishtrap]

I love wood stocks, and I like the look of scratches even more.

You like the look of scratches? I believe that's the first time I've heard anyone say that.

[huntfishtrap]

Web site erased my answer. 30-06 went back to wood. .300WbyMag went to synthetic. All others are wood except my .17WSM Savage.
This is the Weatherby Mk V with both stocks.

That's an interesting design on the synthetic stock. Did you do that?

[huntfishtrap]

Good question.
My deer rifle is a black synthetic stock and I wanted it that way. It's not pretty, but it's weatherproof and stable and when I scratch it it's difficult to notice or care.
My shotguns are with one exception wood stocked. Some are things of beauty, if not of exceptional value as shotguns go, I'm not real worried about pinpoint accuracy, and I still cringe when battle scars appear.
I have a .30-.30 lever gun that has an absolutely beautiful walnut stock. I got it used, it had been kicked around and chipped in spots. It's a close range gun. I don't hunt with it much. But a lever gun should just be wooden. No rational reason. History and coolness is key.

You bring up a good point about lever guns and wood stocks. I'd never thought of it, but I would have to agree. Putting a synthetic stock on a lever gun would kind of ruin the feel of it.

[huntfishtrap]

I love the look and feel of a wood stocked rifle or shotgun. So much the better with fine checkering or scroll work and beautiful wood grain features I have a real aversion to those synthetic stocks but sometimes function has to take priority over beauty and style. I shoot heavy 3" and 3 1/2" 12 guage rounds. The recoil is as hard on the firearm as it is on your shoulder. I have split the wood fore end on my past autoloader. So, I acquired a 3 1/2 "synthetic camo stock Beretta A 400 with the recoil reduction in the butt end and within the pistol grip of the stock. It may not be as good to look at but it is a real pleasure to shoot. It is by far the best shotgun I have ever owned.

I would have to agree. I like the feel and look of wood, but I also like the durability and affordability of synthetic. It also cuts down on weight, which can be a plus for shotguns.

[4everAutumn]

I like wood. Wood just has a classic look and feel on a shotgun. As a wood stock gets used, it builds more character and seems richer for it. Synthetic stocks just look scratched.

[JM]

I love wood stocks, and I like the look of scratches even more.

Yeah, I know people who will have a wooden stock refinished if it gets scratched up. I just don't understand why. An old beat up wooden stock covered in chips and scratches tells a story, just like the scars on your body. Even better when the scratches are a collection from three generations of use.

[jhjimbo]

Web site erased my answer. 30-06 went back to wood. .300WbyMag went to synthetic. All others are wood except my .17WSM Savage.
This is the Weatherby Mk V with both stocks.

I got it this way.

[jcarlin]

I love wood stocks, and I like the look of scratches even more.

I'm kind of with you JM. I don't want to add them, but they happen and they're a sign of use. I think I cringe more because I associate with some folks who will notice every new scratch and call you out on it. You do that you go to the box, you know, and you feel shame, you know.

[Kody]

Web site erased my answer. 30-06 went back to wood. .300WbyMag went to synthetic. All others are wood except my .17WSM Savage.
This is the Weatherby Mk V with both stocks.

Now that is a good idea. Admire the wood stock and use it where appropriate but when the going gets tough switch to the synthetic and let it take a beating