Hey guys, thinking about getting a RAW. Any opinions of chassis vs stock? I haven’t handled either, but both have their areas of appeal to me.
RAW chassis or stock?
- Thread starter AncientSword
- Start date
I'm more of a tranditionalist, I like the laminate stocks. The gun looks and feels more solid to me. I do wish RAW would work alittle harder to get the front part of the stock (above the trigger all the way to the front of the forearm) to show more laminate "pattern" . But I understand that flat areas don't show off the lamination as much. Either way, the RAW really does appeal to me.
Cheers,
Glenn in Texas
Cheers,
Glenn in Texas
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My preference at this time is the laminate for bench shooting. But I have been shooting the laminate stocked gun a little longer than I have the chassis, and the buckskin was my favorite RAW laminate color.
To me that gorgeous and functional laminate stock is one of the things which makes a RAW a RAW, and something so special. It does make for a heavier gun, and on the bench I'm all for that.
I have tried a few things with the chassis stock since, due to its compatibility with AR furniture, there are lots of options. The OEM grip on the chassis set up was tiny for my hand and was quickly replaced with a standard Magpul AR grip which feels much more comfortable to me. I will also soon receive a monopod to mount on the rear lower pic rail of the stock. I chose an Accu-Shot BT31-QK as it appears to be the proper length. I'm looking forward to shooting the chassis model off a bipod at the front and adjustable height monopod at the rear (instead of a bag). I am also looking at maybe picking up an Ergo TDX-0 zero angle pistol grip for a little better hand position.
The chassis stock has a good amount of adjustability and is cheaper to purchase, but also feels a little cheap to me being on such an otherwise fantastic rifle. But I am trying to learn to like it. Of course it is better if you are walking around with your RAW, or hunting in the bush.
But if I was buying new, I'd opt for the laminate stock every time. I bought both my RAWs on the used market, so I got them how they came.
To me that gorgeous and functional laminate stock is one of the things which makes a RAW a RAW, and something so special. It does make for a heavier gun, and on the bench I'm all for that.
I have tried a few things with the chassis stock since, due to its compatibility with AR furniture, there are lots of options. The OEM grip on the chassis set up was tiny for my hand and was quickly replaced with a standard Magpul AR grip which feels much more comfortable to me. I will also soon receive a monopod to mount on the rear lower pic rail of the stock. I chose an Accu-Shot BT31-QK as it appears to be the proper length. I'm looking forward to shooting the chassis model off a bipod at the front and adjustable height monopod at the rear (instead of a bag). I am also looking at maybe picking up an Ergo TDX-0 zero angle pistol grip for a little better hand position.
The chassis stock has a good amount of adjustability and is cheaper to purchase, but also feels a little cheap to me being on such an otherwise fantastic rifle. But I am trying to learn to like it. Of course it is better if you are walking around with your RAW, or hunting in the bush.
But if I was buying new, I'd opt for the laminate stock every time. I bought both my RAWs on the used market, so I got them how they came.
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Have both and the each have their purpose. The laminate is solid and well made. Not a stock that you would want to carry a lot, too heavy. Great for bench rest.
The chassis is about a pound and a half lighter and offers M-Lok to affix your accessories. If you like the AR style and interchangeable furniture this will fit your needs.
The chassis is about a pound and a half lighter and offers M-Lok to affix your accessories. If you like the AR style and interchangeable furniture this will fit your needs.
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Having both, my first preference is the wood stock. The grip on the chassis was a little small for me, but it is easily replaceable. I am sure you will be happy with either.
You will absolutely want to checkout the RAW knowledge center for some great technical information.
https://youtube.com/channel/UCX65uLrEBLUg8jsPvLTGGrw
You will absolutely want to checkout the RAW knowledge center for some great technical information.
https://youtube.com/channel/UCX65uLrEBLUg8jsPvLTGGrw
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Having 3 laminate stocks they are simply beautiful. I have the GEN 1 LRT versions ..Before Air Force took over you will be very happy with a laminate stock good luck. HYNZIE 4S
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The new laminate stocks from AirForce are gorgeous, but they definitely have some drawbacks. The LoP is about an inch longer than the older stocks, making the rifle a bit more front heavy. Since it's now an ambidextrous stock, the grip is fair at best (I have medium size hands). There is no longer a nice thumb rest, either. My least favorite thing about this stock is how fragile it seems. The entire thing has been hollowed out, from the forearm to the butt. There is still about 1/4" of wood on the sides of the buttstock, so this isn't that big of a deal aside from adding to the front heaviness of the rifle. The really negative thing is how much they hollowed out the front of the stock. The sides and bottom of the inletting are not quite 1/8" thick (I used a set of calipers). In my opinion, this was a REALLY STUPID decision. They may have saved 2 - 3 ounces, but they significantly weakened the stock. It's not a stock that you will want to carry around the bush. It's one that will need to be absolutely babied. I only plan on using it for target work, so I guess this is ok, but it's still not ideal. The last irritation is that the inletting and checkering wasn't sealed like the rest of the stock. I love the look of the stock that I got, but if I could do it over again, I would get the chassis stock and save some money and have a much stronger stock.
Below are some pictures of the inletting and how the sides are hollowed out.
Below are some pictures of the inletting and how the sides are hollowed out.
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The new laminate stocks from AirForce are gorgeous, but they definitely have some drawbacks. The LoP is about an inch longer than the older stocks, making the rifle a bit more front heavy. Since it's now an ambidextrous stock, the grip is fair at best (I have medium size hands). There is no longer a nice thumb rest, either. My least favorite thing about this stock is how fragile it seems. The entire thing has been hollowed out, from the forearm to the butt. There is still about 1/4" of wood on the sides of the buttstock, so this isn't that big of a deal aside from adding to the front heaviness of the rifle. The really negative thing is how much they hollowed out the front of the stock. The sides and bottom of the inletting are not quite 1/8" thick (I used a set of calipers). In my opinion, this was a REALLY STUPID decision. They may have saved 2 - 3 ounces, but they significantly weakened the stock. It's not a stock that you will want to carry around the bush. It's one that will need to be absolutely babied. I only plan on using it for target work, so I guess this is ok, but it's still not ideal. The last irritation is that the inletting and checkering wasn't sealed like the rest of the stock. I love the look of the stock that I got, but if I could do it over again, I would get the chassis stock and save some money and have a much stronger stock.
Below are some pictures of the inletting and how the sides are hollowed out.
Green_Yamo.....the Chassis stocks are like you said more adjustable, stronger, lighter....but that stock you have is gorgeous! I will get a wood stock for mine one day.....
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Green_Yamo.....the Chassis stocks are like you said more adjustable, stronger, lighter....but that stock you have is gorgeous! I will get a wood stock for mine one day.....
I admit I'm a complete sucker for forest laminate
The fact that this stock was green on one side and gray on the other is what kicked me over the edge to get a RAW.Upvote 0
Definitely wood, it's so comfortable...fits like a glove, I got few other "tactical" guns and RAW wood stock is so much better.
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Green_Yamo.....the Chassis stocks are like you said more adjustable, stronger, lighter....but that stock you have is gorgeous! I will get a wood stock for mine one day.....
I admit I'm a complete sucker for forest laminate
Me too! Sublime color to me....natural but oh so eye catching! Reminds me of limestone but in green/gray! Beautiful
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The RAW chassis is one of the few synthetics I really like. They didn't try to make it a carbine stubby or the big rave "pup" like just about everyone else. Either that or they make a plain synthetic sporter stock that looks like a bottom of the line gun. It's one of the few that didn't go the over the hill tacti-cool route either.
It looks simple, clean and light. You can see how adjustable the rear stock section is and things like a bopod looks like they belong there. The gun looks like a high quality tool to me. It would blend in completely in the field and still look nice but not overbearing at the range. It appears easily painted in different matt colors.
The laminated ones are pretty much clones and have the "hey look at me" range guy look. Most look awkward in the field. If you are going to get a laminate the Air Force one looks 100% better to me. I want tight thin lines and lots of them. The RAW lines look thick and bulky to me. They appear considerably thicker and fewer. Now try to picture that RAW laminate in this picture next to the chassis. To me they look very unnatural and blotchy. The contrasts are not natural in a field setting. Some look more like an Xmas present or something. You can also get a lot of custom wood stocks of all kinds. Just my take.
It looks simple, clean and light. You can see how adjustable the rear stock section is and things like a bopod looks like they belong there. The gun looks like a high quality tool to me. It would blend in completely in the field and still look nice but not overbearing at the range. It appears easily painted in different matt colors.
The laminated ones are pretty much clones and have the "hey look at me" range guy look. Most look awkward in the field. If you are going to get a laminate the Air Force one looks 100% better to me. I want tight thin lines and lots of them. The RAW lines look thick and bulky to me. They appear considerably thicker and fewer. Now try to picture that RAW laminate in this picture next to the chassis. To me they look very unnatural and blotchy. The contrasts are not natural in a field setting. Some look more like an Xmas present or something. You can also get a lot of custom wood stocks of all kinds. Just my take.
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Thanks for all the info guys, it was a tough choice, but I decided to go with the .25 chassis. I am already thinking about ordering another one though, maybe an hm1000 in .22 or .177 possibly and will probably get a laminate stock on that one.
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I am scheduled to get my Accu-Shot monopod today, and I'll post up how well it works (or doesn't) on my chassis-stocked .25. It flips up too, so it won't preclude shooting with a rear bag if desired.
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O.K., I just got a chance to shoot my .25 Chassis RAW with the Accu-Shot adjustable monopod attached to the pic rail on the stock.
I like it a lot, it is very convenient, and I recommend it for any owner of a rifle with the chassis stock system.
1) For me, just using the rear monopod is as accurate as using the 'bare' OEM stock on a rear bag/front bipod.
2) Once again for me, the folded (flips up with the push of a button) rear monopod gives a firmer/more stable (and more accurate) system with a rear bag, front bipod.
I like it a lot, it is very convenient, and I recommend it for any owner of a rifle with the chassis stock system.
1) For me, just using the rear monopod is as accurate as using the 'bare' OEM stock on a rear bag/front bipod.
2) Once again for me, the folded (flips up with the push of a button) rear monopod gives a firmer/more stable (and more accurate) system with a rear bag, front bipod.
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O.K., I just got a chance to shoot my .25 Chassis RAW with the Accu-Shot adjustable monopod attached to the pic rail on the stock.
I like it a lot, it is very convenient, and I recommend it for any owner of a rifle with the chassis stock system.
1) For me, just using the rear monopod is as accurate as using the 'bare' OEM stock on a rear bag/front bipod.
2) Once again for me, the folded (flips up with the push of a button) rear monopod gives a firmer/more stable (and more accurate) system with a rear bag, front bipod.
The Accu-Shot monopod looks great! I'm sure making shooting very stable. Does it extend too? Been looking @ different monopods, liking adjustable length ones.
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Yes, you press a button for coarse, large movement, and then turn the handle on a screw thread for fine tuning.
I bought the longest of the 3 models and it is of adequate length if the bipod is not fully upright. Model is BT31-QK. I bought mine from MidwayUSA.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1014956136
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TMH...thank you! I always shoot with a bipod only with no rest toward the rear of the rifle....I’m sure using a monopod will make target shooting much easier. I practice this way for when I hunt or pest and I’m usually unable to use a rear rest...the only reason for not having one “yet”. You have enabled me...will pick one up! Thank you sir. And, like you, I haven’t added any other AR furniture as this stock one is just so adjustable...easy sight picture for me and even the grip fits me as I have medium hands at best. Looking at some M-Lok covers to add some grip on the sides...only like the g-10 ones shopping so far, haven’t purchase any.
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Only one more thing to know about the rear monopod: It's base is a pretty hard & slick plastic (or they sell a metal one for military/hard core use). Can be just a little slippery on a hard surface.
I'm going to cut a 2" square out of an old foam rubber mouse pad to put between it and the bench. Should make it even more solid, and be easily portable/pocketable.
I'm going to cut a 2" square out of an old foam rubber mouse pad to put between it and the bench. Should make it even more solid, and be easily portable/pocketable.
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I bought both to switch back and fourth.
Last 2 guns I bought got 2 stocks each and I previously bought just an extra TRG type stock because it was different color wood than all the other ones I already got.
Last 2 guns I bought got 2 stocks each and I previously bought just an extra TRG type stock because it was different color wood than all the other ones I already got.
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