hi , this is a style question i guess. i am leaving out synthetic for this question. this is a pros and cons of wood vs laminate stock. laminate costs more, but is it worth it? looking for opinions and benefits or weaknesses of both. thanks
RIFLE STOCKS -walnut or laminate?
- Thread starter rangur1
- Start date
Laminate, due to its glued nature is usually a fair amount heavier than Walnut.
Either can be weatherproof if finished properly.
Either can be weatherproof if finished properly.
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I love the looks of laminate. Modern laminates are extremely stable, but they are heavy because of the glue. I'd want one for rested shooting, but would definitely choose walnut if I was lugging it around.
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I guess I'm old school as I prefer a pretty piece of walnut and a deep high luster bluing job on the rifle.
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If it's not a heavy feild use gun I'll take walnut stock any day. Some of the laminates are nice but it's hard to replicate nice walnut. Luck of the draw though. 
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I go walnut regardless of the application.
Why I don't like laminate:
Why I like Walnut:
Why I don't like laminate:
- I've never been much of a fan of the looks of laminate.
- Laminate is heavier.
- Laminate costs more retail.
Why I like Walnut:
- Each piece is unique and gives a gun it's own character.
- It comes in a variety of grades from common grade ideal for hunting rifles that take abuse to exhibition grade that is museum worthy.
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Why not synthetic? They don't look all that great, but are lighter and hold up much better. Don't get me wrong, I really like a good chunk of walnut or other hardwoods, but for a hunter, with something that's gonna get beat up, synthetic is the right choice.
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xsarfc9x-you're killin' me! Those are some beautiful stocks you have-the Sheridan is an eye popper for sure! I'm a fool for a nice hunk of Walnut myself.....
BTW-I hunt with my 2 PCPs and have hunted/pested with the HW55-why have 'em if you don't use 'em? Yes there are some dings, but each one tells a story...
BTW-I hunt with my 2 PCPs and have hunted/pested with the HW55-why have 'em if you don't use 'em? Yes there are some dings, but each one tells a story...
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It's just this simple. Laminated-wood stocks are functionally superior, and walnut stocks are aesthetically superior. Since I have a super-human sense of aesthetics, I always choose form over function when possible.
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Walnut in my eyes has real beauty.
Grey
Agreed. And they are beautiful examples you have there, but.....
That's pretty cool too.
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For a field gun I prefer laminate, it's attractive to me and doesn't seem to show scratches and wear in the same way that walnut will. But for a gun that won't face a hard life...laminate over plain wood of any kind, but nicely figured walnut (or maple) over laminate.
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1.FX Tarantula
2.BSA Scorpion in an Ultra stock
3. Sheridan SS
4. Crosman 122 CG.
Cool to see some of the nice stocks out there.
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