Hardwood or Laminate?

[Knuckles Muldoon]

Ive been looking at SKSs and Mosins lately as my first gun purchases, both seem to be available with either hardwood or laminate stocks. What are the pros and cons for each. I see the prices vary depending on what stock each has, besides the other quality issues(bore quality, bolt style, etc)?

 

[mardig88]

laminate is usually lighter

 

[collector67]

laminate is usually lighter

I have a M44 and a SKS with the lammy stock, and I find them to be heavier than the Arctic Birch......

 

[The Kurgan]

laminate is stronger but somewhat heavier than solid arctic Birch.

 

[jimbo14]

Laminate is somewhat uglier than solid birch. YMMV

 

[supernova]

The big defference on an SKS is the buttstock. The comb is thinner on a laminate so you will not have a good cheekweld. The solid birch is thicker and raises your cheek higher to properly align your eye with the irons. I think a nice birch stock looks alot better than laminate.