Walnut, Laminate or Synthetic?

[TGReaper]

Most of my rifles are walnut and blue steel,and they are hunting rifles that get used like hunting equipment should be used.
Having said this I also have two stainless rifles one synthetic,and one laminate. I know that a little water will not hurt my blue/walnut guns but you can bet that if I am going to be out in rain or wet snow the stainless with laminate or synthetic will get the call.
For some reason it just goes against my nature to get my pretty guns wet.
TGR

 

[track]

For you wood lovers, this one is for sale for $550.00 Shipped.

 

[Republic of Alberta]

I have had worse poi shifts with cheap synthetics than any of my bedded and free floated wood stocks.

 

[hoytcanon]

For you wood lovers, this one is for sale for $550.00 Shipped.

WOW... that is a very nice blank! I wouldn't know what to do with it and would have to shop it out to get milled... making my cost on the stock in the neighborhood of $800... ouch. But it is a beautiful piece.

I have had worse poi shifts with cheap synthetics than any of my bedded and free floated wood stocks.

The difference between "cheap" sythetic and "quality" synthetic is enormous... while the cheap synthetics flex and bend and warp... the really quality fiberglass impregnated stocks are the toughest and most impervious to movement which causes shifting in POI... but you will pay a premium for the really good stocks... probably the best deal on quality synthetics are the John Plaster line made by Choate.

 

[chappy]

living on the wet coast i use synthetic(not tupperware) or laminate. lately i have been trending towards laminate. i like the look of fine walnut but can't stand to see them beat up. marks on laminate on the other hand doesn't bother me.

 

[dead meat]

Another vote for walnut.

 

[mourre]

Walnut only. Owned one synthetic and didn't like it - changed to wood stock.

 

[archie_james_c]

I love the look of Walnut on SS. And "adverse weather" doesnt do much for us here in Ontario, but I cringe when I see a nice satin finished walnut or salt and pepper laminate stock get beat up or have the matte wear off to a polished finish. So for those reason I like synthetic. They take the abuse and a makeover is only a shakey can away...

 

[hometownhero]

Well. This thread has made me convert. Slowly going to be getting more wood

 

[archie_james_c]

going to be getting more wood

 

[hawk-i]

High grade walnut IMO certainly looks the best but for a hunting rifle I prefer high grade synthetic or laminate and stainless steel.

 

[archie_james_c]

WOW... that is a very nice blank! I wouldn't know what to do with it

Track uses them on long, all day, hard travelling big game hunts.

 

[chuck nelson]

Track uses them on long, all day, hard travelling big game hunts.

 

[NAA]

Like 'em all. Different apps for different rifles.

For example....

Pre 64 Win 70? Gotta have the original walnut.

Stainless rifle.... synthetic or something like a pepper laminate.

My .02

Kinda like this.....

Win 70 .30-06

Ruger 77 MkII 7.62x39mm

-----------
NAA.

 

[deerfarmer]

nice rifles and pics!

 

[hometownhero]

Glad you liked the post

Here is what I have so far

 

[ryan32]

pretty sure the toughness of synthetics is a product of gunmakers saying so, so they can increase profits. Only thing i can think of is i have never seen a synthetic crack.

 

[track]

Track uses them on long, all day, hard travelling big game hunts.

You got that right, and it feels good to walk, stock, crawl, sweat, swear, spit and everything else that go's into a day of hunting. The only thing I dislike, especially when your an old man like me, is a branch in the eye or fogged up glasses. I love walnut stocks!

 

[SuperCub]

I love walnut stocks!

Except for the bi-pod, the "Fudd" is strong in this one.


.

 

[hoytcanon]

Track uses them on long, all day, hard travelling big game hunts.

You misunderstood me... I was not saying that I wouldn't know what to do with that beautiful walnut blank on my rifle... I was saying that I wouldn't know what to do with it from a "woodworking" perspective... My skills are limited when it comes to fine woodwork (especially when working with a $550 piece of wood) I would love to have a beautiful stock from that blank... I'd probably sleep with it!