Wood stock question

powdergun

powdergun

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I'm looking around for a new pump to use hunting etc..... I am curious as to how all of you have found the durability of wood stocks. I've had a couple in the past and have had the forarm on the pump crack after a while.


The obvious solution is to go synthetic or laminate but I really like the look and feel of wood. Are some makes with wood stocks more durable than others or is it just a crap shoot ?

Thanks
 
You will agree that there could be various reasons for crack(s) to form even in select wood.....its kinda hard to predict with certainty that such would never occur. Having said that, hunters/outdoorsmen have been subjecting wood stocked rifles/shotguns to hard use and rough elements far longer than the period wherein synthetic has been in use.

If the intent is to use the pump action exclusively for Waterfowl then opting for a synthetic BPS or Benelli Nova/Super Nova may be a prudent idea, IMO.

For Upland, definitely wood :) - 870 WM, BPS or one of those new Ithacas, in a sub gauge.
 
Look for walnut over beach wood. Straight grain is stronger. Wood just feels better in the hands. All my waterfowling guns are wood stocked never had one crack yet
 
ffwd said:
Beech is much harder than walnut. More dense.
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Walnut is generally superior to any other wood for gun stocks. It is the ideal combo of strength, weight, close grain and looks. Pick a straight grain, fancy walnut is never as strong. Usually cracks occur due to flaws in wood or poor inletting especially around the tang area.
 
I agree, high quality wood is the single best material for gun stocks. It is the high price of quality wood that help convince firearm manufacturers to move away from wood on mass and to move to other materials such as laminates and synthetics. You can't beat the feel of a quality wood stock.
 
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