Wood Laminate stock vs synthetic

[mtnbiker208]

Hello

Are the wood laminate stocks as good as the synthetic when it comes to rainy wet weather?
The gun would be used in wet weather situations.

thanks
Tim

 

[Mike 338]

Yes.

 

[mtnbiker208]

just checking if others feel the same way.
I prefer the synthetic, but the length of pull on the laminate is better.

thanks

 

[TaperPin]

Rifle’s for my short first wife were usually laminate since they were super easy to shorten. They are very stable. Not perfect, but very stable. It’s still wood so all surfaces should be sealed with finish.

If you end up cutting a slice off to adjust length of pull, measure it in all directions, soak in water overnight and measure again. I won a bet with a guy who was convinced it wouldn’t swell.

 

[Unckebob]

The only thing synthetic has on laminate stocks is weight.

 

[Skydog]

Sample size of one, but... I have had an original Browning A-bolt with the factory laminated wood stock since about 1990. It has hunted in sleet, freezing rain and snow in temperatures as low as the teens...even to the point that on one hunt the bolt was frozen shut and could not be opened until it thawed out. It has been soaked countless times with heavy rain. And it has seen temperatures as high as the upper 90s as well as extreme Southern humidity. I have not had any issues with the stock swelling, cracking, etc.

 

[Johnpaulameen365]

Laminate is definitely heavier than synthetic, but gives a nice solid feel.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

In my younger years I did a lot of woodwork. I have made over 100 stocks, lots of pistol grips too. IMO, each has benefits . The laminate stock is heavier (the weight depends on what wood it is made from). Like others mentioned the laminate is easier to modify.

I have seen laminate stocks be effected by moisture depending on what wood is used and and how the stock was finished. If the finish has deteriorated or modifications made that effect the sealing of the grain, the wood can and will absorb water and swell SOME!

If I was needing or wanting a stock that was impervious to humidity and water, I would go with a synthetic.

 

[mtnbiker208]

Thanks everyone.
the laminate has spacers for length of pull, and goes from 12.5 to 14.5. my length of pull is 15 inches.
The synthetic's length of pull is 13.5 inches. yes a gun smith can add lenght of pull, by installing an aftermarket extension, so i am trying to decide if it is worth the extra cost at the gunsmith or not.
I abuse stuff, and the gun will get soaked for days at a time.