Considering a new m1a, synthetic or walnut?

[Gasitman]

Best prices I can find around here are $1669 for a m1a loaded walnut at one dealer and $1559 for a loaded synthetic black stock. Is the extra $110 worth the walnut or would I just pull it off for a synthetic anyways?

Anyone have or shoot either of these? Is the walnut worth the extra weight for accuracy?

 

[boricua9mm]

IIRC, both the walnut and the synthetic stocks weigh roughly the same. Walnut looks great when properly oiled, and a proper oil finish makes it more resitant to the elements. In the end, the synthetic is much more weather resistant and consistent. The fit of a wood stock will vary in different temperatures, and humidity is a big factor as well.

My recommendation would be Walnut for looks, synthetic for actual use in the field (or in places where temperature and humidity vary wildly).

 

[Robert]

Walnut. Only way to go. Unless you live right next to the ocean.

 

[Gasitman]

Well, I do live in Washington state, and I am about 3 miles from the ocean. Looking around on the web, it seems to me that a walnut stock can be had for around $75, but I cannot find any used synthetic stocks, most synthetic are $400-$1000 for aftermarket ones.

 

[mshootnit]

Wood is going to be better. Helps balance the rifle a little bit.

 

[Red State]

The Walnut stock will be a little thicker. If you have big hands, you might like the feel of that thickness at the grip and forend.

If you have smaller hands, you will probably prefer the slimmer lines of synthetic.

 

[desidog]

I have a Wood/SS Loaded, and picked up a GI fiberglass stock at a gunshow for 20 bucks; best of both worlds.

Then the next step is replacing that plastic/fiberglass upper handguard for a walnut one...and you have a decent looking rifle. Also, a Versapod weaver rail/front sling loop is a great addition for using a bi-pod.

 

[gun guy]

in military trim i found the nylon stock lighter than the wood, for carry i like the nylon stock better. the rifle shoots about the same with either stock so its pretty much preference. i bought another one awhile back, i really wanted a nylon stock, but the only one in stock was wood, and i got it new for $900 vs an unknown delay and $1,200 for the nylon stock, i dont carry it very far these days, the wood looks ok, and seems to dampen the recoil better than nylon making a days shooting it nicer. it seems the price has gone up on them as well, so all in all the wood was a good deal

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I am gonna get mine in walnut stock, I remember from years ago, using a bayonet on a plastic rifle was pretty much useless, good way to wind up with pieces of a rifle. even wood stocks were known to shatter when used on a human head. but you always hoped itnever came to that.

 

[Gasitman]

Well, I am going to buy the synthetic one for about $100 less. I can get a very good quality wood from this guy:
http://www.fredsm14stocks.com/catalog.asp
For around $65 shipped. A little sanding and tung oil, and it will be a nice addition. Seems that the synthetic stocks are harder to come by, especially the originals from SA.