Remington 783 versions

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Slater

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Was browsing a local store the other day, and they had a couple Remington 783's on the rack. One was a Varmint version with a laminate wood stock and 26 inch heavy barrel. The other had a Flat Dark Earth-looking synthetic stock with a 24 inch heavy barrel. Both were in .308.

The laminated wood stock felt heavier but, I'm guessing, is more rigid and has greater accuracy potential?
 
Of all stock materials laminate is by far the heaviest. Synthetic CAN be lightweight, but only when you get to high end stocks made from Kevlar. Virtually all factory cheap plastic stocks weigh the same or often more than comparable solid wood stocks. Even the high end stocks made from fiberglass are usually about the same weight as wood.

All of them have the same potential for accuracy. Some of the most accurate rifles I've ever shot had cheap, flexible plastic stocks on them. As long as there is enough clearance between the barrel and stock so it doesn't make contact it doesn't matter.

Traditional wood stocks are the weakest and can break more easily of dropped, sat on, etc. They are also less stable as temperature, humidity, and altitude change. They will be just as accurate as ever, but as those conditions change the point of impact may change.

A laminate stock is much stronger than solid wood and far more stable as conditions change, but not as strong or stable as a quality synthetic stock. They are also much less expensive than the high end synthetics. Cost is about the same as cheap plastic. But you pay with additional weight.

The high end synthetics are the strongest of all stocks and the most stable in changing conditions. And they can be as much as a full pound lighter than solid wood. Up to 2-3 lbs lighter than some laminates. They are also the most expensive costing $600-$700 for the stocks.

Comparing the 2 you were looking at it comes down to aesthetics and how much weight you're willing to carry. Some like the looks of laminated wood enough to put up with the weight. Some don't.

There are some mid-range stocks costing around $300 made by companies like B&C and HS-Precision that use an aluminum block molded into a plastic stock. In theory this makes for a more accurate stock. I've used them, but in my experience they are no more accurate than the cheap factory stocks.
And due to the metal inside the stock they tend to be chunky and heavy.
 
I have yet to handle the 783 with the laminate stock but I have the 22" synthetic version in 223. It was purchased as a fun, low cost rifle and has filled the role nicely.

Here are some recent groups that I shot with it using handloaded ammo at 100 yards
20200925_202411_resize_73.jpg
 
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