Stocks: wood, laminate, or synthetic?

[RNB65]

What's your preferred stock material for a benchrest paper puncher?

I've read horror stories about wood stocks warping, laminate stocks splitting along glue lines, and synthetic stocks being poorly balanced and very hot/cold to the touch. Note that I'm referring to a high quality synthetic stock such as a McMillan or HS Precision, not the flimsy synthetic stocks that some gun makers use.

 

[aka108]

Not a bench rest shooter but those I know have a big preference for the synthetic stocks.

 

[DMK]

I like the looks and feel of wood. However, synthetics are pretty much immune to dents, gun oils, moisture, and won't crack because of dryness.

Synthetic takes a little more care and work to glass bed properly though.

 

[RNB65]

I'm surprised. Synthetic seems to be the popular choice. I thought it would be the least favorite.

 

[CH47gunner]

Must be "Old" fashioned

Voted Hardwood.
I like the appearance & feel of the wood. I prefer the classic Monte Carlo style wood rifles/stocks. Tho I do have a couple of wood laminate's also.
My own personal favorite rifle is a Sako AIII Monte Carlo stocked, in 30-06, scoped with a Nikon Monarch UCC 4-12X40AO. Like Buttah.
I only have one "evil" black rifle left - a Savage 10FP, in .308, Stocked with a Bell & Carlsen Medalist/Varmint stock. This is my "long distance precision shooting instrument".

 

[kcmarine]

Synthetic because I was born in the 90's.

 

[YodaVader]

What's your preferred stock material for a benchrest paper puncher?

Look at what all the competition benchrest shooters stock their rifles with. Of those mentioned above I have owned 3 rifles with the HS Precision stock and a laminated Model 700 and a Savage 12BVSS also with laminated stock.

Since my most accurate and consistent shooting rifle is my 700LTR with HS stock I voted synthetic. But I do want a walnut varminter! I already have the stock , just need to find a suitable barreled action.

But when the time comes for my custom rifle it will be used in some type of synthetic stock.

 

[stevelyn]

I like laminates.

 

[rantingredneck]

Laminates and nice wood are pretty. Synthetic is functional. I use synthetic. My guns are shooters, not collectors.