Why I like synthetic stocks

[ironglow]

  I know, I'm going to get some rebuttals but I expect that. Please note, I said ..why I like synthetic stocks...not why you should like them.
 First, let me say that I am a hunter and do not necessarily buy guns for "pretty" sake; function being more primary with me. Anyway, here are some reasons I prefer synthetics:

 1) They will not warp or distort in normal use.
 2) Usually they lend well toward a forward weight-bias, which I generally prefer for a steady hold.
 3) Even the least costly ones have some type of grip promoter..checkering, stippling or otherwise grippable surface.
 4) Often they lower the price of a comparable gun.
 5) If you consider basic black as too mundane, it can be painted...even often.
 6) Paint jobs can include a pattern to match conditions under which one expects to hunt
 7) They are not necessarily ugly, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder

   Below, see 3 of my rimfire which started out with stocks of basic black. Not long ago, the Ruger was "flash painted, while the Marlin was camo.

[mechanic]

They are not my first choice, but they are beginning to grow on me, for some of the reasons you mentioned.  I'm still a traditional blue and walnut guy though, can't help it.

[ironglow]

 Mechanic;
       That's understandable; not everybody is going to like the same thing..and "that's what makes the world go round". I have come to my conclusions after about 60 years hunting experience and they work well for me. Not as pretty in the rack as a nice Turkish or Claro walnut perhaps, but I don't think they are really ugly in my "home made" camo. Of course, if I tire of it by next spring...I'll change it.

[dpastordan]

I remember my first experience with a synthetic stock was picking up a Remington Nylon 66.  It was a beaut.  I almost bought it.  My friend did and he did some damage with the local squirrel population with it.  I did not have the money, as a poor enlisted man, I usually bought rifles with a walnut stained stock (birch or beech?).  They worked for me (.22 or centerfire).  A few years back I downsized my arsenal due to the economy then started building up.  I saw a Marlin 88SQ - Squirrel Rifle - with a synthetic stock.  It was my first synthetic stocked rifle.  It was sweet!  All but one squirrel thus far have been one shot kills.  All my rimfires are all synthetic now.  I have a Savage .22 Magnum and a Remington 10C (a Nylon 66 with a clip).  The Remington is a shooter and was made probably in the late 60's or early 70's.  No warping.   

[Skunk]

5) If you consider basic black as too mundane, it can be painted...even often.
6) Paint jobs can include a pattern to match conditions under which one expects to hunt

Lets just group these two together and say that they provide the user with a definite fun factor if you're into that sort of entertainment. I've got my Dura-Coat ordered.

[Keith L]

When I get new guns these days they are always stainless and synthetic.  It seems like here in Wisconsin when I want to go out and play it is wet (snow today), and they give me half a chance to get them cleaned up before they rust and warp.

[DDZ]

+1 for synthetic stocks. The only advantage I see with wood is its beauty. A walnut stock with nice grain is nice to look at, but I see rifles as a tool, and I really don't care if they look nice just so they work and shoot well.

[Brithunter]

Sorry guys but I have had two plastic stocked rifles, first was a Remington Nylon 66 Mohawk, and it was just old and worn out, best described as junk. So I got rid of it and then brought a new version from CBC as the 66 was the right size and the CBC the right price. I kept it about 12 weeks as it was utter rubbish. Even the worn out Remington was better. Oh I had even gotten a brand new barrel for the Rem  waste of time and money that was too that was after the bulged and cracked barrel was found during a cleanign season. The bulge was under the stock where it coveres the barrel.

I have 6 rimfires all .22LR's and all are wood and blued steel several of them are older than I am and all shoot better than I can hold  . Now I don't say you should all like them in fact I'd prefer if you didn't as it leaves more of the older ones for me to find 

[ironglowjr]

I as well love synthetic as well and beginning like it more my gramps (ironglow) gave me my first one an 880sq. weighted extremely well and is very accurate and has done some damage to both coon and squrril population. also another reason that is a plus for synthetic is it will take a bump or scuff and a mark wont be left in stock wich is prone to happen especailly if u are an avid hunter.....