Stock effect on felt recoil?

[lost.in.indiana]

Looking to get some opinions here, as I haven't been able to make it to the range with some of my new toys to test for myself.  Here is my situation:

I just bought an 209x50 Encore with a FlexTech stock and forearm.  It came with a nutmeg laminate stock and forearm as extras (it was the original set installed on the gun).  The stock set is currently for sale in the classifieds here, and I am debating keeping it, hence the questions here.

I have another Encore with a 20 gauge slug barrel installed, and a standard black synthetic stock.

I'm toying with the idea of transferring the FlexTech stock to the slug gun, and putting the laminate stock back on to the muzzleloader. 

Here's what I'd like some opinions on - does the FlexTech stock reduce the felt recoil much compared to the laminate stock?  What would you do if you were me?  I figure I'll be shooting 100 grains of Blackhorn 209 with a 300 grain bullet in the muzzle loader, and I'll shoot 265 grain slugs at 1900 fps out of the slug gun (Winchester Supremes) so that you can get an idea of the loads. 

Stock durability is not really a concern, as I am not one for abusing my firearms, and I always clean them when I come back in from hunting.  My hunting firearms with wooden stocks look really good even after a few years of hunting.

Thanks,
John

[jjvw]

I have the same 209 and 20ga rifled. I had a  flex stock in the beginning but I have since installed the laminated stocks. The extra weight absorbs recoil about the same as the lighter flex tech and they are more comfortable. I have a 20" 12ga using 2oz turkey loads that will twist out of your hands with the flex tech but not with the laminated.

[JON8777]

Another vote for the laminated stock. I switched to the laminated stock and my 223 off bipods and it dosent even move.

[lost.in.indiana]

Awesome.  Thanks for your opinions, guys.  I'll be doing the old stock-swap later this week, and hopefully I can make it to the range over the weekend.

Thanks!

[Hopalong7]

    I shoot 50 X 209, 45-70, 12ga turkey barrel(3") and a 375 and I like the Flex-Tech stock.  I have used the original synthetic, walnut, laminated T-hole(Boyd's), and Flex-Tech, and out of all of them I now use the Flex-Tech even though I much prefer the looks of Walnut.  I even put a Sims on the walnut.  I know I may sound like a recoil whimp, but I really don't mind a good kick....BUT, I still use the Flex-Tech. 
Walt

[Dezynco]

This is just a side note, but it's interesting.  I have an ex brother-in-law that used a Flextech stock with his 375 H&H magnum.  The recoil from that big 375 litterally tore the stock to pieces!  That stock may have been a dud, but he shoots with a wooden stock now, doesn't complain too much about recoil (or no more than he did with the Flextech stock!).

[Hopalong7]

    I had heard of this stock coming apart before.  My 375 is just a "wimpy" little 375Winnny, not a H & H, but still the lite 3" 12ga, 209 X 50 and the Katahdin 45-70 give it a pretty good work out.  I think TC advertized 43% recoil reduction and that is a lot! .  I don't know how they come up with that number, but having shot the same loads with a walnut and lamanated stock, both with a Sims pad and the Flex-Tech,  I will say there IS a noticeable difference.  I really switched not for recoil, but because of eye changes had to move around to the "southside" of the gun and the lamanated was a t-hole.  and, especially with the turkey barrel, wanted a light, easy carrying, nice handling gun that I could easily shot from either side in crouched, awkward positions.  I have surprized myself, how well I've come to like the new synthetic stock. Walt

[ptpalpha]

jjvw- where did you find the laminated 20ga forearm?

[jjvw]

Its the heavy one from Eabco. They can easily be inleted to fit a bull. stockysstocks has a few left too.

[Dezynco]

My 375 is just a "wimpy" little 375Winnny

LOL!  I shoot my 375 Winchester with a thumbhole stock that I got from Gunstocks, Inc.  I have the bruises to prove it!

However, my 375 Winny shoots so well that I just have to take it.  Bagged a nice "fat nanny" with it last fall.

[Hopalong7]

       I bought my 375 with the idea of rechambering to 375JDJ, but made the mistake of shooting it first....now I don't want to touch it.  It'll stack them Hornady 220SP right on top of each other.  Course my 14" Contender 375 does the same thing.  I don't know what I would need the added power of the JDJ for anyway.
Walt