Laminated stocks?

[stevekozak]

What does everyone think about laminated stocks? I bought a Remington 700 ADL in .270 Win. last weekend that has a laminated wood stock. I have never owned anything but actual solid wood stocks before. It is pretty, but I just don't know much about them. How do they hold up? Any advantages, disadvantages? Give my your thoughts.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I like 'em. They don't warp and swell with humidity changes like solid wood.

 

[Hizzie]

They are tough. They hold up against the elements like a synthetic stock and have the beauty of wood. They are heavier than regular wood (the glue is heavy) and due to the layered construction they do not lend themselves to being precisely inletted like walnut. Should serve you well.

 

[NCsmitty]

IMO, they are attractive and far less prone to warping compared to solid wood stocks, but as mentioned, they are often heavier. Not a problem if your benching the rifle, but you usually like a rifle as light as possible when carrying and stalking game.



NCsmitty

 

[Mike1234567]

Not as "natural" looking but more resistant to temp/humidity damage. This is common to all applications. Not just rifle stocks.

 

[cottswald]

Check out the specs. I think most would consider the additional weight to be marginal, and to a great degree offset by the advantages.

Here's some interesting information from Chuck Hawks, Guns and Shooting On Line:

Laminated wood stocks are actually the strongest and most stable of all stocks. Functionally, they are superior to both solid walnut and the synthetics. If laminated from decent woods and well finished they can be quite attractive. They are cheaper than solid walnut stocks because they are made from smaller slices of wood, most of which cost less than good walnut. The grain in the various layers of wood is designed to run in different directions and cancels out any tendency of the stock to warp. When properly glued under pressure and sealed laminated stocks are immensely strong and warp resistant, and virtually impervious to the elements. Laminated stocks are generally regarded as the stiffest and most accurate type of stock.

Check out the entire article: http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifle_stock.htm

 

[a-sheepdog]

I like laminates, like was mentioned, less likely to warp and prone to the humidity/weather conditons. Down side, heavier. I would still purchase laminate if I was looking for a new rifle and it had a laminate stock.

 

[Al Thompson]

Functionally, they are superior to both solid walnut and the synthetics.

Disagree with Chucky as usual. Superior to wood, yes, cheap synthetics, yes. Well made synthetic stock, not at all.

IMHO and IME, much better bang for the buck with laminated stocks. Good entry level synthetic stock is darn close to $300 bucks, laminate about half of that.

 

[stevekozak]

Thanks for all of the replies, guys!! I feel better about the stock now. It does not seem much heavier than a traditional stock. I don't mind a little weight, I am not planning on toting it for days on end or fighting with it. I have a 6920 for that.