Why Wood Rifle Stocks Are Better Than Synthetic

After getting so many questions lately about wood stocks and synthetic stocks I thought I would just go ahead an explain why wood rifle stocks are just better!
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[@hungryyeti2548]

Years ago I fell into custom synthetic and stainless rifles as “the way to go” and they shot great, now they occupy the back of the safe and all I seem to carry these days are walnut and blue steel. It just feels right.

[@EroticOnion23]

Dude same! I wish they made a wood glock!...😁

[@KimEvans-vd9ko]

You forgot to mention how much better a wood stocked rifle feels in the hands. Also its quiter in the bush.

[@kentowens2179]

You have some fine Winchesters! Wood vs. synthetic, ehh? Some types of synthetics are very good, but most are too flimsy that come on factory rifles. I love good wood, it absorbs vibration well, and looks good on a hunting rifle.

[@beestoe993]

You make a great point. Even the worst wood stock is at least firm and easy to bed an action in. A budget tupperware stock, well.....they dont even make a good door stop.

[@drodriguez3935]

I see the one thing that that I can agree right away it “absorbs vibrations well” it does something but it definitely slows down the vibration, whether it absorbs it or evenly spreads it I can’t call it but my fat cheeks noticed this immediately…wood pls

[@leeadams5941]

Thank you for talking about WOOD stocks and blued steel...I was browsing KZbin the other day and all I could find was plastic guns with carbon fiber barrels..AND Yes I call all synthetic rifles PLASTIC...Plastic guns seem to be the rage right now and I don't see it changing...but Plastic rifles have no soul...they are a tool, much like my hammer. When I go hunting or shooting I much prefer my rifle to have a little soul..the nicks and dings put on the rifle by folks like your grandfather are what give the rifle soul...Thank you for this video

[@DeerHunter308]

Absolutely my friend.

[@DriftlessCatholic]

Mr. Rogers with weapons. Keep up the good work!

[@runningwithscissors3997]

Every scratch on a wood stock tells a story - I’m inherently more careful when using my wood stock rifles as opposed to my synthetic stock. I liken it to running an aluminum boat versus a fiberglass hull. Great video Tom.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks and great user name! I love that.

[@rickstrandberg6398]

So is the alum. The plastic stock?

[@txhuntsman]

Nothing like a beautiful wood stock in a fine rifle.

[@drummer0864]

I just thought it was me, but I understand exactly what you're saying. I was in the local gun store the other day and there just wasn't any wood stocks to speak of, and the one's that were there, well it was like they came from scrap wood from a construction site. Nothing like the old days, when just looking at the wood made you want that gun over another one. After watching your video I certainly felt your passion. Thanks for the walk down memory lane

[@Eggomania86]

Wooden stocks do have their benefits. This is especially true in colder climates. Synthetic stocks, are actually fairly brittle in cold climates. This is especially true for synthetic stocks on more budgeted rifles. The same budget stocks don't like extreme heat either. In some rifles I've seen like the Savage Axis and Mossberg Patriot, when you fire long strings of shots consecutively their groups start to open up. The stock does shift. I will add that fiberglass and Kevlar Synthetic stocks hold up better. Like your Bell and Carlson, McMillans and HS. Precisions. The higher end brands of stocks have an aluminum bedding system of some sort. Wooden stocks seem to obsorb more recoil. Wooden stocks definitely have a warm feel to them. Where Synthetic stocks shine in my opinion is in humid environments. I like them both for different purposes.

[@patrickgallagher4344]

Glad to see your doing firearms stuff again Tom! That’s my favorite topic you cover! Really enjoy your channel! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@maximilianescobar3564]

Well Tom woods is beautiful no matter what it is what it is....

[@efrencarrasquillo1077]

Your videos and gunblue490 makes my day. Always be waiting on yours videos 👍🏼

[@davidlaney8254]

I will always prefer a wood stock because no two look just alike. That's to say every wood stock has its own distinct character that makes it truly unique.

[@duaneholcomb8408]

Cause I just like wood. Maple or walnut. Whether it better I don't know. But it's pleasure to see a fine stock on a shotgun or rifle. But I'm old school ,I've got 270. 3 position lock. High grade. Winchester. With a nice wood stock. With a cheek piece. Carved. Into it. Really good gun. Never will get rid of it,, mines not a feather weight. But it doesn't kick bad neither. Because of the extra weight. It has the boss on it which is nice too.model 70,, bolt action. Pretty accurate. Within and inch groups at 200 yards.

[@BuckIt00]

Personally I find some fire arms to be art not a tool. With wood stocks you can put two rifles side by side same make same model . One of them will pull your eye more than the other. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder . Great show.

[@toddnicholas8945]

When you die ,the relatives won’t fight over your Tupperware! They will fight over your cast iron 😂 I think you’ll get the parallel🇺🇸. thanks so much for sharing your videos

[@williamhall7349]

Lmao that right cast iron skillet the best

[@drovercamping4wd]

Great video Tom, and totally agree that Wood stocks are so much better, they have character and function, you can just look at them every day and appreciate the quality and finish of a good timber stock, especially on a Winchester Model 70. Dunno if we got some different models out here in Australia, but I have a 1976 push feed XTR, nice timber with the ebony forend and capping with the white lines, shoots just as classy as it looks too.

[@mickeymouse9654]

Tom, you are a very nice person, and I love wood as much as high-quality synthetics! But the laminate is UNsurpassed! 😃👍

[@rbm6184]

Mickey Mouse I agree. Can't beat laminate wood stocks but they tend to be heavy so find a lightweight laminate. The advantage of wood over synthetics is there is no flex and whip. They are a solid base for a rifled action. Most modern wood stocks today have eliminated warping from moisture and they are CNC machined to the specific rifled action for a tight fit. Many are tight enough so there is no vibration and do not to need bedding.

[@cowboywoodard2569]

Love laminated stock on my 300wsm and accurate as hell!

[@cowboywoodard2569]

Good video

[@edwardabrams4972]

Mickey your right Tom is one of those guys that you can’t help but like him😇 being retired and spend most of my time around guns over60+ years ago I started on the road to collecting rifles since my father was friend with some of the big time gun people in the 50’s and 60’s and I checked the other day and I am at somewhere around 2,500 guns that I have bought sold or gave away at one time or another and having owned both the wood and all the other try of stocks out their and your not too far off in stocks! Now days it’s not about getting the game for me it’s more about the time I spend with my 3 boys who love to hunt and just hoping they get something. I love a pretty wood stock even more now because I don’t have to go out in the rainy snowy weather but if I did then the other non wood stocks are the way to go as it is also with bench rest guns. It’s so nice to have so many choices today compared to the old days but wood will Alway have a place in my heart just like that pretty girl you couldn’t help but stare at because of her beauty !

[@garyh1449]

I'm old school all the way. Wood stocks, blued steel etc. (no Cerakote ) Also I like the older cartridges. 6.5x55 Swede, 7x57 Mauser, 300 Savage, 32 Special, 8x57 Mauser as well as .308, 303 British and30-06.

[@DeerHunter308]

And 243

[@garyh1449]

@@DeerHunter308 For some reason I never took to the 243 or the 270.........................or the 6.5 Creedmoor

[@jackstraughan2652]

Nicest rifle I’ve ever shouldered is my fathers Steyr mannlicher stutzen (full length Bavarian walnut stock)

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Jack, I have never fired a sporting rifle with a full length stock, but I do hope to try one one day!

[@stephenland9361]

I recall reading in a few different articles on wood stocks that a stock maker can steam a walnut stock to enable a slight degree of reconfiguration. For example, with shotguns, the amount of cast off (or cast on for lefties) can be altered. I wonder if this might be a solution for your warped Win. Model 70 stock?

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

I'm a bid wood stock fan period and just like them better period regardless of which is "better"

[@jeanniebuchholz9923]

I'm the type that hasn't met a gun I don't like whether wood, synthetic, or Legos, but I'm a real sucker for a pretty piece of wood. Beautiful burl or nice figuring really catches my eye as artwork would to others. Good luck and God bless.

[@sergeantdwz5783]

Been looking forward to getting back to the gun videos! I'm not a fisherman 😉😁

[@buddy22801012]

Synthetic stocks are all the same there will be ones of better quality and vary by manufacturer but wood stocks have a personality of their own with no two being exactly alike.

[@edwardabrams4972]

See this video reminds me of a few years back I found a Al Biesen Winchester in 270 and thought they were asking a little too much not realizing who he was, now I really wish I had bought it and yes it was a beautiful rifle! I had the same thing on an XTR 270 one of the first years they came out and my brother in law took it hunting in the rain and it warped too. Took it to a master gunsmith and he was able to repair the stock and then glass bedded it and it shot like new. Having hunted and reloaded almost 60 years you are correct about wood stocks being better because they were a living thing and most of the time no 2 wood stocks are exactly the same. Great video as always keep them coming!

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Thanks Edward. I'm hoping this stock has settled down now and if has I'll touch up the bedding and it should be good but I'm going to wait and see?

[@clarenceshuemake3519]

No matter what the feel of a wood stock in your hands is special.

[@warrenporter302]

i was thinkin what caliber would be best to fix you boat motor! LOL

[@mic982]

All other considerations aside: I'm one of those who think firearms should be as beautiful as they are functional. I have never seen a synthetic stock that I thought was "beautiful", even in the least degree. There's just something special about wood matched to metal - especially figured wood matched to blued gun metal.

[@Buddha-of8fk]

Wood stocks gives a gun a soul. I have my Grandpa's 30/06 Springfield. I take it hunting at least once a year on nice days. l still kinda get to hunt with Grandpa. It's the same wood he had in his hands when l was a kid hunting with him.

[@jamesmooney5348]

"Unique", wood, as you said, also was once was alive, is much more unique then plastic. Wood has a natural character that synthetic dont! Like finger prints. I like wood more! But I do like what synthetic systems can provide, and have a few.

[@peanut3050]

PLASTIC IS JUNK AND FEELS LIKE JUNK!!!!! ------MAUSER USES PLASTIC JUNK STOCKS AND I CALL THEM OUT FOR IT!!!!!

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Interesting content Tom

[@francismest6616]

Wood Stock make a Gun look pretty. pleasing to the eye, plus a wood stock is stiffer which makes a rifle kick less and in my opinion shoot bedder. if the barrel is free floated more accurate.

[@herrprepper2070]

Opinions are like bungholes. Everybody has one and it usually stinks.

[@Lauterbach24]

If you actually hunt with your rifle and use it as a tool in all weather conditions, synthetic is much better. Not affected by moisture and it is much more durable. If you want an heirloom firearm to pass down to your kids and to shoot a couple of deer each year, get a wood stock.

[@jamesmooney5348]

I really like your featherweight! An American Classic all the way around for sure!

[@joedouche3818]

I always thought the heavier the gun the straighter it shoots, the lighter the gun the more inaccurate it is. But! What do I know I'm a novice.

[@beestoe993]

I dont think I can ever recall anyone accusing a synthetic stock of being GORGEOUS! The same can't be said about wood stocks.

[@fedup3582]

I found a brand new FN built model 70 supergrade in 7mm rem mag. It had a gorgeous reddish hue to the feathercrotch stock that was a big part of my buying the rifle. But the grain angled through the stock and one day it warped worse than yours did. I sent it back to Winchester, commented about the angled grain and they restocked it. I was really looking forward to seeing what the new stock would be like, hopeing it would be pretty. When it came back, it was obvious the wood was dense, quality wood, but it had the straightest grain running straight through the stock, it looked like a laminate stock. And the color was a sort of dull, darker brown. It's aesthetics were very disappointing to me. I'm sure it was a stable, good shooting stock, but this was a supergrade rifle and it didn't even begin to have comparable looks to the original stock. It just ruined that rifle for me. I wish I could get another one on par with how that 7mm was originally. But I console myself with my model 70 supergrade in 30-06. It has a beautiful feathercrotch pattern in the butt, but straight grain running through the pistol grip to the fore end tip. And attractive coloration to boot. It is a very accurate and attractive rifle and so far every game animal taken with it has dropped in its tracks with one shot. It is the rifle I wanted my whole life and is my favorite of all, but that doesn't mean I couldn't enjoy a nice second one too!! 😉 I also found a special limited edition B78 in 30-06, built using the current 1885 action with the current trigger but sporting a 24 inch barrel. But it has an absolutely gorgeous rich brown stock with a gorgeous extensive feathercrotch figure on both sides of the butt. The stock was a very big factor in my buying it. The 24 inch barrel was a very nice addition, instead of a 26 or the standard 28 inch barrels usually on the 1885. It gave the rifle a very handy and compact size of 40 inches overall while still giving full ballistics of the 30-06 cartridge. The fore end flexed just enough though, that it affected accuracy a bit, but I relieved the barrel channel enough that it's full floating is maintained despite the flex and now it shoots accurately and consistent. It has taken all its game so far with 1shot also. It is my 3rd favorite rifle, but my first, second, and third favorites are so close and they will be with me to my dying day.

[@gregphillips1998]

You don’t see people spray painting their high polished walnut stock either.

[@sultanalhosany7871]

i personally prefer the wooden stock rifles not the plastic made rifles 🤨

[@rbeichner2001]

I just ordered a new brown Winchester factory laminate stock from eBay for $60 Fits 2002 SA model and up Sweet deal.

[@jamesmooney5348]

You have much interest in the Remington 760 or 7600?

[@thewatchhawk]

I am a fan of the 760 in 30-06.

[@Longtrailside]

Wood is pretty, and quieter in the woods when branches rub on it, buuuuut in wet or extremely humid areas they have issues. Warpage is the big one and the second is always needing to check the mounting bolts.

[@jamiegubrud7896]

I have a old rem 6mm mode 700 from the 60’s. My grandfather gave it to me and I shot my first buck with it when I was 13. It has a beautiful stock that has many scratches and dents from a lifetime of hunting. Now I’m 44 and gramps gone but i’ll keep hunting with it. I’m teaching my son to hunt now. It may be old but it’s very special. I love the old look and feel of the wood stocks compared to the composite.

[@warrenporter302]

oh btw you can use a synthetic stock as a boat paddle if necessary......don't ask how i know 😁

[@MaxWray111]

Great video! I have a 1943 Kar98k that the original stock has been cut down and sporterized, action bedded, barrel free-floating, and rebarreled to 7x57. I love this beautiful rifle; it's a dream to shoot. But I honestly don't think I would have given it a second look if it would have had a synthetic stock. I found it at a gun show earlier this year. It also had a Leupold M8 6x scope on it, and I got it for 450 beans.

[@gizmocarr3093]

I appreciate Pre-64 Winchesters rifles however; the new models that are push feed are good ones too. The action is still the same except for the extractor system. The differences are the aluminum trigger guard for one. The stock on your Cabela’s model is a Classic stock shape. The FeatherLite is more Classic European style stock. I am not a fan of Mauser style claw extractors for the idea their better is debatable. That might be a point for a dangerous game rifle for some; just not for me. The things I like are the safety and the flat bottom action and recoil lug. Are Winchester rifles better than Remington? In some ways yes and in others no; both being American is what I like most. Mine are older and have wood stocks; wood is traditional and synthetics; not so much. If wood is not seasoned correctly it can move but; that is rare for the most part. However; someone with the knowledge can straight wood just as they can straighten steel. If you ever take the time to see how rifle and shotgun barrels are made. You will see what I am talking about. Shotgun stock makers once add castoff and drop using heat and moisture to better fit a shotgun stock to the shooter. The same as Fishing rod makers use heat to straighten Bamboo rods. Look at a bent wood rocker sometime or a recurve bow. 🙄🙂

[@Ralphbo-u6l]

In my opinion, I have own a number of pre 64 model 70 rifles and their good rifles. But, the Ruger M77 mk2 is almost the same. The Ruger m77 mk2/Hawkeye has a lot things that are even better. Scope rings, trigger, number of chamberings. A lot of the guides in northern Canada and Alaska use Ruger m77 as their loaner rifle because they are so tuff.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

James, I have to agree with you on the m77 being a great rifle and really close to the pre64 Winchester. And I think the MkII is why Winchester went back to the pre64 style action? I believe the MkII came out in 1989 and was a true control feed and then suddenly Winchester came out with the classic in the early 90's which was there first control feed action since 1963.

[@beamonk]

Tom what load does the .257 like? I have the same rifle and the only load it likes is 80 grain Barnes. Everything else is horrible! Thanks

[@nightwave3782]

I love wood and blued steel on my guns that's all I run.

[@johnashby5397]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Great presentation and topic. Thanks for coming back to your original viewer base.

[@normanmarino7285]

That’s why you should seal a wood stock with something that keeps the wood from being affected by moisture in the air or no moisture in the air.

[@12vibaba]

It is fine from the factory. Don't mess with the wood. than it starts warping. let it breathe.

[@JBDRLSOARK]

I’ve got a model 70 that says Light Weight on the barrel . I never knew why but after your video I know . Thanks for info and your good videos.

[@hammerheadms]

Darn it Tom you make a compelling argument. I'm looking at them Winchester beauties, and getting a streak of envy. I love my model 70, but I have to admit, as functional and comfortable as it's synthetic stock is, I absolutely love a chunk of walnut with some character. You might have convinced me to either go out and buy another, or see if I can find a stock to match. I do have another rifle that I need to replace the stock on, and was planning on getting a Boyd's laminate, but they also have some really nice Turkish walnut and maple. I may just splurge and get the prettier stock for that one. But that stock project of yours is looking good! Do you think you get it checkered?

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Garth, I'm planning on doing the checkering myself this summer on the A3. I recut the checkering on the FN M98 stock and that checkering was so far gone that after that think I can actually handle doing the checkering from scratch? As for the laminate stocks, I really do like those and there a few of them out there that I always thought of as special but my big gripe with them is that once you get a deep scratch or deep enough mark in them it looks really bad sort of like plywood. And it's never coming out. But they are very stable and have a unique look and feel to them. And you mentioned something there that I keep wondering about and that's maple. I've never tried a maple stock but I've heard they were actually denser than walnut. But for me any well made wood stock is special and every stick of wood is unique. They are getting pricey these days but for me worth the extra? Good luck on whatever route you decide to go.

[@hammerheadms]

@@TomRiverSimpleLiving you are right about maple. It doesn't have those open grains like walnut or oak, but it is softer. That may or may not be good thing. I guess I am not sure how wet weather would affect it? Dimensionally I think maple is more stable that a lot of hardwoods, but walnut if I am not mistaken is more like a mahogany or teak, and I think resist rot better. But that density might give a bit of weight which I would like for the rifle in question. That one is a 300 Win Mag and I wouldn't mind a bit more recoil mitigation. Of course, price point is certainly becoming a factor these days. I got some thinking to do.

[@tylarhaugan7908]

On old rifles i like wood on new i like synthetic. Mostly now i use same long range rifle with synthetic. I am building a titanium action carbon fiber barrel carbon fiber stock In 308 for a ultra light weight mountain rifle it will be 6.2 pounds with scope

[@BigT27295]

It's called character. Thanks Tom.

[@Baasicstuff]

looks like my Model 70 was made in 1952, great info thanks

[@Chiller01]

I currently own mostly older military surplus rifles which also are wood stocks and mostly blued but some parkerized steel. A few of the rustier modified rifles I’ve reconditioned and the derusting, re bluing, sanding and hand rubbed oil finishing is really enjoyable.

[@jeffjohnson7030]

Tom I love the hunting rifle videos....I also love pre64 Winchesters..I have 3 of them and they hunt every year.

[@steemerxaxon1643]

Can't Scratch up & have to Refinish a SYNTHETIC STOCK.. BUT WOOD IS FRAGILE..... EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE WORTH MORE & SURE LOOKS BETTER ..

[@joeparker7508]

Remotor with something other force

[@cbsbass4142]

Have to agree I love a good wood stock. Many of the super grades come in Maple and while it's a handsome rifle, I wonder if there's a difference in the durability (more or less prone to warp, crack etc. They're pretty to look at, but I think I prefer the Walnut. Right now my only wood stocks are on my Henry Golden Boy and a 1950 Pre-64 1894 in 32 Winchester Special. You mentioned gunblue490---well he's the one that turned me on to that "underdog" "old school" caliber. happened to find one and it's just a beauty. most of my others are synthetic. One I like is a Stocky's M-50 full length aluminum bedded and heavy. Being heavy it's a bench target/varmint. But all the same I'd prefer wood.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

sugar maple is a much tougher wood than walnut. On our log drays the sugar maple runners lasted longer than anything.

[@cbsbass4142]

@@wisconsinfarmer4742 A few maples on our street are horrible, but they aren't sugar maples. They drop limbs by the ton. Silver Maples I think.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

@@cbsbass4142 yeah, silver is pretty weak. Sugar maple is as tough as burr oak. I am about to order a model 70 super grade, and just decided to get 30-06. this will be the first gun in 30 years.

[@cbsbass4142]

@@wisconsinfarmer4742 My Closest Cabela's once had a Maple (blonde color) Super Grade in 7Mag in their Gun Library section about 2 years ago. It was beautiful. Of course, it was $1500 then and I couldn't afford it. Long gone now.

[@patrickmchenry2217]

So, what a great topic! I’m only buying wood stocks and they are vastly outnumbered in the marketplace. Sadly, the race to the bottom line there are casualties. They are quality, jobs and pride. Bring back real craftsmanship across the industry.

[@waterwolf4488]

I had a ruger American with a synthetic stock. Was way too light kicked like a mule. I hated that gun and traded it for a HOWA 1500 308. Stock is alot beefier. Absolutely love it. It's all about the brand

[@keatonjorgensen8793]

It's all about the use for the rifle. I would rather a light rifle that's got a bit more recoil if I'm packing it up the mountain and only going to shoot it once at a animal. It also depends on how the stock fits you the recoil will be worse if the stock doesn't fit right and slaps your cheek or shoulder harder

[@garytellep5392]

In 1974 after my first Dall sheep hunt I corresponded with Jack O'Connor several times after having his read his stuff as a kid for the decade before. His replies are cherished keepsakes. Depending on your own hunting conditions a wood stock rifle might suffice vs. a synthetic, from a technical perspective it'll never surpass it from a purely aesthetic angle it generally wins. But the harsher the weather and terrain and your means of access more rugged a wood stock takes second seat to synthetic for about the last 40 years. An inexpensive, injection molded "plastic" stock after a few days in coastal Alaska or hanging on the back of a pack sheep hunting will outperform the best wood stock. A hand laid up synthetic, blue printed stock to your action definitely scores first. Shooting a heavy magnum in very cold temps you will chance splitting a wood stock especially a well figured one even if stored outside but it won't happen very often if at all with a synthetic. And while the P64 M70 will NEVER be truly duplicated, no matter what Winchester may claim, the wood stocks on the last few years of their run P64s (62-63) were pretty crummy stocks. Big difference between an early PreFWT and a late PreFWT and I've owned quite a few of both. On a Catskill deer hunt I wouldn't hesitate to carry a Bissen stocked or G&H Springfield rifle but packing moose quarters on a packframe where you might need a rifle on hand for bears I'd opt for something a little more rugged. I have several Brown Precision stocked M70s, and all have picked up the inevitable dings and bings of a rifle used in tough hunting country, the memories are just the same as the honored marks on walnut. Incidentally, when US Repeating Arms reintroduced their M70FWT in the early 80s their marketing strategy was to offer some oddball calibers (7x57, 257 Roberts), put that weird fore end tip on the stock, along with the Fluer de Lis checkering, which was never standard on a factory P64 , either Standard or Featherweight. What they did very obviously, intentionally chose to ignore was to add CRF, Mauser type extraction, and was a big reason why it didn't sell like the hotcakes their salesmen intended.

[@dougmac9955]

I am 73 years old, I love the efficiency of my ARs. But for real deep deep love, I need blued steel and walnut. I have 4 custom rifles built on surplus military actions. One 1903 Springfield in 30-06 with a full length Manlicher style stock. One 1891 Mauser in 7.65 Argentine with a Manlicher style stock. And two 98 Mausers, one a switch barrel in 22-250/30-06 in a stock that the gunsmith carved out of an original military stock. When I first saw this rifle it was in a beautiful walnut stock, but he wanted more than I could afford, about $400 more than I eventually paid for the rifle in the modified military stock. This was the first rifle I bought in 1973 after getting married just the year before. The last custom rifle in my collection is another 98 Mauser in 30-06 with a full length stock and a European style butter knife bolt handle. I also have a post 64 Winchester model 70 XTR in 30-06, a Voere Stutzen in 270 Winchester with a full length stock and double set triggers and a Weatherby Vanguard in 25-06 in the factory wood stock and lastly I have a stainless steel Ruger model 77 in 30-06 in Ruger's synthetic boat paddle stock. Can anyone guess which one would be the first to go if I was forced to sell one?

[@davidjoy1846]

I think one of the greatest failures in modern gun manufacturing (even high end guns) is that the wood used isn't anything compared to the wood stocks of 60 or a 100 years ago. I still hunt an old 1928 Winchester Model 12 and that stock is bullet proof. On the other hand I've got a pile of nice new rifles that if you look at the wood it'll scratch. It may very well be a result of timber practices, us rushing production and the wood being younger and just not as stout. But whatever the case, the wood used now tends to be nothing compared to the older stocks and that's another benefit of the synthetics on modern guns.

[@mikebeddingfield2144]

A winchester model 12 is a shotgun i know that because I have 2 of them one is a 1957 build date and the other is a 1942 build date that was issued to the guard unit at the oak ridge national laboratory , I'm sure their could have been other firearms made by Winchester that came out the same year but when you say model 12 the shotgun is the one that is the most well known! That is because it was used in ww1, ww2, Korea and Vietnam wars!

[@davidjoy1846]

@@mikebeddingfield2144, yes, I hunt with a 1928 Winchester Model 12 20ga nickel steel shotgun. The wood on that shotgun is a thousand times better than the wood on any of my modern rifles. It’s better wood than the high grade wood on most anything offered nowadays.

[@mikebeddingfield2144]

@@davidjoy1846 yes sir it is, i riley enjoy the slam fire capability of the model 12 as well. Very handy when you need that lighting fast backup shot

[@slickceretto9760]

They’re certainly more beautiful but not better. I would hate to damage something so beautiful from my clumsiness. My Winchester Model 70 stainless extreme weather is a tank and I’ll love it forever

[@Vikingocazar]

I love wood and blue. Classic beauty. I also love a quality synthetic… and that’s the difference. Pretty much all wood and blue feels great… cheap synthetic feels like warm garbage 😹😹😹

[@glundgren2097]

Newer wood stocks are not even walnut. Many are not sealed well. The days of a standard rifle coming with a nice walnut stock are decades in the past. I used to go into a shop and look at multiple rifles in hopes of finding some nice character in the walnut stock. Weatherby had exotic woods available OTC. I hunt in fowl weather, the woods are quiet and easy to sneak through. Quality synthetic is cheaper than quality wood.

[@peterconnan5631]

Jip. I have one rifle that doesn't have wood. Why? Because I needed one rifle that I wouldn't care about the odd dent or scratch.

[@johnnyboy9931]

My wife has two classifications for my guns: Pretty and Ugly. There is not one "Pretty" gun that has a composite, camo or laminate stock...all walnut. We are at that stage of life where we have been trying to pare down some of our stuff. I recently parted with a 1980's Remington 870 Wingmaster with some beautiful dark walnut woodwork and rich bluing. My friend said the slide looked like a wet chocolate Hershey bar. I really appreciate your promoting GunBlue490. I have been a fan for years. He is a little old-school....but so am I. I cannot find one thing to criticize in his vast knowledge of all things firearms related.

[@chrissaar545]

Woods got history! Wood has a feel that plastic doesn’t.

[@garylewis6631]

Hi Tom, Gary from utah. Been spoterizing old military guns (only those that needed it) for 60+ years and never wanted my time on an ugly junk of table leg. Always good walnut or maple. Love good looking wooden sticks. Keep up with the vids.

[@markhoyt8643]

Another good video Tom . I to love wood . And yes it’s good to laugh at ourselves. Keep them coming. Good luck fishing .

[@dutchjennings1705]

You are obviously a huge fan of Winchester rifles, but I can't get excited about a company that hates me as a LEFT handed hunter, or at least they don't think I exist. Savage and Remington on the other hand DO care that I exist and prove it by producing bolt guns I can shoot and enjoy using. Ruger is practically as bad as Winchester and the list of others like Winchester is a long one. BUT luckily for me I have a number of very fine wood stocked Savage 110s and 111s as well an awesome older Remington 700 CDL. I'm loyal to the gun manufacturers that are loyal to me and Winchester will never be one of those.

[@bentaylor216]

I absolutely agree about the appeal of wood stocks. My 7x57 ( left to me by my father in law, a great man) is a 1930s Mauser action rebarrelled and sporterised. Wood stock. Love it. Use it for all of my deer shooting. But I travel to hunt in Europe and Africa. I take my Blaser. Accurate, composite, soulless. If a baggage handler breaks it I'll be ticked off but not heartbroken - and they'd have to work really hard to break that plastic. You are right - the wood is once a living thing, the plastic is not and so not special. Loving your videos by the way.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I love stocks made from American black walnut, I don't like laminate wood stocks but I'll choose laminate over polymer any day.

[@davidlayne8755]

Boys I love good wood but synthetic has its place ...one synthetic doesn't warp like wood from rain or damage as bad as wood when you drop it , fall with it etc. The thing I like about synthetic stocks they can reduce recoil... We have a 7mm rem magnum it came out in the 1970's with a wood stock ...this company must have gotten the drop wrong somehow because this model rifle had a lot of recoil , This rifle went though scopes like popping pop corn , it would black your shoulder , just lining the scope back up.. we replaced the wooden stock with a synthetic.... It changed the rifle totally...thank God...

[@eugenegress5896]

Wood stock warpage concerns ???? Forget it as long as the stock has the sealer coating from factory,, AND To further cancel your worries, drench the barrel from reciever to end of stock , with REM OIL, or a good bath of Balist oil. Let rifle sit horizontal for a day, then fold your wifes favorite dish towel to make a thick pad, and stand rifle muzzle end down on pad in holder or corner of room to absorb excess. Your Stock will absorb it in and excess will keep wood channel oil dap wet.

[@feraltweed]

Are you my doppelgänger. I totally agree with everything you said. That’s kind of spooky

[@markhaywood7307]

Your in my bad books now Mr River I love wood, i'm a carpenter by Trade. Choice of wood (the slab that a stock is shaped into) is paramount as is the controlled seasoning of the slab. i have and and have had many fine wooden stocks, several i've made as you have by hand myself at great pain and at the expense of a lot of time - enjoyable but time consuming. As to synthetic stocks, yes they are new which says a lot as to why they are or are not appreciated. (Time will change this as it is with alloy chassis for the new generations) However living in a climate where the temperature the moisture and literally as we say can change in a day, my default working stocks are synthetic and also stainless steel sits nestled in them. My take it out from my temperature and moisture controlled safe on a sunny day to show of is "my shiny deep blued steel actions in a high grade wooden stock". This is a rare and cherished event . Kia Ora. love your stuff from New zealand. P.S Tell that Lake space invading varmit to "Bog Off".

[@ingvarkristjansson766]

Sorry to say wood stocks seem to be disappearing in USA but in Europe fortunately it’s the opposite….in hunting camp you rarely see a person having a synthetic stock rifle….and we usually make fun of them 😂 because they are totally ridiculous and ugly

[@edpottinger849]

I love the look of a wood stock.Winchester has made some beautiful wood stocked rifles.The problem is when a person is in wet snowy conditions or heavy rain your chances of rust increase dramatically.I don't like the look of a fiberglass stocked rifle,but with a stainless action your chances of pitting or rust occurring is none at all. For dry conditions a wood stock is perfect, but not for wet conditions.Cold conditions can make a tight action jam,but not with the stainless actions.

[@MD-mm1zv]

How do you recommend taking care of a new model 70 stock in French walnut? How often does it need any attention? Leaning against a wall harmful (don't have a gun cabinet yet, and am not interested in any safe. Thanks.

[@syrup8783]

I have a 1986 browning a bolt in 30-06 for my truck gun on the farm and it has personally allowed me to kill many coyotes

[@larsdahlen319]

My dayli rifle and shotgun were used by my Father and Grandfather they aren almost a hundred years . I use them with pride. Someon of the famely Grandchildren will use them with same sense of pride. Will any of the mordern weapons still exist for hundred years ?

[@tedtedsen269]

Synthetic for me it makes my 375 lighter cheeper dosent crack and wil outlast wood

[@dariandunn2811]

You are wrong. Wood is pretty. If you want a wall hanger, get wood. Wood is a pain to maintain with hard use. Looking at your rifles, you do not use your rifles hard. If you are a guy who loves to sharpen knives then get a soft steel knife. You will be able to sit around every night and sharpen your knife. For those of us who do use their rifle hard, synthetic is better. If you are the type of person who wants a precision tool, then the synthetic is for you.

[@barneywaggles]

Take away ANY stock...especially a beautiful one...All you have left is a pile of steel!!!

[@garyk76]

I always worry about scratching wood stocks because they definitely prettier with a synthetic stock guns I don't worry about it because it's just plastic if you scratch it

[@Dalesarty]

Hey Tom great video. I wanted to ask if you ever solved the barrel problem you had with your 270.

[@tracyepeterson7817]

The only plastic stock that I can think would make a difference is the M77 boat paddle, but I think that’s the exception to the rule kinda thing.

[@anthonykaiser974]

Wood lived. It has a "soul." Plastic...is just manufactured.

[@krishegland3702]

I love woos stocks and won't ever buy a synthetic. If at some point that's the only option for new rifles I'll buy used.

[@headcarter4656]

How do you feel about the browning a-bolt rifle? It is my favorite, and I love it in 30-06.

[@chrisgreenaway6696]

Wood is superior. Classic timeless with bluing. No one looks at a synthetic gun and says “ wow she’s gorgeous

[@REDNECKROOTS]

Im a synthetic and ceramic cerakote guy. I like to hunt and not be worried bout weather or scratches in the brush. I just focus on hunting now. Not distracted by the fear of hurting my thousands of dollars rifle

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

I have a curved action that might fit that stock. Then I will finally have a rifle that shoots around tree trunks.

[@Zachrys]

I almost picked up a rifle recently very similar to your 257 Roberts. It was in 280 Rem with the same stock and CRF. Was in very good shape. My brother in law is the proud owner now thanks to my tip on it as he’s wanted a 280 for a while. Know much about that rifle or were some special ones made in the last 20 yrs in that caliber being CRF?

[@keatonjorgensen8793]

Wood stocks are pretty and "warm" to hold so I'm told but my personal opinion is I like synthetic stocked rifles