synthetic versus wood stocks

C

calvin62

New member
I will be changing the stock on my 20 ga remington 870 express to a monte carlo stock for my scoped deer gun , for $62 remington has a synthetic stock, and for $108 the have a wood buttstock. what are the advantages and disadvantages to each. the wood stock would have to be stripped and refinished to match my fore end. is one louder if bumped in the woods? I realy prefer wood but want the best for hunting with.
 
Synthetic is not affected by moisture, humidity, heat, or cold.
They typically don't show bumps and dings like wood, and there's no finish to wear and look ratty.
They're usually stronger and harder to break than wood.
They seem to "flex" very slightly, helping to absorb recoil.

They do have a hollow "thonk" sound if you bump them, but this can be cured by filling the stock with expandable foam.

Wood looks "nicer" especially if it's walnut.
It feels "warmer" in cold weather.
Wood is heavier, which helps recoil and balance.
Wood is quieter if bumped.
 
I have a Wingmaster with wood and an Express with synthetic. Wood just feels better, is more comfortable to rub my 3 day beard on and is actually warmer in cold weather ( Yes it is!) The checkering on the plastic forend actually is unpleasant to shoot without gloves.


Wood is definitely the way to go.
 
check out Cabelas

I just recently bought the Hogue over molded butt and fore arm for $29.99. I also bought the mag cap with the sling mount for 17.99. I really liked the stock and it was a lot cheaper than the Rem set. Walmart has the same set for close to the same money. Here is a pic of mine. It has checkering and a good feel to it. I like wood most of the time myself, but this is a gun that spends it's time in bad weather. I like the fact that it doesn't have problems with water. Check out Boyd's for a wood stock, it was running close to $65 when I bought mine a few weeks ago.

http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421591920/0.jpg

One thing to check is if your serial number ends with an x or e. If it does, you can use the 12 gauge stock. If it doesn't, you will have to use a 20 gauge stock set which are harder to find.
 
I did try cabellas and every other company I could think of [even emailed them ] and couldnt find any 20 ga monte carlo stock except wenig custom for $560. finaly the remington 2005 spring line had them. so guesse I'm going with remington.
 
Last edited:
I used to own an 870 with a synthetic stock..I ordered/installed a pistol grip with full length stock..I say go with the wood..I went with synthetic since mine was fired mostly from the hip..If your's is primarily for hunting, order the wood stock, add a wraparound cheek piece to protect it..Maybe try a few recoil pads to see what works best..
 
decided

thank's everyone, I decided to go with the wood. I held and thunked on some guns with synthetic and they just didnt feel right. reminded me more of my crossman pellet gun when I was a kid then something I should kill a deer with.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top