Weather Effects on Wood vs. Synthetic?

cwinn

Would anyone here be able to tell me how much modern laminate wood stocks (say the one on the Rem 700VLS rifle) are affected by weather conditions as opposed to synthetics, in regards to swelling, durablility, accuracy, and consistency? I love the looks of a nice laminate stock, but i figure if im gonna be shelling out the cash for something it better be effective first and pretty second. Any comments? Thanks

JustC

I have read several articles stating that the Epoxy impregnated laminated stocks are stronger than synthetic and I know they are unaffected by weather due to the inherent strength of lamination as well as being sealed by the epoxy. However, synthetic is lighter.

I'm a man,....but I can change,.....If I have to,......I guess.

cwinn

Thanks JustC
One question: Are most factory laminate stocks Epoxy impregnated then? Or is this a done only by custom stockmakers?

Rusticwater

Not knowing what type of duty you'll subject the firearm to, I thought I'd suggest considering the repair/replacement cost too. I agree with you on "effective first and pretty second." I have a firearm (designed for saltwater use) with a synthetic stock and if it were to break the replacement cost is relatively cheap.

JustC

That is the resin which is used to laminate and seal all laminated stocks. They are placed in a pressure chanber of some sort (I hope that is the correct wording), anyway, they are placed under pressure, and the epoxy actually impregnates the entire stock. That is what gives it it's strength. If you have been to any new construction sites within the past few years, you will notice that load bearing beams are being made of laminated wood now, due to thier superior strength over a single cut beam from one tree. Not that you wanted to know that

I'm a man,....but I can change,.....If I have to,......I guess.

He Dog

The laminates used in makeing stocks are all pretty much produced by the same lumber company, thus over the counter stocks like Boyd's (which makes most of the factory laminate, and a lot of the walnut stocks for the manufacturers) are the same as a custom stock maker might use. They are heavier. More to lug on a long day, and a little more recoil damping. I use Boyd's JRS Classic stocks, along with an original Fajen laminate. There is very, very little climate induce change in these stocks as JustC said.

cwinn

Thanks all.