STOCKS: wood or synthetic?

I know this subject has been flogged many times but I need reference material that I can read,and quote. What is the significant DIFFERENCE between the wooden and synthetic stocks in HIGH performance hunting rifles? I need to put an end to an argument that seems to have no end. Any help?

: between the wooden and synthetic stocks in HIGH performance hunting rifles? : I need to put an end to an argument that seems to have no end. Any help? : Leon

It's not that it 'seems to have no end', it will indeed never end. The real bottom line, is to the target there is no measurable difference. The difference is in the eye of the beholder. If you perfer one over the other, go for it. If you change your mind, you can always change things later.

samg

Not a whole lot, except for weight. Synthetic stocks seem to be lighter in general. Some people will tell you that synthetics are more conducive to repeatable accuracy, however, a properly bedded wood stock is equally conducive to repeatable accuracy. Some synthetics are made with 'spongy' material and have poor repeatability. Synthetics need to be properly bedded, too.

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: So, all respect to SamG, it ain't just a matter of choice. It's a : matter of accuracy.

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Ultimate accuracy, yes, typical hunting conditions, there isn't any measurable difference between synthetic and wood. No I'm not counting a 600yd shot in the rockies typical hunting conditions.

samg

leon the basic difference is weight. Both can be made to be very accurate. Some belive that wood is more prone to moisture and thus changes in impact point. I would say that you can obtain similar results with both but it is eaiser to do with a good synthic stock. I like wook because it 'looks good to me'.

just my 2cents worth

Agreed, Sam. But the origional poster DID mention something along the line of 'High Performance' or some such descriptor of the rifle. High performance to me means shooting far accurately. For shooting for a deer's vitals (the infamous 6' circle) inside probably 200yds, wood or plastic doesn't really matter.

That said, the first thing I do with my rifles is buy synthetic and dump the wood