Composite or wood ??????

[Adlippy]

Hi everyone

New guy here, being lurking and absorbing for a while, don't worry I am not going to ask what is a good first gun. So far I have narrowed the field down to about 4 possibilities thanks to you guys BUT, there is always a but!, the million dollar question is composite or wood what are the pros and cons, I personally like the look of wood, but this bunnyator ( 22 or 17hmr) is going to be a workhouse and it needs to be more practical than pleasing to the eye I feel, I have seen many a farmers 22 with electrical tape holding the butt together, mine you these guns were their first and a lot of years have gone by since.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Aaron

[WayneO]

The purist in me says wood. Nothing comes close to a good quality wood stock (oiled not varnished) but the practical side of me says composite. Especial at sea level and in forests where humidity can be quite high and where it rains often.

[AusTac]

I've got wood on my shotgun and plastic on my .22, if its going to be something used hard plastic/composite all the way, i mean i use my shotgun but damn it breaks my heart to see all the little dints and stuff i've done to it ( bought new ) wood needs a little more care too depending on finish, wood also moves with humidity but thats splitting hairs really, wood looks awesome even with a bit of character

plastic will never have that old age used weathered, this was so and so's gun from when he was a kid kinda appeal to it


For me its plastic from now on way more practical

[juststarting]

Why not both?

[Adlippy]

Why not both?

The thought has crossed my mind But to do that would mean giving up on a new fly rod I " need" not sure if I can that although trout season will be over soon think I am going to need a pay rise

[GLS_1956]

Most of my long guns have wood, most but not all. Taking out the military surplus and the "Cowboy style" guns, of the 10 remaining rifles only two were offered from the factory with non wooden stocks, a Marlin Model 60 with the synthetic stock and Ruger's SR-556 (their rendering of an AR-15 platform). I did replace the factory Remington 700 Varmint Special's wood stock with an after market polymer stock. All of my shotguns have wood stocks. Of the handguns the majority have synthetic stocks/grips.

I love the looks of figured walnut on a gun, rifle or shotgun. And the feel and heft of wood is something else I like. Now the synthetic stocks while they lack the traditional beauty of wood give us, me, stability, durability and less concern over knocks and dings, also they tend to cost less than their wood stocked stable mates.

So to me if there is a choice between a synthetic stocked and a wooden stocked gun I'd be looking on why I'm buying it. Is it to be a rough and ready truck gun, to be there to lower the population of tin cans, tree rats, rabbits and vermin. Or is it going to be a gun that while taken to the field for the hunt is also a piece that is looked upon as a fine bit of craftsmanship. For me I will say the choice comes to form following function. So both are valid.

[pomemax]

All mine are wood i do not like tupperwear

[Adlippy]

I love the looks of figured walnut on a gun, rifle or shotgun. And the feel and heft of wood is something else I like.


You had me at " I love the looks"

I will stick with wood and if the battle scars get to much I have an excuse to buy another or upgrade or both

Thanks for your help everyone greatly appreciate it

[sandgroperbill]

It ultimately depends on the use and environments. If they're going to be used in ways that they may get knocked about or scratched, then synthetic. Otherwise, I think most would agree wood looks and feels nicer.

I prefer wood, but my workhorses/tools are synthetic, and I love that I don't have to worry about them while I'm out in the bush blocks.

But... this is your first rifle. Your first rifle should stay with you forever, so get timber and blue. Can't beat a classic

[Title_II]

Doesn't matter. You know polymer will be lighter and requires less care. You said you prefer wood. If you want to see wood, buy wood. I love the look of good wood, but most of my stuff is polymer. Just for full disclosure.

[WayneO]

Blazer R8 professional, YOU WILL NEVER LOOK BACK.

[MR. WINCHESTER]

Blazer R8 professional, YOU WILL NEVER LOOK BACK.

A bit of a liability bouncing around in the back of a ute, chasin' pigs ?

As always ... it's 'horses for courses'.

I'm a lover of nice wood, but if you 'treat em hard', then maybe a plastic or concrete stock is best.

[Oldbloke]

Fantastic plastic. Lol

[Adlippy]

Blazer R8 professional, YOU WILL NEVER LOOK BACK.

Wow I think I have just found some gun porn

A little over the budget at the moment but will be adding that to my ever growing list

After watching the video on their website both me and my girlfriend went wow lets get that and she isn't even in to this "gun thing" as she calls it

[Title_II]

Adlippy, what is your picture over your name?

[Adlippy]

The picture is of a moose in a Canadain Mounties uniform sitting on a rock next to a fly rod, it's a long story

[Chickenhawk]

Timber all the way IMO