Poly vs. Wood: Are Synthetic Rifle Stocks Better Than Wood Stocks?

In the 1960s, fiberglass stocks grabbed the attention of the benchrest shooting fraternity when Brown Precision introduced them. Benchrest shooters are a tough crowd to impress, as they measure their groups in fractions of an inch. In the early 1980s, Weatherby introduced the first synthetic-stocked factory rifle: the Fibermark. From that point forward, the race was on, and wood stocks started to fall out of popularity. Sort of.

Regardless of which material you’re a fan of, the gun’s stock is a large portion of the firearm and is usually what the eye is drawn to first. To put it bluntly, the stock kind of hits us in the face as we take the gun in.

I’ll admit to having mixed taste for stocks, whether for rifles or shotguns. In some cases, I salivate over a gorgeous wood stock. Other times, I see synthetic stocks that really catch my attention. Often, it depends on what the gun is intended for. Tactical firearms just seem to look better with synthetic furniture, while classic firearms usually seem more attractive with a nice piece of wood for the stock. That said, is one material better than the other?

Wood Stocks

Traditionalists will be partial to wooden rifle stocks, which offer a distinct appearance and feel of warmth. Wood has been the standard stock material for hundreds of years and was only recently challenged by its synthetic rival.

Those who enjoy the warmth and history of a gun like the appeal of a wooden stock, as it tells a certain story. The wood seems to sort of be “alive” or was at least alive at one time.

Advantages Of Wood

Wood stocks are often prettier and convey a sense of history.

Wood is always sought after for its classic appearance in collector-grade firearms, and many of these guns appreciate in value over time. No two pieces of wood are exactly alike, each having unique grain patterns, so each gun is, in turn, a little unique.

As we’ll talk about shortly, a rifle action can be bedded into a wood stock in such a way as to mitigate some of the issues of the wood stock swelling or warping. Laminate wood stocks are more stable than plain wood stocks, although they don’t quite have the look that classic wood does. Still, if you’re a dyed-in-the-wool wood stock enthusiast, a laminated wood stock might be the way to go if you intend to use your rifle in harsh conditions.

Disadvantages Of Wood

High-quality wood for rifle stocks is becoming more scarce and expensive. In fact, wooden stocks are more expensive overall than their synthetic counterparts.

Wood will degrade over time if exposed to moisture or excessive amounts of grease or oil. In humid conditions, the stock can also swell and/or warp. As early as the Vietnam War, the military began using synthetic stocks for their sniper rifles because the material was more stable.

The moisture content of the air can significantly affect the wood stock’s swelling and changing, which can affect the rifle’s zero and accuracy.

Can this be minimized? To a degree, yes. Glass bedding (fiberglass) the stock beds the rifle’s action into the stock, which gives it a more solid, consistent base, which minimizes the rifle’s action moving or being influenced by any swelling that the stock might undergo. Aluminum pillars have also been used in the bedding process, both in wood and synthetic stocks, and they really help with stability.

Synthetic Stocks

Synthetic stocks are far newer on the scene and provide a level of performance that wood has a tough time beating. Technologically speaking, synthetic materials are superior in terms of durability and longevity. That doesn’t mean synthetic stocks are without their faults, though.

Advantages Of Synthetic

Synthetic stocks are normally cheaper than wooden stocks. In addition, they are sometimes stronger than wood and will withstand abuse and recoil better. What’s more, they are more stable and won’t warp or degrade like wood, so accuracy will be better and less affected by environmental factors such as moisture, which can play hell with a wood stock.

If you’re after a gun that can withstand more abuse and neglect, such as being submerged in water or carried through inclement weather outdoors, synthetic materials are the way to go. Where wood will dent or scratch easily, synthetic stocks will withstand far more impact without showing the effects. Further, synthetic stocks are typically far lighter than their wood counterparts. Ever carried a Springfield M1A with a wood stock? Those things are gorgeous, but man, they’re heavy suckers.

Disadvantages Of Synthetic

Synthetic stocks are less aesthetically attractive than wood, and they lack that “alive” feel that wood can exhibit.

I have a Ruger American Predator with a synthetic stock, and I’ve seen many people viciously criticize the stock on that rifle. Among the criticisms are that it’s ugly and/or flimsy. Well, it might not be the prettiest thing to behold, but compared to a beautiful walnut stuck, it has the personality of shoe leather. But as far as functionality goes, it has been stellar.

To me, that rifle is nothing more than a tool to get a job done. That job happens to be precision fire, as it’s a surprisingly accurate rifle. I painted the stock Flat Dark Earth because I wanted to make it blend better in the event I have to use the rifle for social purposes.

Final Thoughts

Wood stocks speak to us in a historical, beautiful way and give us a warm feeling when we hold them, touch them, and look at them. They have beauty and character, each one being unique because of the grain of the wood. For many old-timers, the wood stock is where it’s at, and they yearn for nothing else.

Unfortunately, wood stocks do not always hold up well in the elements, being subject to warping and swelling. This is not to give the impression that wood is akin to cardboard that will melt upon contact with water, far from it. It’s just that there’s good, and then there’s better.

Synthetic stocks, on the other hand, are supremely unaffected by the elements, offering a stable material that stays consistent. However, they’re not always much to look at, sometimes giving the impression of being cheap and mass-produced.

Which is better? It all depends on what you want. If I’m going to be in the elements in the rain and sleet, the synthetic stock is the way to go. Further, synthetic stocks won’t show dings and dents nearly as readily as wood, which is much softer. But I have to admit, being an old-timer, that I do have a soft spot for a gorgeous wood stock. Their uniqueness is just impossible to beat.

Ultimately, I recommend trying them both and seeing what works best for you!