While it may shave a bit of weight, as well being more rough handling durable It would not be as accurate of a rifle as is pretty typical among most synthetic stocks.Flex and a general lack of stiffness creates this. Some may not care or state BS ! ... But if accuracy is important .. IMO stay away form them.
I guess that makes sense. I agree about most synthetic stocks, but they do make really nice synthetic stocks that are very rigid. Tikka rifles are a good example. I have a .243 winchester t3x with a synthetic that's really nice. That being said, I'm sure I could keep the wood stock nice enough. Some scratches here and there add character.
If you are going to be thrashing about in the woods with your HW 50, I would be much more worried about scuffing/scratching the bluing off.Rust never sleeps and I bet if gotten wet, most fasteners would start to rust. -Y