Whats the obsession with wood stocks? is there any benefit ?

[K.O.]

Most synthetic stocks just are not right for me... some are downright bad...

Synthetic Schnabel Stocks Seem Somewhat Sacrilegious.. Plus the Maximus trigger length is short for me...

 The Icon is not a tactical weapon why would I want it to look like one... it needed an Iconic Stock

In progress...air tube channel will be .250 deeper will have stock extension custom to my pull...  the trigger position is now perfectly placed for me rather than about a cm short. will wear something lace up like this brown butt pad...or maybe just plain leather...

[anti-squirrel]

Plastics break down over time into infinitesimally small molecules of plastic which then impact the genetics of living organisms.  A piece of tree does not. 

Sure, the tree takes a long time to grow.  Most plastic takes considerably far longer to degrade into something not-a-plastic.

Both my wife and I strive to use alternatives to plastic when possible.  In many situations, it isn't.  But if given a choice between a plastic stock ad a wood stock, we will choose wood.

[Spacebus]

Plastics break down over time into infinitesimally small molecules of plastic which then impact the genetics of living organisms.  A piece of tree does not. 

Sure, the tree takes a long time to grow.  Most plastic takes considerably far longer to degrade into something not-a-plastic.

Both my wife and I strive to use alternatives to plastic when possible.  In many situations, it isn't.  But if given a choice between a plastic stock ad a wood stock, we will choose wood.

While microplastics are a serious problem, I don't think all plastic types shed. I could be wrong, but it's hard to find that kind of data on specific types of plastics. Gunstocks are also usually very durable plastics, but has been mentioned not all synthetic stocks are created equally. I'm a fan of durable plastic goods like tool handles, my kayaks, certain parts, and other applications where you need durability and light weight. However, my opinion could be changed if there were studies that indicate kayak, gunstocks, and other outdoor goods shed plastics.

[rkr]

Chassis systems and full synthetics are the way of the future

They are heavy and aluminium against your hand or plastic against your cheek is just painful in sub zero temperature. For hunting in cold I would choose a nice wooden stock, for hitting things at long range in cold I can live with chassis and cover contact points with neoprene.

[Baco]

Polycarb isn't so bad I love the smell..

isn't it the main one for bisphenol?

[Back_Roads]

 Black Walnut grows like weeds where I live I bet from nut to gunstock possible in 30 years, for decent sized trunk for several stocks. I have 5 20+ foot trees in my yard thanks to the squirrels who may have had lead induced forgetfulness

[Baco]

Plastics break down over time into infinitesimally small molecules of plastic which then impact the genetics of living organisms.  A piece of tree does not. 

Sure, the tree takes a long time to grow.  Most plastic takes considerably far longer to degrade into something not-a-plastic.

Both my wife and I strive to use alternatives to plastic when possible.  In many situations, it isn't.  But if given a choice between a plastic stock ad a wood stock, we will choose wood.

While microplastics are a serious problem, I don't think all plastic types shed. I could be wrong, but it's hard to find that kind of data on specific types of plastics. Gunstocks are also usually very durable plastics, but has been mentioned not all synthetic stocks are created equally. I'm a fan of durable plastic goods like tool handles, my kayaks, certain parts, and other applications where you need durability and light weight. However, my opinion could be changed if there were studies that indicate kayak, gunstocks, and other outdoor goods shed plastics.

what causes shedding is abrasion or heat or chemicals, when plastic starts shedding it doesn't go back to not shedding

gun stocks are a small load though compared to bottled water, starbucks polystyrene cups, plastic cookware and baby bottles, GMOs, oxalates, iatrogenic drugs, veganism, the whole food chain being poisoned with endocrine disruptors..
i read the other day that they're launching mRNA vaccines for cattle

[JimD]

I wasn't blunt about this in my previous comment but I don't think there is an advantage for wood that is significant other than appearance.  Most wood species are less dense than plastics but plastic stocks are not solid like wood stocks so plastics can still be lighter.  Plastics will not move due to humidity changes like wood does.  Lamination can stop that but it changes the appearance and adds weight.  Finishing the stock well inside and out can make the movement from moisture level no big deal.  I can shape wood with tools I have but my ability to shape plastic is much more limited.  I think plastic stocks are less likely to be damaged but part of the difference in my mind may be that I don't care much if a plastic stock gets a scratch or din.  But I think these are more differences than clear advantages one way or the other.

Both plastic and wood stock guns clearly work.  If good wood is used, I think the appearance is clearly better for the wood stocked gun.  But if low quality wood is used, I would rather than just have a plastic one.   

[dan_house]

https://www.rapidairworx.com/category-s/147.htm

down the page they talk about the chassis you can get for the HM1000

[Ronno6]

I think the appeal of a wood stock, other than the esthetic appeal, is the tradition.....
From the earliest models rifles had wood stocks.......
A wood stock on an airgun just looks right IMO

[Yarddog]

To me, any rifle is no better than its backbone. So far, for reasons previously put forth by Motorhead, nobody's come up with a better substance than wood for a rifle.

[airrob]

I have to store my propane tanks outside since I don't have a covered patio or anything similar.  In my research, I chose to buy/build a wood dog house.  Sure, there are plenty of plastic rubbermaid little sheds I could have bought, but I didn't for one major reason - they will get MUCH hotter in the sun.  Wood will not.

Not saying it's related to gun stocks, but just that there is a significant difference in thermal properties.

[orangeokie]

I grew up with wooden stocked rifles.  My first issued rifle in the Marine Corps was a wooden stocked M-14.  I qualified with an M-16 in the Basic School eight years later, but as a Naval Aviator I was never issued an M-16.  Pilots were armed with handguns.  Later in life my rifle collection is almost entirely all wood, some very nice.  When I got started in PCP, I noticed all the semi-militaristic looking "chassis'" that I thought looked odd, for air rifles. . . Sorta wanabe play like a military sniper type look.  Well, I chose the Turkish Walnut in my FX Crown and my Benjamin Akela just because I have always preferred nice wood, the feel, the look and the utility.  I did put a Buck Rail M-15 type rear stock on my P-Rod, but the pistol grip and forearm are walnut.  There will always be personal opinions and there will always be enough nice wood to make nice stocks for those of us who prefer it, just as there will always be plastic and aluminum for those who prefer that.

[Spacebus]

I grew up with wooden stocked rifles.  My first issued rifle in the Marine Corps was a wooden stocked M-14.  I qualified with an M-16 in the Basic School eight years later, but as a Naval Aviator I was never issued an M-16.  Pilots were armed with handguns.  Later in life my rifle collection is almost entirely all wood, some very nice.  When I got started in PCP, I noticed all the semi-militaristic looking "chassis'" that I thought looked odd, for air rifles. . . Sorta wanabe play like a military sniper type look.  Well, I chose the Turkish Walnut in my FX Crown and my Benjamin Akela just because I have always preferred nice wood, the feel, the look and the utility.  I did put a Buck Rail M-15 type rear stock on my P-Rod, but the pistol grip and forearm are walnut.  There will always be personal opinions and there will always be enough nice wood to make nice stocks for those of us who prefer it, just as there will always be plastic and aluminum for those who prefer that.

I think your Prod is a nice blend of form and function.

[Back_Roads]

 Yup been thinking my next build is wood and steel just something classic to it.

[kbstingwing]

When was the last time you said "Wow, Look at that beautiful Plastic", well I've never said it, Wood just has the looks that warms the soul, and solid feel, now Plastics have their place and it's mainly lightness and durability, not beauty, but I know I have said " Wow, that looks BAD ^&*, looking at a plastic stocked gun or a chassis gun, but you know it's mostly personal preference, I like both.

[avator]

I don't know... I kinda like my Buccaneer in the Urban stock. It looks better than the Urban did.
And the Urban definitely looks better in the wood Buccaneer stock.

[Firewalker]

I don't know... I kinda like my Buccaneer in the Urban stock. It looks better than the Urban did.
And the Urban definitely looks better in the wood Buccaneer stock.

"Wow, Look at that beautiful Plastic stock!"

[dan_house]

"And the Urban definitely looks better in the wood Buccaneer stock."

That may be true, but does the wood stock make it any more accurate? Can it be made to fit you better, or do you have to adjust to it?

Looks are _not_ a benefit, and thats what the OP was asking about.....

(Not picking on ya Avator, that sentence seemed to sum up a lot of opinions in this thread, and it was easier to reply to...)

[avator]

   You're right, nether gun shoots any better, or worse than it did before the swap. But, part of the OP title is "What's the obsession?" For me, it's purely cosmetic. I'm a bench shooter and not of my guns get dragged through the so there's no advantage or disadvantage there. Once in awhile I'll strap one on the atv but those are usually cheaper pumpers or springers and were bought for that purpose. In those cases, wood, plastic or bubble gun, it don't matter.