anyone using laminate stocks for sniper/LR build?

Cham1ber

Private
Minuteman
Nov 15, 2012
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0
38
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new to the group i did a search and was unable to located a post similar so here is my question-> is anyone using a laminate wood stock for their sniper or long range build? what kind of durability am i looking at compared to a good composite stock like a Manners or Mcmillian?
here is what i have in mind:
Remington 700 long action 30-06
Hart 24" 1.25 OD straight
Accurate Innovations Laminate stock w/chassis
any input is appreciated i have looked at all types of stock and like the laminate stocks but i am not completely sold on them yet because i do not have any experiences with them. thanks
 
Re: anyone using laminate stocks for sniper build?

I have been using them for well over five years. I think I am on my fith one. They are rock solid and feel more soild than the composite stocks. With that said I think the composites are probably more rugged.

You are not going to break one, but it will stcratch and dent over time. Not a problem for me, just resand and it's new again.

They are very stable due to being impregnated with epoxy. As for which to go with, I am a huge fan of Joel Russo. Great customer service and was the orginal one making tactical style laminate stocks.

Here is a pic of a couple of mine.

DSC_0683.jpg

http://www.russoriflestocks.com/
 
Re: anyone using laminate stocks for sniper/LR build?

I used a laminate stock on my recent HEAVY 6.5x47 build. I've got no complaints so far. I have one on my .22 and love them both. I actually like the stocks more than my HS precision.

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Re: anyone using laminate stocks for sniper/LR build?

I've got my laminate. Works fine for what I do. it's wood so if it gets ugly I can resand, repaint, glue and screw things back together if it ever gets too ugly.

rtotgk.jpg
 
Re: anyone using laminate stocks for sniper/LR build?

I run a Joel Russo as well, though mine is plain walnut. I just wanted to add another voice of praise for his work and his service. I WILL be using him again in the future.



Another thing to consider is that wood is very resistant to heat. People will tell you that it will warp when hot. This is untrue, non-laminate wood will swell with moisture and humidity, but wood does not move when it gets hot. My proof? My pizza peels (wooden paddle we make them on) is super thin and my ovens are 550*. That peel goes in the oven on a busy night over 200 times with NO change in shape.
 
Re: anyone using laminate stocks for sniper/LR build?

I really like the stocks that Precision Rifle & Tool are offering. Laminates are very stable and now days can be made with all the same cheek and length of pull adjustments that the synthetic stocks offer. Laminates can offer a different look and can have a very effective camo pattern with the right colors. They seem to be more popular for competition because they do usually run a little heavier than synthetic. I like that they give you the feel of wood but the strength of synthetic. With all the epoxy you would have to soak one for several days to enduce warping. Of course they can be painted or clear coated for a gloss look. They are very reasonably priced as long as you don't get into some of the exotic (Indian Paint Shehane) style stocks. Stocky's has a Bobby Hart model stock with chassis that I would look hard at.
 
Re: anyone using laminate stocks for sniper/LR build?

This one started out life as a Richards Microfit in a Benchrest profile. I then shaved it down to the McMillan HTG profile and added an ebony forend tip.

P1060381.jpg
 
I know this is a tad old, but I wanted to chime in and say if i was going laminate (I'm saving currently) Joel Russo is the only place I would look. I can't say enough about the quality of the guy. He's helped me start my stock finishing hobby. He even sent me a black laminate Tip/cap free of charge. Def would recommend his work.
 
I know this is a tad old, but I wanted to chime in and say if i was going laminate (I'm saving currently) Joel Russo is the only place I would look. I can't say enough about the quality of the guy. He's helped me start my stock finishing hobby. He even sent me a black laminate Tip/cap free of charge. Def would recommend his work.

If you are willing and able to pay that price of course. There was no off the shelf option for what I wanted so instead of settling on what was available, I made it myself. That is half the fun anyway. Anybody can buy one, all it takes is money. There is no satisfaction like having done the job with your own hands.
 
If you are willing and able to pay that price of course. There was no off the shelf option for what I wanted so instead of settling on what was available, I made it myself. That is half the fun anyway. Anybody can buy one, all it takes is money. There is no satisfaction like having done the job with your own hands.


Very true. I just don't have the means to make one myself. I'm on the fence of just ordering a Richard's Microfit for the satisfaction of doing "most" of the work on one.