Composite vs Laminate stock? FClass/FTR

[johnnyi]

Is there any strength/accuracy difference that would call for one over the other? I dont care for the looks of Laminate stocks... But there seems to be many laminate stocks in the photos I have viewed from fclass matches.

 

[Raythemanroe]

I like laminate but would think a good composite is stronger.. laminate stocks are good and I would think wood dampens vibrations better.


Ray

 

[kybountyhunter]

I've had a F-Class from McMillan, and it was a nice stock. And then I had one made from Alex at Master class stocks, and I was amazed at the quality and craftsmanship of the stock and the bedding job that Alex does. It actually feels a lot better than the fiberglass stock. I will definitely go with a laminated stock again, probably from Master class also.

 

[Steve Blair]

You can better frame the question by asking what are the best laminate and composite stocks and what are their relative advantages and disadvantages. A poor composite is not as good as a good laminate. A poor laminate is not as good as a good composite. I shoot Manners' F-Class carbon fiber composite in Open and find very little wanting. I've not heard the same about some other composites.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

You can better frame the question by asking what are the best laminate and composite stocks and what are their relative advantages and disadvantages. A poor composite is not as good as a good laminate. A poor laminate is not as good as a good composite. I shoot Manners' F-Class carbon fiber composite in Open and find very little wanting. I've not heard the same about some other composites.

Steve is not steering you wrong here. I've been shooting laminates, but I won't lie - my eye has been wandering... take a look at some of the top F-Class shooters from the Berger SWN if that matters to you. I see plenty of composite stocks near the top, Steve's included. If you don't like the look of laminate, I don't think you are giving anything up to a good composite stock.

 

[johnnyi]

Thanks guys. I have been looking at the options in composites. The Manners Fclass stock seems not to even be an option based on what the lady I spoke with last week. Basically the scoop I was told was only the owner would build that stock personally when he had time. I asked are we talking months or years... she laughed and said more like the ladder and that was no guarantee.

As far as I could see on line searching is Robertson seems to be out of business, rebuilding or something... So that leaves tactical manners or McMillian or fClass or Prone Mcmillian. Kelbly's is 6-8 months. Not sure what other options are available for composite.

 

[Steve Blair]

She told you the truth and it can take a while. I have a Manners T4A with no magazine cut that I use with a single shot Borden for F-TR. It is a fine stock. In the F-TR/Tactical area, there are many fine stocks, both composite and laminate. The only large caliber F-Open stock I considered besides Manners was a PR&T Low Boy F-Class stock. A smaller caliber rifle is less picky. My 6BR is a Shehane ST1000 laminate and works very well. [br]
Kelbly's 1M is said to be a quality stock but I have no experience with it.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I am not 100% certain, because I've never done business with him, but I think Alex Sitman over at Masterclass stocks sells some prone composite stocks. You might check. I've heard he is very accommodating when it comes to modifications to make a stock work for you...

 

[MNFinn]

I am not 100% certain, because I've never done business with him, but I think Alex Sitman over at Masterclass stocks sells some prone composite stocks. You might check. I've heard he is very accommodating when it comes to modifications to make a stock work for you...

He does have composite stocks listed. The stock for my build is from him. Mine is a laminate, but from what I gathered, he'll do pretty much anything with a fiberglass stock that he will with a wood/laminate one

http://www.masterclassstocks.com/fclass.html

looks like fiberglass is RH only

 

[Medic505]

I use a Manners T2-A for F-TR. It is a very stiff stock and fits me nicely. Even though I like it very much, it will be the last Manners stock I will ever buy. After a good 9 month wait, I had to send it back to be reworked to the specs that I ordered to start with. Their customer service, or lack there of, is very poor.
The PR&T stocks I've seen are really good looking stocks. I have friends that shoot them and they are very happy with'em.
My last stock was built by Doan Trevor. It's made from a beautiful piece of KOA wood. His metal work is second to none. This might be an avenue to consider, it really doesn't cost any more to have a custom stock built. The only drawback I've encountered is it's so pretty, I hate to get it out of the safe!
Shurley Bros in Dripping Springs Tx is close to you. They do very nice work.