Laminate vs composite stocks

[Kevin1990]

I’m trying to understand something about stock materials, recoil behavior tracking dampening etc. in either bench or F-Class. (short to mid-range)

I know laminate stocks like Dima, Cerus, Xring, Avila, etc. are popular in F-class, but composite makers like Felso, McMillan, Manners, and others claim very high stiffness and stability.

My question is:
Does a fiberglass or composite stock track just as well as a high-end laminate stock in the bags, or is there still a noticeable difference in recoil behavior or dampening? Also tunability, or any other area that could contribute accuracy, etc.?

Just trying to learn the differences in the two and if one has an advantage or disadvantage over the other.


Thanks fellas!

 

[B Nettesheim]

Tracking has more to do with design and straightness along with how “straight” the barreled action is worked into the stock
Material differences will recoil differently.
My Daughters rifle has noticeably less recoil than my rifle, hers is walnut mine is a laminate, both are same cartridge.

 

[Sniper338]

I have several of each kind. Laminate, manners, Eliseo, AR, cerus, etc. A slough of a variety.

Pick what you like, and have it built well. Then learn your gun. The driver makes more difference than a stock.

Its like asking what barrel brand is more accurate... you can buy the best of the best, best tolerances, best gun made.. it still takes a good driver.

Think about all the barrels and stock made. There's no one stand out. There's only guys that learn their guns.

There's probably tons of barrels out there that could win matches, but they dont. Thats because of the driver.

Buy the stock you like and learn how it tracks and what it likes. Not all stocks like to be held the same way. Some dont like to be held at all.

 

[Bc'z]

Just my opinion but a wooden stock thats cut properly is going to be truer than a composite stock.
Most modern wooden stocks for competition are cut on a CnC whereas the composite being a resin that cures through a exothermic process generate heat and warping when released from the mould, and they have parting lines down the center.
This is the bottom of a composite stock you can see edges and center were warbly by thickness of finish putty, I hope this helps explain my thoughts on the subject.

 

[ISS]

Bc'z knows whereof he speaks...

 

[NorCalMikie]

And the colors of just about ANY "laminated wood" stock look better than ANY composite stock. Throw a little clear on it, step back and see the colors jump out you never saw before.

 

[jghoghunter]

Just my opinion but a wooden stock thats cut properly is going to be truer than a composite stock.
Most modern wooden stocks for competition are cut on a CnC whereas the composite being a resin that cures through a exothermic process generate heat and warping when released from the mould, and they have parting lines down the center.
This is the bottom of a composite stock you can see edges and center were warbly by thickness of finish putty, I hope this helps explain my thoughts on the subject.
View attachment 1719904

Glad to see you're posting something Brett. I was getting worried about you was going to give you a call this week see how things are going.

 

[Big Mc]

I’m trying to understand something about stock materials, recoil behavior tracking dampening etc. in either bench or F-Class. (short to mid-range)

I know laminate stocks like Dima, Cerus, Xring, Avila, etc. are popular in F-class, but composite makers like Felso, McMillan, Manners, and others claim very high stiffness and stability.

My question is:
Does a fiberglass or composite stock track just as well as a high-end laminate stock in the bags, or is there still a noticeable difference in recoil behavior or dampening? Also tunability, or any other area that could contribute accuracy, etc.?

Just trying to learn the differences in the two and if one has an advantage or disadvantage over the other.


Thanks fellas!

Ford V Chevy. What ever floats your boat. Tommy Mc

 

[dave7mm]

I’m trying to understand something about stock materials, recoil behavior tracking dampening etc. in either bench or F-Class. (short to mid-range)

I know laminate stocks like Dima, Cerus, Xring, Avila, etc. are popular in F-class, but composite makers like Felso, McMillan, Manners, and others claim very high stiffness and stability.

My question is:
Does a fiberglass or composite stock track just as well as a high-end laminate stock in the bags, or is there still a noticeable difference in recoil behavior or dampening? Also tunability, or any other area that could contribute accuracy, etc.?

Just trying to learn the differences in the two and if one has an advantage or disadvantage over the other.


Thanks fellas!

Wood dampens vibration.
Composites, accentuate vibration.

 

[Janeau]

Just my opinion but a wooden stock thats cut properly is going to be truer than a composite stock.
Most modern wooden stocks for competition are cut on a CnC whereas the composite being a resin that cures through a exothermic process generate heat and warping when released from the mould, and they have parting lines down the center.
This is the bottom of a composite stock you can see edges and center were warbly by thickness of finish putty, I hope this helps explain my thoughts on the subject.
View attachment 1719904

That might have been true at one time but it not true anymore on quality carbon fiber stock. The resin used on quality stock is aerospace material -used to make helicopter blades - composite for aircraft ect. I own a Victrix Blackbelt and that stock is made by an aerospace composite maker with a full aluminium bedding.

Composite stock are here to stay and will take over wood if not already done.
Don’t take me wrong..nothing beat the beauty of carefully selected or composite wood with mirror finish..but wood compress..shift with humidity - must be bedded ( composite) dryness..composites are impervious to that and tuff..resisting scuff and use better.

 

[Janeau]

Wood dampens vibration.
Composites, accentuate vibration.

Not that a human can make a difference on well made stock. Hollow cheap stock yep..but not on quality stock.

 

[jimmymac]

That might have been true at one time but it not true anymore on quality carbon fiber stock. The resin used on quality stock is aerospace material -used to make helicopter blades - composite for aircraft ect. I own a Victrix Blackbelt and that stock is made by an aerospace composite maker with a full aluminium bedding.

Composite stock are here to stay and will take over wood if not already done.
Don’t take me wrong..nothing beat the beauty of carefully selected or composite wood with mirror finish..but wood compress..shift with humidity - must be bedded ( composite) dryness..composites are impervious to that and tuff..resisting scuff and use better.

You do realize that @Bc'z has had his hands on more stocks than probably anyone on this forum.

 

[F Class John]

I've shot and owned both and for me I just shoot wood a lot better (chock it up to my brain, my body, my gear, etc) and you definitely see more top shooters with wood BUT the current long range F Class record is held by a McMillan ZR several years ago that Norm @Rope2horns still dominates with to this day. Both stocks can have their day on the podium.

Edit: If I remember correctly SWN & Nationals have also been won with composites including @tvaught and PJ

Also, keep in mind composites really should still be at least skim coat bedded even if manufacturers claim they're ready to go. I don't know any top F Class shooter who uses composites that doesn't at least skim coat them.

 

[Kevin1990]

Wood dampens vibration.
Composites, accentuate vibration.

Does this effect anything other than vibration?

 

[Kevin1990]

I've shot and owned both and for me I just shoot wood a lot better (chock it up to my brain, my body, my gear, etc) and you definitely see more top shooters with wood BUT the current long range F Class record is held by a McMillan ZR several years ago that Norm still dominates with to this day. Both stocks can have their day on the podium.

Also, keep in mind composites really should still be at least skim coat bedded even if manufacturers claim they're ready to go. I don't know any top F Class shooter who uses composites that doesn't at least skim coat them.

You ever use dima stocks? Lol jk. I bought a Dima stock after watching a couple of your videos. Ended up selling the rifle, but the stock was beautiful. I believe it was a G6.

 

[Kevin1990]

Also, a follow up that probably won't make sense or I'm not thinking correctly, but if the only part of the rifle that is actually touching the stock itself is the action and the action is sitting on the bedding compound I feel like the stock material choice wouldn't make much difference? Bear in mind I have no idea what I'm talking about.

 

[Steve Donlon]

I would think the geometry of the stock and how well it fits would have a lot to do with it.. The BR stocks look so different to me than what I'm used to shooting.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Ford V Chevy. What ever floats your boat. Tommy Mc

This discussion is about wood verses composite stocks.
Got nothing to do with boats!!!

 

[Bc'z]

You do realize that @Bc'z has had his hands on more stocks than probably anyone on this forum.

This mesquite and epoxy stock of Brad Johnson's just set a national Fopen 1000 yard record of 600-48x at Bayou last weekend. Stock was cut by Baron James.

 

[ELR LVR]

I’m trying to understand something about stock materials, recoil behavior tracking dampening etc. in either bench or F-Class. (short to mid-range)

I know laminate stocks like Dima, Cerus, Xring, Avila, etc. are popular in F-class, but composite makers like Felso, McMillan, Manners, and others claim very high stiffness and stability.

My question is:
Does a fiberglass or composite stock track just as well as a high-end laminate stock in the bags, or is there still a noticeable difference in recoil behavior or dampening? Also tunability, or any other area that could contribute accuracy, etc.?

Just trying to learn the differences in the two and if one has an advantage or disadvantage over the other.


Thanks fellas!

i've noticed carbon fiber, while be relatively stiff
Dampens a WHOLE LOT of recoil impulse, carbon fiber seems to absorb shock