Rifle Stocks

While rifles stocks often attract attention for their aesthetic properties, their fundamental purpose is a practical one. Rifle stocks are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and a rifle stock that is properly fitted to its user can make a significant difference in shooting accuracy.

Most rifle stocks direct from the manufacturer are made to the dimensions of the average person. However, there are many of us that are not of average build. A stock that is not quite right the right fit for the shooter can result in facial injury during the recoil as it is resting just slightly off from where it should be. It can also cause the shooter to be consistently slightly off in hit. If you are almost always hitting just to the right, left, top or bottom of where you want to, you may want to consider checking the fit of your stock to your form. Many people prefer to have their rifle stocks custom made specifically for that reason.

In general, rifle stocks tend to be made primarily of three materials. These are solid wood, laminated wood and synthetic materials. Solid wood stocks tend to be favored by traditionalists and are appreciated for their natural beauty and durability. Walnut tends to be the most coveted and thus, the most expensive. Other woods used for solid wood rifle stocks are birch, beech, maple and mahogany. Laminated wood rifle stocks are made from layers of wood that are glued together. Hardwood is most commonly used for these, and considered by many experts to produce the strongest and most durable rifle stocks.

Synthetic rifle stocks are most usually made from plastic or fiberglass, and while they do have a few advantages over wood, in general the disadvantages tend to outweigh them. They are not considered to be as stable over time as wood, which can affect shooting accuracy over time. However, it should be pointed out that new technologies in materials and production are rapidly working towards resolving these issues.

Rifle stocks are an important part of the rifle in terms of performance. Careful attention should be paid to materials and fit to help ensure the best performance of the rifle, present and future.

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