Composite stocks
are used in most newer rifles, especially military models.
The stock of a rifle is the part that rests against the shoulder when held in the firing position. Rifle stocks come in a variety of configurations and materials that are designed to facilitate different applications. Composite stocks have a variety of functional advantages and disadvantages over natural and laminated wood stocks.
Weight Differences
Since composite stocks are made with plastics, they are generally lighter than equivalent wood or laminate stocks. Lighter stocks result in an overall lower weight which makes the rifle easier to carry over long distances. Since composites are formed using injection molding, the weight of the stock is easily calibrated to provide precision balance in modern firearms.
Resiliency
Composite stocks are more resistant to chipping and physical damage. They are more effective at absorbing impacts and are generally more durable than their wood and laminated wood counterparts. Unlike wood or laminate stocks, composite stocks do not rot or decay and require less maintenance than the other types of stock.
Cost
Composite stocks are cheaper than wood stocks because they are made of less expensive materials. These stocks are also less expensive to manufacture since the molds used to form them are easily reconfigurable. Since quality wooden stocks use expensive hardwoods, they are often exorbitantly priced and must be custom made.
Aesthetic Appeal
Composite stocks are frequently used by the military and lend rifles a militaristic look, even if they are only civilian versions of their military counterparts. Composite stocks are also more visually versatile since they can be colored or painted to match any preference, including a reasonable facsimile of a wood grain. Rifles with hot pink composite stocks are an example of the aesthetic versatility of composite rifle stocks.
Recoil
Composite stocks have another advantage over their wood based counterparts in that they absorb recoil more effectively. Composites used in the construction of gun stocks are generally more flexible than wood and kick less even though they are lighter. Composite stocks can also be engineered to be stiffer resulting in greater accuracy at long ranges.
