M1a: wood vs synthetic, cant decide

[FreuderLocks]

Hey all.

Finally doing it and buying an M1A, narrowed it down to the scout with the 18 inch barrel. Ordered 5 mags (so far) and 1k rds 147gr boat tail fmj. But I can't decide on wood or synthetic for the stock, neither is unacceptable for me. It would be my first wood semi auto, all my AK's are synthetic, all of my bolt rifles are wood. the only semi auto I have in wood so far is a 10/22 lol.

Wanted other users opinions on wood vs. Synthetic. I was thinking id just buy the wood stock with the rifle and pick up a usgi one after the fact and have both but again, I wanted some opinions. Thanks again guys and gals.

-FreuderLocks

[Slugg]

My vote is wood. In a place like California you'll probably catch less attention with wood vs evil assault black.

[FreuderLocks]

My vote is wood. In a place like California you'll probably catch less attention with wood vs evil assault black.

def a consideration I hadn't previously taken. Thanks man! +2 for wood!

[Doctorr Fabulous]

I'd say synthetic, just because I've seen some awesome hydrodipped camo jobs.

[FreuderLocks]

I'd say synthetic, just because I've seen some awesome hydrodipped camo jobs.

eventually I want the rifle to be tan, but may go with wood initially, one of the reasons I'm seriously on the fence lol.

[Mikeyboy]

I personally think a M1a/M14 looks sexy with a wood stock. However practically, if you are REALLY going to be using this rifle a lot, especially if you plan to "run and gun" , competitive shooting or hunting, I would opt for the synthetic.

[crypto]

Synthetic stocks make the rifle lighter, but balance worse because it will be nose-heavy. If you mostly shoot it off the bench, this doesnt matter, and may actually help muzzle flip a little.

But synthetics are a much more stable platform to build a rifle on than oiled wood, and should yield neutral or superior results depending on how well its made.

[Sworbeyegib]

I own a wood stocked, because I prefer the old school look. But it does weigh it down much more, which is fine for my intended purpose of a range gun. If I were trying to set up a working or hunting rifle, I'd go with synthetic.

[RickOShea]

I had a synthetic folder on mine for a long time, but eventually I had a hankering for some good wood.

[jor-el]

Get both!

Prices on either aren't too bad. http://www.fredsm14stocks.com/

Or go laminated, though that's not being made much right now .

[RickOShea]

Get both!

Prices on either aren't too bad. http://www.fredsm14stocks.com/

Or go laminated, though that's not being made much right now .

http://www.fulton-armory.com/stockbrown ... eight.aspx

[Coal-Cracker]

I had a synthetic folder on mine for a long time, but eventually I had a hankering for some good wood.

Nice stock set. Where'd you get it?


To the OP. If you go synthetic, consider doing something about the flex you will get in the forend of the stock when you sling up tight. There are several ways to accomplish this and can be found easily online.

I like wood on this rifle. It just "feels" right in a nostalgic way. That said, I'd go wood from the start and then get a USGI synthetic from Fred's, as mentioned above. The selector cutout can be easily filled in with epoxy resin. From what I understand, Fred has really turned his reputation (for late shipments) around.

Here's a USGI synthetic I did a couple years ago for my M14SA. Epoxy resin to fill in the selector cutout. Painted with rattlecan "textured" paint. It has a nice rough finish. (I've since added some darker browns to break up the outline, but I don't have any current pics.)

[RickOShea]

Nice stock set. Where'd you get it?

Fulton Armory: http://www.fulton-armory.com/m14-m1a-stocks.aspx


I noticed the other day that Brownells has a finished walnut stock with all the metal bits:

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/st ... field__M1A

[FreuderLocks]

Thank you all for your effort and time spent replying to my post. I went ahead and got a walnut stock m1a scout at my legs today, waiting on the 10 day wait now lol. I'll probably do some of all of the above and buy a USGI stock, paint that and the rifles hard parts and keep the walnut stock. I also ordered ammo and some mags, can't make up my mind on a sling. I'm so used to my AK sling, standard combloc issue, ill probably go USGI on the sling as id like to keep it 'original' and old school. Unless of course anyone has any input on this subject as well.

As far as an optic goes, I'm going to forgo that, at least for a while and enjoy the superb military aperture on the stock gun!

Thanks again guys !

F to the L 'FreuderLocks'

[manowar1313]

I would personally go with wood. It's almost always easier to find a great synthetic stock (And cheaper) then to find a wood one. Also I've never bought a synthetic stock and thought it was as good as aftermarket.

[DarkAxel]

Getting both seems like the obvious solution

My perspective is more fudd than highspeed, so keep that in mind. With that said:

A wood stocked M1A is heavy as fuck. If this rifle is going to be a "take it out to the range and have fun," then it shouldn't be a problem. The only positives (aside from aesthetic preference) is that heavy ass stock will reduce felt recoil and keep the weapon balanced. If this is going to be your working gun (SD, hunting, patrolling about your house post-SHTF), you might consider a quality synthetic stock to lighten the rifle. Every pound you can spare there is one more pound you won't be packing around. Hunting-wise, if you are comfortable hunting with a Remmy 700 with a wood stock, you should be fine with one on your M1A. If it's too much, get the synthetic.

[FreuderLocks]

Getting both seems like the obvious solution

My perspective is more fudd than highspeed, so keep that in mind. With that said:

A wood stocked M1A is heavy as fuck. If this rifle is going to be a "take it out to the range and have fun," then it shouldn't be a problem. The only positives (aside from aesthetic preference) is that heavy ass stock will reduce felt recoil and keep the weapon balanced. If this is going to be your working gun (SD, hunting, patrolling about your house post-SHTF), you might consider a quality synthetic stock to lighten the rifle. Every pound you can spare there is one more pound you won't be packing around. Hunting-wise, if you are comfortable hunting with a Remmy 700 with a wood stock, you should be fine with one on your M1A. If it's too much, get the synthetic.

This rifle will be a bit of both worlds, bench fun time shooty fun gun and SD. Since the battery of arms is close to the same as my AK, its my AK's replacement, for now. I had to leave all my good shit in Colorado and was left without an autoloader, my SBR's and AK'S are not welcome in this backwater toilet of a state, so this was the best I could come up with.

I'm a short dude, 5'7 140lbs but I have no problem humping my 700 around, I don't mind the weight but a synthetic stock is def in order at some point in the near future. For now I need to get some range time in first.

FL

[crypto]

For what it's worth, aside from the weight, the laminate wood stocks offer the best of both worlds: They look pretty awesome, plus structurally they're basically a giant block of epoxy, so they dont expand or warp like wood.

[FreuderLocks]

Also: bought 500rds of boat tail fmj surplus from jg sales and 5 CMI 10 RD magazines, also from jg sales, just need a sling now...

-FreuderLocks

[minengr]

If you decide on a USGI synthetic, shoot me a PM. I've got a couple collecting dust I could part with.

[Browning 35]

If it's going to see quite a bit of hard use, go with synthetic. I had an M1A for a really long time and eventually that wood stock ended up with a collection of dings, scratches and scrapes. It got wet from being rained on. When we got back to camp I unloaded it and leaned it against a tree and a friend came along and accidentally kicked the stock and it fell over.

That sort of wear and tear really bothers some people, to others it's just a sign of honest use on a tool. I'm in the middle, I take care of the things I buy but I'm not going to come unglued if a gun gets scratched.

If on the other hand it's going to go directly from the closet/safe, into a padded case, you'll be shooting from the bench or perhaps hunting from a tree stand and then back to it's spot in the closet or safe again and you like the look/feel of wood then get wood. I like the look and feel of wood, but almost all my hard use guns have synthetic stocks and furniture.

You can always change your mind later and just get another stock if you decide you don't like the one you chose.

[FreuderLocks]

If you decide on a USGI synthetic, shoot me a PM. I've got a couple collecting dust I could part with.

Pm'd

[FreuderLocks]

Just curious, slightly OT, anyone have a line on USGI extractors, triggers etc? other such small parts like that? Next paycheck I'm going to order a sadlack spring guide, mag release and extended bolt stop etc.

Thanks again for all the help and such. I'll post pics and a range write up as time allows of course.

-FreuderLocks

[RickOShea]

Just curious, slightly OT, anyone have a line on USGI extractors, triggers etc? other such small parts like that? Next paycheck I'm going to order a sadlack spring guide, mag release and extended bolt stop etc.

Thanks again for all the help and such. I'll post pics and a range write up as time allows of course.

-FreuderLocks

http://www.treelinem14.com/M14-Parts_c6.htm