The wood stock will absorb more of the recoil then synthetic stock.

 

Your kidding with this right?

 

Synthetic will not crack, expand and contract, the finish won't wear off with use, won't dent or scratch, basically will maintain its look through its life with normal use. Wood however is more of a traditional look so it's more personal preference. If wear and tear is a concern to you synthetic is the way to go. A nice camo pattern with a flat black barrel and receiver look pretty cool.

 

I don't think the synthetic is any better. I ran into a guy at Clinton this morning who was carrying a Benelli with a cracked stock. Camo pattern, so it had to be synthetic. And my Browning Gold is camo, but the camo pattern is starting to wear off in some areas. Browning says it's normal wear and won't replace anything.

 

I have both and like my synthetic for the reasons foodplotter stated. I do a lot of swamp hunting and don't have to worry about scratching it or swelling when it gets wet.

 

It's just your personal preference I have both. I don't get hung up on what my guns look as long as they work well.

 

Not worried about looks! Haven't been since I got married. [drinking] Main concern is performance...

 

Then get a synthetic. I can't come up with a reason to go wood, other than looks.

 

If you are worried about recoil, get a limb saver butt pad. About $30, but worth there weight in gold.

 

Probably my main concern...thanks for the advice!

 

for the hunting your going to be doing wood is alright. when i duck or turkey hunt i want a camo synthetic stock

 

How bout synthetic wood?? Lol... Laminate stock.

 

Remington makes it.

 

I am more of a traditionalist and would never -- ever purchase anything with a synthetic anything...no matter how cool it may look.I agree that wood is susceptible to the elements and will wear with time, but I think that is what gives a gun character. However, as Jerseyfirefighter said, if you are worried about recoil, get a good recoil pad and you will be fine.

 

overall synthetic for reasons all-ready given

 

For small game hunting I like the traditional feel and looks of a wood stock. For big game and long range shooting I go with synthetic to eliminate the possibility of the stock swelling up due to temperature and humidity changes.

 

Depends on the shotgun. Semi-autos & pumps, I'd go synthetic; they're a tool for killing game. Doubles I'd go wood; they're art used for killing game. What shotguns are you presently considering purchasing?

 

Again, thank you all. Much appreciated...

 

Here is my take. A high end gun like a fine O/U or S/S should have a wood stock (as almost all do). Any other gun that you use frequently and is subject to abuse should have a synthetic stock.

 

I switched out my wife's and daughter's 870s and my 11-87 to synthetics because the wood was low quality and these guns all recieved hard use in duck blinds and deer season.

 

I don't see any place for synthetic stocks in the woods if people want to hunt they should use wood just like they did in the old days, boohoo you'r afraid to scratch your gun stay out of the woods or we could start a new season for synthetic. [hihi] sorry with all the BS on this site just had to[rofl] I myself like synthetic it's lighter and no worrying about scratches also i don't see the glare some wood finishes leave...

 

I have both on 2 diff shotguns and the weight is about the same lol, its all about the looks and the price