I found the same thing when I built my 16" 44 mag Trapper a few months ago, the laminate was lighter than the walnut.

 

The walnut is JM and we all know that JM is made of gold :biggrin:

 

I have read articles that say laminate is heavier than Walnut but that was not the case here. Walnut looks better to me laminate makes me think of plywood.

 

I rather have a solid piece of good wood versus a laminated stock. They both have their place depending on the look that you want. What I don't like about working with laminated stocks is that you cannot rasp it for rough shaping because it chips. The solid wood does not chip when you do rough shaping with a rasp. Laminated stocks are supposed to be less prone to warping but they will still swell up in wet weather if not sealed properly.

 

Black Laminate and Stainless Steel look natural to me.

 

I actually like walnut and SS but nothing like a fine walnut and rich blue. I'll take walnut over laminate every time.

Jack

 

I also love walnut. I would think that the weight would differ on different laminates and pieces of walnut depending on various factors. Some laminate looks cool and is more stable and less affected by moisture, but walnut would always be my first choice.

 

I also prefer walnut but own both. I won't kick a gun out of my safe because it isn't as pretty to look at. From the responses here I'm sure my next project will roll some eyes.

 

From the responses here I'm sure my next project will roll some eyes.

Guess I have a history of swapping out walnut - did the same on my STBL. :s:

I knew by changing from walnut to laminate, I would get some negative responses but that is OK. I like the look of it and from a functional standpoint (real or imagined) I think its a better option. Still have the walnut if I ever want to switch back.

 

Ok, I'll bite. What next project???

 

The density and weight of walnut varies a lot by species with American Black Walnut being some of the most dense and heaviest and Claro Walnut being lighter.

Birch, which is what most laminated stocks are made out of, varies greatly in density by species as well. I suspect that laminated stocks are probably made out of Paper Birch since that is the least dense species and is close to Claro in density and less dense the American Black Walnut or European Walnut.

Laminated and stainless go together well. Walnut can be prettier but both have their places and uses.

 

I do dearly love Walnut and Steel.
But Laminate puts the X in XLR.

 

Another walnut vote here. Or even birch/beech. Laminate will never do.

 

I remain undecided. I like the idea of replacing the factory walnut on my 1895gs with laminate for it's weather resistance, but then I've owned a Mauser Kar98AZ that survived two world wars with it's wood stock still perfectly intact. I think the factory wood on my Guide Gun will easily outlast me!

 

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I have both types and see little difference in the two, appearance is the only difference. I have a Winchester 94 with a laminated stock, and three Remington 700 varmint rifles.