Wood vs. Synthetic Stocks...

[DevsAdvocate 112]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/43853

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/49886

 

I'm down to these two combo packs. Problem is: I'm at a loss trying to figure out if I want the walnut one? Or synthetic?

 

Thoughts?

 

I'm leaning towards the synthetic one, only because it comes with the 18.5" barrel, which would let me sell my 870 express and still have an HD gun. But I also want to change things up a bit and have something that ISN'T black tacticool...

[Jon 264]

Walnut! Nothing beats the look of nice, dark wood on a shotgun.

[lunker 274]

I liked the wood on my Mossy 500.

[Pew Pew Plates 358]

On a shotgun, go for wood. Its not like accuracy will change because of the wood lol. On a rifle, that must be considered.

[kenw 293]

I have a synth stock on one of the guns I use for trap, and after 3 or 4 rounds of shooting with a tight cheek weld, the texture on the stock starts to irritate my baby soft cheek, and it stays a bit raw and sensitive for a day or two afterward.

 

I don't have the problem with the wood stocked guns, since they have a much smoother finish.

 

Of course, if you have skin like old leather, it may not ever be a problem for you.

[usnmars 136]

I do several stock repairs for people. Wood is simple to repair if cracked or broken, often times the repair is nearly seamless and invisible. On synthetics, they are a pain in the butt to repair properly. Durability is about the same, as I get just as many synthetics as woods. So, I would go for wood. It not only looks classier, but is easier to repair if something does happen. Also, PLASTIC DOES NOT BELONG ON A GUN!!!

[67gtonut 847]

I will go the opposite.....

 

I tend to like Synthetic....

[Krdshrk 3,878]

For me - on guns, black is beautiful.

[DevsAdvocate 112]

Also.... is there a huge performance difference between a 26" and 28" barrel?

[Krdshrk 3,878]

I'm guessing you'll want this for clay shooting? 28" is generally better. Still you can put on chokes to help improve the spread with a shorter barrel. I use a 24" with a modified choke.

[DevsAdvocate 112]

I'm guessing you'll want this for clay shooting? 28" is generally better. Still you can put on chokes to help improve the spread with a shorter barrel. I use a 24" with a modified choke.

 

I may want to take up hunting in the future as well... Pheasant and maybe deer.

[Krdshrk 3,878]

I would make sure the barrel can take chokes if you're hunting

[DevsAdvocate 112]

I would make sure the barrel can take chokes if you're hunting

 

The 28" uses the accuchoke, and the combo comes with 3 chokes. Is that still usable for hunting?

[lunker 274]

The 28" uses the accuchoke, and the combo comes with 3 chokes.

 

Barrels are cheap enough for Mossberg that I wouldn't worry about it too much. You can always get another for under $200.

My take from reading up on barrel length lately is that longer is better when taking shots of objects that are moving consistently, whether away from you or side to side. They swing better. Trap shooters like 30" and even longer barrels. Skeet shooter like shorter than that.

Short barrels are better for point or reaction shooting. I went pheasant hunting and was happy to have a shot barrel because I was never quite sure what direction the bird would get flushed. Now, as for my accuracy with it, that's another matter.

[Krdshrk 3,878]

Definitely.

http://www.mossberg.com/products/access.asp?type=chokes&section=access

[DevsAdvocate 112]

What about deer hunting? What is suitable there?

[Jon 264]

What about deer hunting? What is suitable there?

 

Separate rifled slug barrel.

[Krdshrk 3,878]

For Deer hunting I think you'll need a rifled barrel. Either that you take out the choke and used rifled slugs. I'm not sure about NJ hunting laws exactly yet.

[Jon 264]

For Deer hunting I think you'll need a rifled barrel. Either that you take out the choke and used rifled slugs. I'm not sure about NJ hunting laws exactly yet.

 

When using slugs you must have adjustable sights. Rifled slugs are used in smoothbore barrels(take the choke out first!!!!) and sabot slugs are used in rifled barrels.

[Krdshrk 3,878]

Ahh ok so yeah - gotta get a slug barrel then.

[Jon 264]

You can also use buckshot, however each barrel/choke combo is different when it comes to patterning buckshot. You need to set up a large target to find the ideal choke/buckshot/barrel pattern for the woods you plan on hunting.

[djg0770 481]

FYI barrels with rifle sights are available with either a rifled barrel for use with sabot slugs or a smooth barrel for use with rifled slugs.

 

Barrels are also available with scope mounts - I think most of those are rifled barrels

[DevsAdvocate 112]

Bought the synthetic stock version!

 

I went to the local Dick's and checked out both walnut and synthetic stocks, and I wasn't too thrilled with the wood stock. It's nothing like my dad's old school Custom Browning A-5.

[Krdshrk 3,878]

The "Wood" stocks are fake wood anyway

 

Congrats on the purchase! Lets go bust some clays at CR sometime!

[kenw 293]

Bought the synthetic stock version!

 

I went to the local Dick's and checked out both walnut and synthetic stocks, and I wasn't too thrilled with the wood stock. It's nothing like my dad's old school Custom Browning A-5.

Yeah, it wouldn't be.

 

Congratulations on your new gun. Have fun with it.

[DevsAdvocate 112]

2 guns in one week... Got me a Glock 21sf at a verrrry good price on GB, and this fine shotgun!

 

Now I just need to finish renovating my downstairs so I can order a safe! :-)

[67gtonut 847]

Bought the synthetic stock version!

 

I went to the local Dick's and checked out both walnut and synthetic stocks, and I wasn't too thrilled with the wood stock. It's nothing like my dad's old school Custom Browning A-5.

 

Let me know what you think once you have shot it..... The 930 is on my short list for a semi

[Krdshrk 3,878]

I say we go hit up CR!