maple stocked rifles
- Thread starter adm1977
- Start date
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,334
- 6,028
Maple stocked rifles can be quite handsome. Maple is a hardwood, and so the stocks hold up as well as walnut. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a rifle stocked in maple if the price was right.
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,756
- 5,855
They can be beautiful!
Had a little CZ bolt action 204 Ruger with a light colored maple stock years ago. Didn't keep it very long, but it sure was pretty. I've been surprised to see how many maple stocked rifles are being offered by major rifle manufacturers in recent years. Seem to recall both Browning and Winchester with maple stock options.
I've considered buying another rifle with a maple stock, just 'cause they're pretty!
Regards, Guy
Had a little CZ bolt action 204 Ruger with a light colored maple stock years ago. Didn't keep it very long, but it sure was pretty. I've been surprised to see how many maple stocked rifles are being offered by major rifle manufacturers in recent years. Seem to recall both Browning and Winchester with maple stock options.
I've considered buying another rifle with a maple stock, just 'cause they're pretty!
Regards, Guy
cloverleaf
Handloader
- Sep 10, 2006
- 4,382
- 1,017
Some day.... I will have one. Couple years ago Cabela's had a Winchester Mod 70 in 264 on the new rack. Called my name from across the store like...well...this is a family show, but I believe lust is not to strong a word. They can be beautiful. If the project gun wasnt an accu-stock it would have one. CL
I kind of have a love/hate relationship to the looks. I think the next stock I do will be maple. It is more expensive as a higher grade must be used than with walnut to get a handsome stock.
As for shooting charachteristics, I've heard mixed reviews. Some love them, some have had issues. Most maple stocks are made from western quilted maple, not Eastern sugar maple. The woods have different properties. Western maple is slightly more porous and soft compared to sugar maple, but still harder than walnut in terms of resisting scratches and abrasion. It's my understanding that bedding is paramount, and they may not be the best choice for hunting in wet conditions as POI tends to shift more than with walnut. Both maple species tend to be springy vs walnut.
As for shooting charachteristics, I've heard mixed reviews. Some love them, some have had issues. Most maple stocks are made from western quilted maple, not Eastern sugar maple. The woods have different properties. Western maple is slightly more porous and soft compared to sugar maple, but still harder than walnut in terms of resisting scratches and abrasion. It's my understanding that bedding is paramount, and they may not be the best choice for hunting in wet conditions as POI tends to shift more than with walnut. Both maple species tend to be springy vs walnut.
wvbuckbuster
Handloader
- Nov 5, 2015
- 2,645
- 2,311
Don't have any modern center fire rifles but do have 3 full stock muzzleloaders stocked in maple and love them. I just wished maple stocks on these current rifles were stained darker but that's just my take on it.
cloverleaf
Handloader
- Sep 10, 2006
- 4,382
- 1,017
cloverleaf said:
