Walnut vs Laminate Finish

[adaman04]

Okay, I have a question which may seem stupid, but who cares. I have a 93R17 with the factory hardwood stock. It is nice looking wood, with nice grain detail. I noticed on the Savage website it says my rifle has "Walnut finished hardwood" and the laminated stock says "Laminate hardwood".

My question is, what goes in to finishing the different stocks to make them look different. Are the woods the same? Is it possible to refinish an existing Walnut finished stock to make it laminate appearing? Any info would help. Thanks.

[rugmar]

A laminate stock is made from thin strips of hardwood. These strips are bonded together with a type of resin under high pressure. The nice thing is that different types and colors of wood can be used to give a really nice effect once the stock is sanded and contoured and the different layers are exposed.

Walnut finished hardwood is just what the name implies, hardwood with a walnut colored stain and finish. Both are good durable stocks but the laminate is probably a little easier to care for and maintain.

[2rangers]

Not to mention that if the laminated stocks are done right, they flex very little. The whole is greater than the sum. Think of plywood, and multiply it by about 50.

:sniper:

[surbat6]

Laminated stocks are also usually heavier than plain wood, mainly due to the glue/resin used to laminate the hardwood strips.

[adaman04]

Agreed on all accounts. I would like to refinish my existing stock, bring out the grain and restain it, possibly giving it more of a laminated look. I don't know what my best way would be to go about it though. Don't get me wrong, I am a proficient woodworker, I have never done stock work though. <_<

[rugmar]

Have you read the thread right underneath this one intitled Lemon Meringue Stock?
Man if I was going to re-finish a stock I would have to give that a try.