Do Carbon Fiber Stocks Live Up To the Hype?

Online, carbon fiber stocks get a lot of hype, but is that hype real or are carbon fiber stocks just another internet fad that will fade away in a few months?

We are going to go over the performance of carbon fiber stocks versus the hype it gets online to see if they are actually worth the effort. 

Hype vs Performance for Carbon Stocks

We have all seen products that get overhyped because they are the “latest and greatest” in the industry, but whether it works is what separates marketing from legitimately good products. Here are some common selling points for carbon fiber, let’s see if they deserve the recognition they get.

Stock Weight

Carbon fiber stocks are some of the lightest options on the market when it comes to composite stocks. They tend to be under 2 pounds depending on the style and manufacturer. This is both beneficial and an issue depending on the type of shooting you’re doing.

If you are trying to get an ultra light rifle, carbon fiber is one of the better options, especially when paired with its durability. On the other hand, if you want a rifle that helps with long range shooting, the lower weight won’t help tame the rifle’s recoil.

This means carbon fiber stocks are great for hiking with them all day, but are not going to do you any favors firing heavier loads while keeping your scope on target. It all comes down to what you’re looking for in your rifle. 

Barrel Bedding

Barrel bedding is one of the major factors when it comes to accuracy for a rifle. Carbon fiber stocks are a consistent rigidity when compared to things like wooden stocks. They don’t change as much with temperature which allows the barrel to be bedded/mounted in the same place.

This keeps the barrel’s harmonics and other factors as close as possible to the optimal position for repeatable accuracy and better regulated grouping. Since carbon fiber is built from the ground up, there aren’t any warps or wobbles that “just happen” like in wood.

Mounting Options

Accessories are a big part of hunting and target shooting these days. Carbon fiber stocks can come with picatinny rails and other mounting options. This mostly applies to things like bipods and laser aiming devices.

The laser mounting requires a certain level of repeatability. The higher tensile strength of carbon fiber allows for those mounts to remain where they need to be. This makes sure your laser stays zeroed, even after some bumps and scrapes.

Action/Stock Compatibility

Most carbon fiber stocks are some form of Remington 700. This can be a long or short action and you will be able to find a carbon fiber stock that fits your action with the features you want. This might include adjustable combs and lengths of pull to completely un-adjustable stocks.

Carbon fiber allows stock makers to craft the stock in multiple solid sections that are more durable than cutting down stocks that are one piece.

Conclusion

Carbon fiber stocks do live up to the hype if you use them for their intended purpose. But this is true of pretty much every product. If you’re looking for a lightweight, durable rifle that allows you to properly bed your barrel, a carbon fiber stock will live up to the hype.

For everything else, you’ll need to refine your parameters. If you’re still interested in getting a carbon fiber stock, check our selection of carbon fiber options like the Pure Precision - Altitude Carbon Fiber Stock - Remington 700.