What are the Benefits of a Carbon Fiber Stock?

Maybe you’re looking to upgrade your bolt action rifle or build an entirely new one. Either way there are a lot of good stock options out there with carbon fiber stocks being one of the better alternatives. But what are the benefits of these styles of stock and how will it improve your shooting experience?

We are going to go over six benefits of carbon fiber stocks and why they will help you the most when using your bolt action rifle.

The Top 6 Benefits of Carbon Fiber Stocks

The simple reasons are often the best reasons so here are the benefits of using a carbon fiber stock.

1. Lighter Than Wood and Some Chassis

Carbon fiber is the next step in composite stock evolution from fiberglass. Since these types of stock are often filled with lightweight materials and covered with a hard external layer, they lack the dense weight factor of natural woods.

Since carbon fiber is also lighter than steel, carbon fiber stocks are anywhere as low as 28 ounces to about 32 ounces (1 ½ to 2 lbs). Wooden stocks are about 2 pounds while some chassis (particularly those design for Precision Rifle Shooting) top out around 13 pounds

There are some chassis that rival the weight of carbon fiber stocks or are a little lighter, but carbon fiber stocks have a lower average weight depending on the design. 

2. Better Durability

Carbon fiber is five times stronger than steel and features a higher tensile strength. This makes it easier for the rifle to resists dents, scratches, and other issues that come with carrying a rifle around in the outdoors

It can get scratched, but this tends to be a cosmetic issue only because of how carbon fiber is produced. It has multiple layers of graphite fibers and it doesn’t have a singular consistent grain to form a crack along like wood. The pattern is much closer to a textile pattern than anything.

3. Better Stock Consistency

Since carbon fiber is synthetic it can be shaped and molded to a desired pattern. This pattern and its textile layering create a very consistent stock. This is great because it allows the manufacturer to build structurally sound pieces that fit together (for stocks that have moving parts) without having to remove large amounts of material. 

This is different from wood because the wood has to essentially be taken from the same or similar wood batch to match the sensitivities it has. This stock consistency creates a strong foundation to bed the barrel which produces better, consistent groups.

4. Lower Temperature Sensitivity

A lower sensitivity to temperature is very important for your hunting rifle. Carbon fiber is a graphene polymer which means it is not affected by changes in temperature in the same way as wood.

Wood expands and contracts depending on the temperature enough for it to affect the bedding and accuracy of your rifle. Carbon fiber will still expand and contract depending on the temperature, but to a less noticeable degree. This makes shooting in the heat or cold similar and with less variation.

5. Better Ergonomics

Depending on the stock you select, a carbon fiber stock can have an adjustable comb or cheek rest. Wooden stocks can allow you to adjust the length of pull, but adjusting the comb height was always a little trickier.

Some carbon fiber stocks allow you to have adjustable lengths of pull and comb height. This allows you to adjust the rifle to your current shooting position or style without the aid of a professional gunsmith.

6. Very Customizable (To a Point)

There is a carbon fiber stock in a configuration and a color pattern that you will probably enjoy. Whether you like semi-pistol grips, more upright stocks, or even thumb through stocks there is a pattern available.

Some stock options will have picatinny or some other mounting option for your chosen accessories like bipods. And others will even include the ability to adjust your stock. Paint jobs are a little harder due to how carbon fiber absorbs paint, but there are still a number of options to select from.

Conclusion

A carbon fiber stock is a great addition to your collection or upgrade to your current rifle. It brings a lot to the table with the familiar handling of a traditional hunting rifle. If you don't know where to start, check out our carbon fiber options and see what’s available.