Wood-Stocked AR-15s

Among the many things that struck a nerve with critics of the AR-15 when it was first introduced was its odd looks. Gone was the expected, graceful lines and the usual wood and steel. In their place was a strangely-configured conglomeration of plastic and aluminum. The plastic especially threw detractors and the first M16s were derisively referred to as "Matty Mattels", named after the mascot for Mattel Inc., a maker of plastic children’s toys. This was a matter of function over form.

Eugene Stoner’s original patent application highlights the design’s goal of light weight. Too, being a division of Fairchild in the 1950s, the rifle made use of "space age" materials used in the aerospace industry. In time, and after initial teething problems, Stoner’s odd little rifle would soon become a respected design. In addition to being the longest serving rifle in United States history and issued by militaries in over 80 countries, AR-15s dominate Service Rifle and practical shooting competition.

Gun owners area conservative lot. Centuries of previous experience defined what a rifle was supposed to look like and that look was certainly not the AR-15. The design was only slowly and begrudgingly adopted among hunters, some of the most conservative of gun owners. Rational people realize that all firearms, regardless of their original design intent or appearance, are tools. Like any power tool they are as good (or as bad) as the user makes them be. Of course, gun ownership and hunting can tap into passions.

While that can be a good thing, sometimes it leads otherwise rational people to overly emotional outbursts. Despite efforts from organizations such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation and their Modern Sporting Rifle campaign, some traditionalists were not swayed.

In 2007, Jim Zumbo famously derided the AR-15, going so far as to call them "terrorist rifles" and that "these things have no place in hunting. … We’ve always been proud of our ‘sporting firearms.’" To Zumbo’s credit, he later modified his opinion after a chance to shoot them with Ted Nugent but the incident highlights the bias. Even among gun owners, the AR- 15 and its military background sometimes gives it a negative image. Sure, AR-15s have a military background.

So do "traditional" sportsman’s rifles such as lever and bolt-actions. Most of the military forces in both World Wars mass-issued bolt-action rifle designs and these actions are among the most "acceptable" for hunters. Sporterizing military rifles was popular after World War II. American Gunsmith still publishes articles on sporterizing projects because there is still interest. Self-loading rifles for hunters and other sportsmen actually predate military use.

Just as Remington’s Models 8 and 750, Browning’s BAR (not the M1918), and Winchester’s Models 1907 and SXR have been ad-

The robust handguards surround a heavy, fluted, match-grade barrel. opted by hunters, the Modern Sporting Rifle, especially those based on the AR-15, has too. For some that might be interested in Modern Sporting Rifles, it would be nice to have a more traditional appeal. Here are some options. Windham Weaponry (Windham- Weaponry.com, offers rifles and components that addresses this appeal.

Called the VEX Wood Stock series (Varmint Exterminator), these rifles feature a uniquely-milled stock and vented forend made of laminated wood. Two versions are available. The bright brown "Nutmeg" option is reminiscent of birch. The laminated wood stock and forend is a strong veneer enhanced with coyote brown anodizing on the upper and lower receivers. The "Pepper" version is the same, strong veneer but more gray with a black anodized finish.

Windham’s concept is to get away from the military look of black aluminum and plastic while offering the same, good shooting features these self loaders offer. Shouldering and shooting the VEX reminds one why traditionalists enjoy wood-stocked rifles so much. Having spend so much time shooting synthetic-stocked rifles, and not just the AR-15s, I had almost forgot how good a well-built wood stock feels.

I’ll be the first to note the potential performance value offered by synthetics but none of them have the same—for lack of a better word—warmth that wood offers. Better than a mere pleasing feel, the VEX shoots with precision. The Hogue Over Molded grip provides ideal access to the clean-breaking trigger and the Boyds’ rubber-padded stock provided a comfortable, no-slip mount. Thanks to the solid wood furniture and heavy barrel, felt recoil was nearly non-existent. And you can offer this in your shop.

Boyds As a gunsmith, you’ll want options to build your own wood-stocked AR- 15s. Boyds Gunstocks (BoydsGunstocks.com, makes a variety of hardwood stocks, including for AR-15 rifles. Designed for fixed stock A2-type buffer tubes, all finished parts are CNC inlet to the company’s House Action. Given variations in dimension between firearm, some wood fitting may be required. The base stock is priced at $68 and includes a 1/2" rubber re- Brownells also offers Lucid Parts stocks. coil pad and installed swivel stud.

Handguards in carbine, mid length, and full size are available for $58, and rifle grips are $35. Boyds’ Customizer allows for a number of options, including 16 wood and finish options. Black Guns Wood Gene Fields runs Black Guns Wood (BlackGunsWood.com, and manufactures complete AR-15 wood stock components consisting of the buttstock, pistol grip, and hand guard with premiumgrade walnut and a hand-rubbed oil finish (a minimum of three coats) for $285. Unfinished stocks are available upon request.

The buttstock is an A2 style, fitting a standard A2 length buffer tube with spacer and 12-inch handguards with no modifications. A1-type builds will need an A2 spacer (Brownells 430-000- 455 or 231-000-155). All needed bolts and screws are supplied. A 5/32" and 3/16" hex wrench is needed for assembly. Wood For AR Wood For AR by Lucid (Wood For AR. com, offers wood AR- 15 stocks in laminate, Grade A, AA, AAA walnut, and Exhibition-grade walnut.

Pricing for complete stock sets (buttstock, handguard, and pistol grip) starts at $218.99 for the laminate and Grade A walnut sets, $278.00 for Grade AA, $328.99 for Grade AAA, and $458.99 for the one-of-a-kind Exhibition sets. The company offers two Tier Dealer Programs to purchase multiple sets at 20%-50% off MSRP, ideal for gunsmiths that want to make these sorts of stocks as a regular shop option. Lucid Parts wood stocks are also available at Brownells.

Shooters will buy this hardware for its more traditional looks but they’ll keep it for the performance. As a gunsmith, it’s worth considering offering wood-stocked AR-15 options in your shop. AG