Wooden muzzleloader stocks are handsome. There’s nothing like the aesthetics of a tiger maple stock inlaid with brass furniture and iron trappings.

But aesthetics aside, and putting aside the fact that wooden rifle stocks are the traditional option, there are a variety of modern synthetic muzzleloader stocks on the market that offer superior performance.

Unfortunately, most of these synthetic stocks don’t offer the same aesthetics as their traditional counterparts, but at the end of the day, it’s an upgrade worth making.

The Problem with Wooden Stocks

Regardless of whether you shoot a sidelock with a traditional wooden stock or a more modern in-line that might still have one, there are a series of potential issues that you should know about.

The main issue associated with wooden stocks is that they change in response to atmospheric moisture. When it rains or it’s humid out, wood will absorb moisture which will change the dimensions of the stock.

When that happens, it will place different pressure on the barrel and potentially the lock or action. This changes the harmonics of the rifle and will adversely affect accuracy.

While the issue is easy to understand, the problem is that there’s never a period of consistency since wood will constantly shift in response to atmospheric conditions.

This means that it’s a problem not just when it’s humid, rainy or snowy, but when it’s dry, too, because wood shrinks and warps as it exhales moisture just as it does when it absorbs it. So ultimately you can’t catch a break.

Now, the thing is that at close and intermediate ranges this really isn’t a problem, especially with a muzzleloader. But since more and more sportsmen are pushing the boundaries of muzzleloader performance out to several hundred yards, at those distances it can make a pronounced difference.

Even if you discount the shortcomings associated with warping and accuracy, wooden stocks are also prone to cracking when subjected to repeated environmental stressors. It is also the case that wooden stocks can trap moisture, therefore incurring rust on the barrel and lock if not properly cared for.

And, on the note of care, wood requires considerably more intensive care than synthetic stocks, which effectively require none. Wood stocks should be cleaned and oiled fairly frequently in order to prevent cracking and excess warping. A wood stock can also experience dry rot if it is not properly cared for.

Additionally, wood is also susceptible to UV related damage, which will cause graying if you are not fastidious in the maintenance of your rifle.

So, while a muzzleloader with a wooden stock is a thing of beauty, it not only will not offer the same performance as a barrel and lock mated to a synthetic muzzleloader stock, but it will also be harder to maintain.

So, how does a synthetic alternative meet and solve these potential issues?

How a Synthetic Muzzleloader Stock Is Better

The solution afforded by synthetic muzzleloader stocks should be straightforward enough. Many are made from non-absorbent polymers and in some cases fiberglass or fiberglass-reinforced matrices that do not respond to changes in atmospheric humidity.

The good thing about these synthetic stocks is that they also don’t require the same maintenance as wooden stocks.

Ultimately, upgrading to a synthetic muzzleloader stock will preserve the accuracy of your rifle, particularly at extended ranges in excess of 100 yards, which will preserve your ability to pursue your target species at intermediate and extended ranges.

Even If Your Muzzleloader Doesn’t Have a Wooden Stock

Now let’s talk about something different. Let’s talk about the case of a muzzleloader that didn’t have a wooden stock to begin with - something like a CVA Paramount.

The CVA Paramount is, in its native configuration, not burdened by the issue of a wooden stock. But you can still stand to benefit from upgrading the muzzleloader’s stock to a model like a Grayboe Eagle.

Muzzleloader stocks like the Grayboe Eagle are feature-rich, lightweight, and require minimal maintenance. They also boost the performance and handling of muzzleloaders with which they are compatible, like the CVA Paramount, Paramount Pro, and HTR, by leaps and bounds.

For one thing, the Grayboe Eagle is highly adjustable, and has an adjustable cheek piece and length of pull, affording a custom-like fit to nearly any shooter. The cheek piece offers 1” of adjustability through a quick-adjustment knob that can be set with one hand, and LOP is adjustable between 12.75” and 14”.

The grip angle of the Grayboe Eagle has also been optimized and the designers have settled on an aggressive 60° grip that helps shooters acquire their targets more rapidly, which is a big bonus in the field.

This stock also comes with a 1” Limbsaver Airtech recoil pad, keeping recoil under control, and has 5 QD flush cup mounts as well as two sling stud mounts on the forend, facilitating the mounting of accessories like a sling.

All in all, a muzzleloader stock upgrade like the Grayboe Eagle would be hard to beat, and not just because it solves the issues of wooden stocks mentioned here, but because of the advanced performance it offers. In terms of general durability, it is one of the toughest, yet lightest, stocks on the market.

Only 38 ounces, the Grayboe Eagle is made of high-quality fiberglass that is non-absorbent, which won’t warp in response to changes in atmospheric conditions, and which is naturally very strong.

If you’re considering making an upgrade to your CVA muzzleloader, and it’s a model that’s compatible with a Grayboe Eagle, the decision should be an easy one.

Explore a Variety of High-Performance Muzzleloader Stocks Here

Interested in learning more about the benefits of upgrading to a high-end muzzleloader stock like the Grayboe Eagle? You can learn more about that stock here on our website or get in touch with us directly if you want additional recommendations about how to improve your muzzleloader’s performance.

We also carry a variety of other muzzleloader accessories, such as an unbreakable 3-piece aluminum muzzleloader ramrod, extremely durable muzzleloader bullet starters, speedloaders, muzzle brakes, and more. Take a look through our collection and get in touch with us if you have any questions about anything we sell.