Is there any practical reasons for walnut other than looks

[Barryg]

I have no walnut guns and still like them but was wondering why so many rave about walnut, do I need one are there any advantages.

[Mayerone]

I have no walnut guns and still like them but was wondering why so many rave about walnut, do I need one are there any advantages.

It's lighter in weight than beech and generally has better aesthetic qualities. However, from what I've seen not all walnut is equal by any means. Some are not much prettier than decent beech stocks but, certainly from new, at least, there's a premium to be paid.

For my part, most walnut doesn't sway me into wanting to pay extra for it. However, every so often one will crop up and I'll find it so attractive I'll want to buy it even though I neither need the gun or can even afford to buy it. So far, I've always managed to resist the temptation.

[les allam]

The Walnut stock is usually 1/2 pound ish lighter in weight then the beech stock equivalent.
They also generally look a lot nicer regarding the grain pattern.
If oiled nicely they can be maintained easier.
Les..

[Barryg]

So apart from looks it's weight thanks, are there any disadvantages to to beech?

[les allam]

So apart from looks it's weight thanks, are there any disadvantages to to beech?

If the beech stock as the usual hard varnish type finish (most do) ,when scratched it shows. And is a bugger to repair.
If walnut gets scratched it can be lightly sanded and re oiled and the damage is easier to repair and less evident.
Les..
The only disadvantage with walnut is possibly the cost,over the same beech style stock.
But if you get a nice figured walnut stock,it’s worth it in my opinion.

[Barryg]

If the beech stock as the usual hard varnish type finish (most do) ,when scratched it shows. And is a bugger to repair.
If walnut gets scratched it can be lightly sanded and re oiled and the damage is easier to repair and less evident.
Les..
The only disadvantage with walnut is possibly the cost,over the same beech style stock.
But if you get a nice figured walnut stock,it’s worth it in my opinion.

I know what you mean once that lacquer stuff gets scratched not much can be done.

[look no hands]

If the beech stock as the usual hard varnish type finish (most do) ,when scratched it shows. And is a bugger to repair.
If walnut gets scratched it can be lightly sanded and re oiled and the damage is easier to repair and less evident.
Les..
The only disadvantage with walnut is possibly the cost,over the same beech style stock.
But if you get a nice figured walnut stock,it’s worth it in my opinion.

Exactly as above and as said before, sometimes beech stocks have some amazing grain patterns compared to some walnut stocks.

Pete

[Neil54]

My mk1 meteor has a maple stock I recently read.
That has some nice grain but subtle.

Beech when oiled is easier to look after, like walnut.

I think mostly it's traditional, because of the weight and figuring.

I did see a lovely tiger striped HW100 on the wall in the shop. That didn't stay there long.

[Blackrider]

If the beech stock as the usual hard varnish type finish (most do) ,when scratched it shows. And is a bugger to repair.
If walnut gets scratched it can be lightly sanded and re oiled and the damage is easier to repair and less evident.
Les..
The only disadvantage with walnut is possibly the cost,over the same beech style stock.
But if you get a nice figured walnut stock,it’s worth it in my opinion.

Agreed Les, in my experiance staining beech end grain always leads to a darker finish than the rest of the stock due to its ability to soak up the stain. This generally is a problem at the pistol grip and the fore end.
I've never had the same effect staining or oiling walnut.

[Steyr]

So apart from looks it's weight thanks, are there any disadvantages to to beech?

Yes....weight.

Beech is generally be a tougher wood. Can be lackluster in colour and oily patches can emerge that doesnt take stain well, if at all.

Cheaper than exptics but walnut can range from bland to stunning. Clearly the high grade stuff usually appears on high end shotties.

[Mayerone]

Yes....weight.

Beech is generally be a tougher wood. Can be lackluster in colour and oily patches can emerge that doesnt take stain well, if at all.

Cheaper than exptics but walnut can range from bland to stunning. Clearly the high grade stuff usually appears on high end shotties.

I've got two examples in my guns that give truth to that, if I'm actually correct on the memory front.

I've got an AA400 that is definitely beech. 100% I've also got a TX200 HC that I think is walnut. Problem is, I bought it sometime in the early 00's and I don't remember for sure if I ordered walnut. I think I did but might not have but I wasn't really budget minded back then so I'd not likely bridle at paying another £50 or whatever it was for the walnut. And my point is, when I put the two side by side I don't see I really striking difference at all.

I looked the other week and thought I could have here one decent and one very good beech or alternatively it could be one decent beech and one bland walnut.

One thing is for sure, if it is walnut it will deter me from ever paying a premium unless I'm pointing out the one I want, like a lobster in a restaurant tank, rather than just taking the next one in line that the retailer hands out. And that obviously pretty much makes it a walk-in purchase over an internet-type one.

[Njappers]

I find walnut easier to work with than some other woods(haven't tried Beech).
It doesn't crack or splinter easily when you are inletting or shaping the stock.

[Desmond.22]

I personally love the look of walnut on stocks has that more traditional look.

Weight wise by time you add a decent scope could you tell do you think unless given 2 rifles the same I doubt you would be able to tell.

However a nicely refinished beech stock remove varnish and stain then oil etc can be just as good looking.

Here couple of mine I've re finished both stocks myself so not perfect but still I'm happy with the results.

The cs500 obviously walnut and the 77 stock was dyed after fully stripping back and sanding.

https://youtu.be/Xcmpim3Xtdw

https://youtu.be/Sl6JxU3Cnrw

[PCPShooter]

I have no walnut guns and still like them but was wondering why so many rave about walnut, do I need one are there any advantages.

Light
Stable
Pretty

[Shed tuner]

Is beech not physically stronger ? I'd say it probably is in my experience....

Open grained walnet cheekpieces are a pain when they catch your stubble