Ask someone to think about the features of an air rifle, then sidelevers, regulated actions and multi-shot magazines may well spring to mind. But none of these will be of much use without the stock.
A rifle stock is more than just a handle. If a telescopic sight is an aiming device, then a stock is a pointing device, which will, quite literally, point the barrel in the right direction. And just as a rifle’s action, barrel and scope need care and attention to keep them doing their jobs properly, then so does a stock. How much care and attention required will of course depend upon the type of working life the stock has had, but it will also depend on the material the stock is made from. I’ll briefly describe the types of stock that are commonly found on a modern air rifle, how to care for them and, when necessary, correct any minor damage.
SYNTHETIC STOCKS
Although some traditionalists dislike plastic or polymer stocks, there’s no denying their practicality. A synthetic stock is impervious to water and is unlikely to warp, and if the stock picks up a
