500grains; 1'st, I really enjoy your posts'. Have managed to glean a bit of wisdom from your experience. I also saw the Brockman rifle at 2004 SCI and I did not find it objectionable. To me it was a good quality working rifle and the stock looked nice except for a somewhat roughened surface finish. (possibly air got into the spray when it was applied, although the area of the cheekpiece was smooth. I don't know for sure.) The one I recieved was a nice clear smooth finish overall. Having grown up with synthic and laminate stocks they do not offend my eye all that much. Synthics would not be my first choice as they are cold and black, grey or tan are not what I like. I will admit that the laminates poorly done look like plywood. If done with a bit of artistic application, I think they look fine. On a really wizbang custom african rifle, nothing looks better than a really nice piece of English/Turkish walnut, and I have put up a few pieces for my own use when money allows. But on a 800.00 to 1500.00 rifle I just can't justify a 700.00 to 1000.00 piece of wood. I would rather put money on setting it up and loading ammo for practice and hunting with it. Over the last few years I have seen a bunch of bigbore rifles that were carrying around laminated stocks and not heard anythihg about them shivering their handles. I am hoping that the technology has solved the problem that existed when these first came on the market. If mine falls apart, I will post it for others info. Untill the right time, I am doing my part to save the trees by putting several really nice stock blanks away for the future. Eric