G'Day Fella''s,

Gankai, I'm not sure if you are refering to any rifle stock material type, or just wood stocks, so I will put my "Two Bob's" worth in, regarding wood stocks.

A lot is dependant on the quality, and seasoned state of the stock wood.
The stability of the wood it self, apparently comes from the wood type, grade and how long, and the method in which the wood was seasoned.
The best method of seasoning, or the method that the wood was allowed to dry out, is to air dry it.
It is not uncommon, for best quality stock wood, to have been air dried, for 20+ years .........
Apparently, and thru nessessity, many comercial stock blanks, have been Kiln dried (....... using Heat), to speed up this process.

So what I'm getting at here is, the stability of the stock wood, is one of the main concerns.
This is especially the case, in the forearm section of the stock, as this is where the wood is at it's thinnest, and can be more prone to movement, which can cause problems, for either a floated barrel, or one that is in partial or full contact ...........

Hope that helps

Avagreatweekendeh!
Homer