[tonyben]

Walnut is preferred for rigidity. I like the look of Birch though. That's what mine is dressed in. If I want superior rigidity, I'm not looking at wood.

 

[tonyben]

A Big Red or NM walnut will be the only wood stocks that will facilitate a rear-lugged receiver. The rifle in my signature sports a Big Red birch. My original build started off with a rear-lugged Armscorp, but I sold it and went with a standard LRB. I kept the stock though and never routed it for a rear lug. She's a good stock and I am happy with it.

The GI fiberglass stocks are good for thrashing around in the woods. You scratch it, shrug your shoulders for a moment and move on. They are great as utility stocks and provide adequate hunting accuracy.