I've just removed a Winchester OEM brown Laminate stock from a WSM action built .458B&M rifle due to cracking and laminate separation of the stock. When I removed the stock to repair a small crack, I began a visual inspection of it and was amazed at what I found. Pieces of the stock inside the magazine and trigger cut-outs had actually moved and I could push them back and forth with a screwdriver; no pressure was required. I also found cracks with light showing through them.

Basically this stock is trashed. I don't believe it can be saved as the damage is extensive. This OEM stock was professionally bedded to the barreled action and LOP was increased with spacers and a new recoil pad. I have replaced it with a Winchester OEM walnut stock with the same modifications.

I am curious as to the cause and experience of others with Laminates. Could it have been a bad batch of glue when this stock was manufactured? Are there any cures? Advice?

Did the stock have crossbolts in it?????Another thing is if and most probably the laminate came from Rutland which has a so ,so reputation for its wood.Seperation is one of its problems.

My Brother has had to have his Laminate stock on his Encore replaced 2 times. Each of the replacements came apart the same way.
This past hunting season the stock came apart the same way in the same place. T/C would not replace it with another Laminate (good thing). Gave him a choice of Walnut, or Synthetic. He took the Synthetic. I think the glue and desighn of the stock was the problem. A laminate is like a chain. Only as strong as it's weakest link.

The plywood maker is using cheap glue, or not curing it properly. I have German rifles made in WW2 in which the laminations are perfect. All depends on the glue.