Quote Originally Posted by Ridgerunner7 View Post
What makes the original stock so crappy? It doesn't feel very flimsy to me. Aren't most competition rifles using synthetic stocks? Or is it different material?
It's only "crappy" if you're unhappy with it and/or it's causing you to shoot poorly. That's not the case for everyone. They are definitely not a high quality stock, not even close. But they are serviceable for many people.

Yes, many competition rifles use synthetic stocks. They are, however, vastly different in materials, design, and construction. The ubiquitous black stocks on entry-level rifles like the Axis are injection-molded plastic. Synthetic, yes, but just plain ole plastic- hence the "Tupperware" jokes. Competition-level stocks, and many others at price and quality points between here and there, are made of synthetic materials like woven fiberglass or Kevlar cloths laid into a mold and infused with high-tech resins. Many are hollow, others filled with special fillers to reach a stated weight spec. Most also incorporate either pillars or some sort of an aluminum bedding block or skeleton. Most also include a high quality recoil pad, some even sport an adjustable length pad and cheek rest. All are more rigid than an IMP stock. Most also cost more than an entire Axis rifle, or even two or three.

Bottom line, if you're happy with what you got, don't let anyone pressure you into feeling like you need something better. The factory stock can be shot accurately enough for many purposes. But if you are so inclined, there are better stocks available. They may or may not help you shoot more accurately.