I’ve started gaining interest in install wood and/or laminate stocks for some of my rifles.  I really screwed up and replaced the original stock on my Mosin with a cheap composite and I’ve been unhappy since (and I broke the original stock during the swap).  So now when I see a nice wood stock, I definitely have a new appreciation.

Magnum Research has recently upgraded their Magnum Lite .22LR and .22WMR semi-auto rifles with a new Barracuda American Black Walnut gun stock. The new stock replaces the previously installed heavier laminate stocks which included Barracuda Pepper, Nutmeg and Forest Camo colors.

The new rifles will be equipped with the Magnum Lite® revolutionary patented graphite bull barrel, exclusive to Magnum Research. The patented uni-directional graphite fibers, parallel to the bore axis, result in a barrel with 6x the stiffness of the equivalent weight of steel. The lighter barrel weight (from 13-16 oz. depending on barrel length) is easier to handle and will dissipate heat up to 43% faster than steel. The result is extremely accurate rimfire performance in both .22LR and .22WMR.

Specifications/Features:

• Weight: MLR22BW: 69.3 ounces, MLR22WMBW: 71.2 ounces
• Barrel Length:  MLR22BW: 17 inches, MLR22WMBW: 19 inches
• Length:  MLR22BW: 35.5 inches, MLR22WMBW: 37.5 inches
• 100% made in the USA.
• lightweight thumbhole design
• comb height “designed for comfort”
• height that accommodates optics
• a semi-palm swell of both sides of the pistol grip
• molded-to-fit rubber butt plate
• MSRP for the MLR22BW is $824.00 and the MLR22WMBW is $941.00.

I have to say, I *really* like the way this rifle looks.  Does anyone have experience with Magnum Research’s Magnum Lite series with their previous stocks?  If so, do you think this walnut replacement is a benefit?