?synthetic or traditional walnut stock for m-700 bdl?

[rogersdan007]

I have a beautiful Monte Carlo style fancy 'A' grade walnut stock on my M-700 BDL, but I don't want to destroy it out hunting. So I'm in the market for a new stock, I've found standard grade Monte Carlo style walnut stocks for as little as $65.00 new. I haven't looked around much for any synthetic stocks, does anyobody have any suggestions? In your opinion, which is better for a hunting rifle, synthetic or wood?