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Tactical Gear Bag: Taking Stock in Defensive Shotguns
We're seeing collapsible stocks being brought out to make the defensive shotgun more useful in its context. Whether it's necessary to make the shotgun fit each and every individual is a matter of debate. That the standard defensive shotgun is much better off with a twelve- or thirteen inch length of pull (LOP) is certain.
The longer armed amongst us will not be impressed; they are the exception to the rule and, if they are placed in body armor (either concealable or rifle vest), the concern vanishes. An instructor of my acquaintance, Myron Stucky, continued to get smacked in the beak by his thumb on firing a short-stock shotgun I had for T&E. I corrected him that the thumb isn't necessarily wrapped around the stock but left on the right (he's a right handed shooter).
That kept the thumb away, but he still wasn't comfortable. My father had the stock on his Remington 1100 "lengthened" by addition of a thick recoil pad. That increased the LOP such that that long limbed gent became quite a wing shooter.
The Remington 870 on bottom has the standard stock, while the Robar "Thunder Ranch" 870 above has the shortened stock.
Our issue isn't solved by setting up the gun to shoot sailing disks or feathered game. Our issue is solved by a short enough stock to allow us to work the action sharply and suddenly. It helps that we can pull the piece more to our center if we square to the target and use the consistent stance from submachine gun to carbine to shotgun. If not, the shorter stock isn't hurtful.
The Thunder Ranch 870 as rendered by Robar had a slightly shortened stock - as well as the Roguard finish over most parts with NP3 accents, very appealing visually and rugged to boot. I found it a joy to use. Grizzly Custom did an 870 for me that had a Hogue 12" LOP stock. That seemed to be a little short for the 18" gun in administrative handling. It too was a joy to shoot.
Do you need an adjustable stock for your defensive fowling piece? Unless you are an agency purchaser, probably not. If the gun is to be mission capable for people in the household, have each try the shotgun with a shorter stock.
Unless there's a giant in the house, the 12-13" length of pull will be the best option.
For more information, contact http://www.robarguns.com/ and http://www.grizzlycustom.com/)