For maximum portability and shootability, IMO you would want to go with a side-folder versus an over the top folder.
I have some experience with the Choate side folders, and as much as I like Choate's shotgun stocks, their side-folder didn't give me a warm fuzzy. But I like it better than any top folding stock I've every used - the Remington factory models and the Choate over the top.
Choate side folder: https://www.riflestock.com/store/pro...-870-12-gauge/
Other than with the Remington factory folders, my experience is limited to handling them during armorer service and shooting them on student shotguns, not really any heavy use. The Remington folders are horrid IMO, shortly after getting them, by pretty much unanimous decree, they ended up in the parts cabinet. You can't really shoot them with a cheek weld and considering cheek weld to assure proper stock placement in your shoulder is pretty important to fast and accurate shotgun shooting that is a deal killer IMO.
One thing that you will find with folding stocks using the AR style pistol grip and adjustable stock is that the length of pull is not well suited for smaller statured shooters or shooters wearing body armor.
The Choate LOP for their side folder is 14 to 17 inches.
The LOP on 870's with regular stocks is 14" generally, and that is a little to long for most folks shooting while wearing a vest.
In collapsible stocks, one of the nicer ones is the MESA Tactical LEO Telescoping Stock System. It's LOP adjusts from 10½” to 13½.
MESA Tactical - https://mesatactical.com/leo-telesco...-ga-and-20-ga/
I like the Choate Conventional body armor stocks that run 113/4" with a plastic pad, 12" with a rubber covered rear plate or 123/4" with a 1 inch recoil pad:
Conventional: https://www.riflestock.com/store/pro...y-armor-stock/
Pistol Grip: https://www.riflestock.com/store/pro...ol-grip-stock/
Recoil Pad: https://www.riflestock.com/store/pro...-armor-stocks/
Rubber Coated Butt Plate: https://www.riflestock.com/store/pro...ed-butt-plate/
I was our Academy's primary for all things shotgun. I used to cut down stocks until I found the Choate's. If you track what I'm saying - take a look at Remington factory youth stocks, it looks like someone just put a block in the back of the mould to make it shorter, in doing so they lose a little bit of the toe to heel length. This makes it more difficult to mount the shotgun properly. The Choate stocks don't lose that toe to heel length. That's why I like them.
If you compare the LOP adjustments from the MESA Telescoping Stock to the Choate Body Armor - without pads they differ by 1.25 inch. What you have to consider is what utility that 1.25 inch offers in terms of portability and shootability.
Unless you decide to go folding, I'd stick with the fixed body armor stocks.
Things to ponder, good luck.
Last edited by 26 Inf; 12-02-18 at 20:48.
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