Shorter shotgun stock???

[Glock17JHP]

I have a Winchester Defender 8-shot synthetic. A few years back I tried a SureFire forend for a while, but sold it and set up the shotgun like it was when I bought it new. More recently I added a TruGlo front sight, and I really like that option better (less bulky and awkward feeling than the SureFire).

Now, I am considering a shorter (youth length, basically) butt stock. I am wondering which brand/type would suit me best. I don't mind the 'stock' stock, but am thinking a shorter one would 'feel' better while shouldering the shotgun, and that it would be more 'handy', as well.

(Yes, I have owned Remington 870 Police shotguns... I just prefer the Defender anyway. So no need to comment on my preference, please.)

[ChicagoTex]

Hogue.
Speedfeed QC is getting pretty disappointing these days.

[3 AE]

Here's one from Speedfeed available at Midway,I believe the Defender is listed as a Model 1300 Defender http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=881300

[Amicus]

Hogue.
Speedfeed QC is getting pretty disappointing these days.

+1 on those comments.

It really depends on what LoP you want. The classic 870P LoP was 14", but the trend is for shorter and shorter.

Here is my "mini-chart" on shorter LoP stocks for Winchesters:

Speedfeed Youth - 13"
Choate "Conventional" - 13" (kit to expand to 14" in increments)
Hogue 12"
Choate Youth - 11.75" (both pistol grip and standard)

I have never been a fan of Choate stocks, so they are a last resort.

I've been playing about with a Hogue and it is very short and handy, but will require that you retrain somewhat to keep your thumb out of the way. If you are right-handed your thumb must remain on the right side of the stock. Unless you have very short arms, your face will contact your thumb. The other option is to get a short pistol grip buttstock, which will keep your thumb out of the way, but they are not for everyone.

More later ...

[prc77]

Hogue 12" LOP for me. Watch out for that nose to thumb contact.

[Amicus]

A couple of other notes:

I find that the synthetic stocks feel a bit flimsy, with the exception of Speedfeed stocks. One person on this board suggested I fill the stock with insulating foam, and my test stock (a Remington, one of the flimsiest) has worked out quite well. My cost was less than $5.00. If this seems a bit "hillbilly gunsmithing," it is not; it is recommended practice for shortening stocks and changing pads on synthetic stocks.

Finally, I am exploring customizing my own stock lengths. Cheap wood Winchester stocks are a bit hard to come by these days, but if you look you can find a few. Doing this by hand on wood is very tedious, but a cheap "light use" bench sander/disk sander can cost $80-$100. You will need a mill bastard file and appropriate sandpaper, vise, hand drill, ruler, small toothed saw with minimal rake (e.g., laminate saw), a new buttpad, and some care.

Changing stock lengths on synthetics is easier. You can do without the bench sander, but you should use foam, metal-filled epoxy (e.g., bedding compound), file and sandpaper. Possibly a few other things (altering synthetics is not really worth the time, IMHO).

If you are interested, here is a thread by a "home smith" on altering a FN synthetic stock (he did not have the choices Winchester owners do). I would not do it this way, but it demonstrates that it is not that difficult.

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/inde...8#entry1318745

[Moose-Knuckle]

Hogue 12" LOP for me.

My choice as well.

[Glock17JHP]

FWIW, my 'stock' Defender 1300 synthetic stock is 13 3/4"... I just measured it.

I appreciate all the input, pretty impressive for less than 24 hours!!! I will look into the stocks you are all telling me about, and will keep in mind the warning about the right thumb... I had no clue about that aspect before now!!! Based on the name brands you have all listed so far, I have had only positive experiences with Hogue products in the past, but I have yet to check out a Hogue rifle or shotgun stock.

Please keep the info and comments coming, and thank you again for the info thus far!!!

[NavyDavy55]

Hogue 12" LOP on my 870P.

It squares me up more with the shotgun thus reducing felt recoil.

[Glock17JHP]

CC4me,

I can see how it would help with felt recoil, and the weapon would be in closer to the body, thus making it feel lighter, too... I would assume (leverage). I would think working the pump action would be easier, too.

I first thought about this when I had other family members (some a bit smaller than myself) shooting my Defender. They could shoot it, but ergonomically it looked a bit to long.

Anyone know of any pictures I can view elsewhere on this forum, or can anyone post some here?