870 Reduced lengths stocks 12" vs. 13"

[dave3006]

I am 5'9". When I shoot my 870, it feels like my weak side arm (the one that pumps the action) is too extended. Speedfeed makes a 13" LOP and Houge even makes a 12" LOP.

For those that have reduced the LOP to give a better feeling of control, how do you like it? Do you think 12" would be too short?

My 870 is mainly used for bird hunting with a 28" barrel.

[trjake]

I'm 6 feet + with 34-35" sleeves, and I like a 12.5" buttstock on my 870's which I use for home defense. I have friends who are shorter than me who prefer the 14" standard stock. The shorter stock is much more manageable for me in close quarters. Stock fit for a hunting or clays shotgun is a science in itself, but you'll really have to try both sizes (or even those in between) to see what feels best to you.

[pete f]

ask around and find some one who has an express youth model, not sure the lenght of pull but it is about 1.5 inches shorter, shoot that a couple of times and you might find you like it .

In cold weather if i shoot clays or visit a slug only zone i swap a youth stod on to my870

[Gordon]

The 12" Houge is great for sneaking indoors or under 15 yards. The 13" is a little less 'special purpose' . ;)

[Lee Lapin]

Dave,

Your gun should fit YOU, and feel comfortable to YOU. What anyone else likes in stock length is a non-issue, there is no 'right or wrong' length for a stock as long as it fits the shooter. If there is no factory produced stock that fits you, a gunsmith can cut one to your desires and re-install the recoil pad, or fit a new one.

If your gun has a short fore-end, you might want to swap it out for a full length field type fore-end. That will give you a bit more to hang onto as well. My wife's shotguns are set up with 12 1/2" LOP stocks and long fore-ends for the very reason you mention. Keeping balance to the rear might help too, she doesn't like long barrels and magazine extensions, for example.

lpl/nc

[proven]

you could always just go ahead and get a 12" lop stock and try it out. it'll still be like new after a few dry mounts and maybe a shot or two, and you could return it or list it in the for sale forum. you may even be able to find a used one yourself.

[JNewell]

I'm 6 feet + with 34-35" sleeves, and I like a 12.5" buttstock on my 870's which I use for home defense.

I'm 6-5, 36"...and I agree, 12 1/2" is just fine. Here's a catch, though. The way the Speedfeed stocks get shorter LOP is basically what you'd expect...they did the equivalent of cutting of the back inch or two, and the result is that the comb rises relative to the bore and your cheek.