[AcceptableUserName]

I'm looking into one of the Hogue reduced LOP conventional stocks or the Speedfeed 4-s for my old Mossberg 20" Persuader. My problem is my hands are gynormous. They probably rival the size of some shooting guards' hands in the NBA. I can't grab any fat off of my wrists and they're as wide as my friends' ankles. It just makes for a very irritating combination.

This being said, when I shoot heavier loads out of a standard length of pull stock. my thumb will occasionally hit my nose. I imagine the effect would be exacerbated on a youth stock, but I really want to find a way to be able to have them work for me. Suggestions?

[highorder]

Let your thumb ride on the same side as your shooting hand. Then it won't smack your nose.

Past that, adjust the LOP on your stock so that it's comfortable for you.

I just set the LOP on my Model 12 to 13" and I find it perfect.

[AcceptableUserName]

so basically grip hard with 4 fingers and kind of let the thumb be passive?

[scchokedaddy]

Have you ever been 'measured' for proper stock length? Reason I asked is if you use shorter stock it will place your thumb closer to your nose. The adjustable type stock would probably suit you better. I have smimlar problem with a 20 gauge 870 that was cut down for me 40 years ago. Keep saying I am going to change it, but seems like someons kid allways comes along and we use it for them rather buy a gun and find out they don't like to shoot. 4 killed their first deer as did I with it. Also my wifes 243, cut down for her will put tears in eyes from thumb when I shoot it. {cut down to 13 in} Good Luck and God Bless HAPPY HOLIDAYS

[oletymer]

If you are hitting your nose with a standard stock then a reduced lop would not be a good idea.

[Fred Fuller]

Yep. Put your shooting hand thumb over on the knuckle of your trigger finger, and no problemo. Or just keep the errant thumb up on the safety button, since you're shooting a Mossberg. Either one should work OK in avoiding a recoil-assisted busted beak.

Stock fit has different definitions for different tasks IMHO. A 'field' or sporting gun will most likely fit better with a longer stock, while the techniques used with a fighting shotgun often call for a shorter LOP.

I regularly shoot a 12.5" LOP with no trouble, and I'm 6'3" and wear 37" sleeves. I LIKE short stocks on working guns, because they contribute to being better able to square up on the target as well as allowing the shooter to 'crunch' around the gun, reducing the extremities that stick out all over the place. What some folks call 'chicken winging.'

Try a shorter stock long enough to make up your mind whether it helps you or is more trouble than it seems worth- not every adjustment to equipment or technique is going to work well for every shooter. But it costs very little to try something no more complicated than a shorter LOP shotgun stock.

fwiw,

lpl

[AcceptableUserName]

makes sense. I suspect I've gotten to used to shooting "field style". Anybody have a demonstration/link on the squared up "tactical" method? This seems much better for shot placement, rapid follow up shots and defense measures. I'd like to reference it. Nothing will substitue for a training class, but it'll get me started at least.

[Coronach]

Just take your normal stance and rotate it toward the target, and keep your elbow down. It is easier and more natural than you think. I'll try to break it down for you. For the purposes of simplicity, we'll assume you're right handed and shoot from the right shoulder. If you don't, reverse all directions.

1. Take an unloaded shotgun.

2. Check it again.

3. Now that you're sure it is unloaded, pick something in your environment to be your target.

4. Square up on your target. Instead of "blading" your body and moving your right foot back or left foot forward, keep them stationary, about shoulder width apart. Bend your knees slightly so you're not locked in position.

5. Crouch slightly and bring the gun up to your shoulder. Keep your shoulders square and keep your elbows down by your sides. You'll note that the shoulder pocket is not readily available from this position, since it is mostly created when you raise your elbow and blade off your body. That's OK. Put the stock more onto the pectoral muscle (more inboard) if it feels like your stock is sliding off your shoulder.

6. Bring the gun up to meet your head and bring your head down SLIGHTLY to meet the gun. This should leave you in a slight crouch, facing directly toward the target, leaning slightly forward, with your elbows pretty close to your body. You are now presenting a smaller target, you're able to absorb recoil and run the gun quickly, and if you have armor, the front plate or panel is squared up with the target. Your arms are not sticking out, where they can bump things in the environment, get shot off by incoming rounds that would otherwise miss, or block the abilities of friendlies behind you by sticking out into their line of fire.

Try a few iterations and variations of this. If it feels awkward and contrived after a few attempts, adjust it. You'll note that I often said "slightly" above...chances are you're exaggerating the motion. It should feel comfortable and natural. You may also notice that your perfectly fit shotgun stock now feels too long, since you're squared up and not using the shoulder pocket...hence the idea of running it shorter.

Mike

[Fred Fuller]

Not a great technical quality video (sound is a bit rough) but helpful in explaining the difference...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfH_v9rv3Js&feature=player_embedded

lpl

[Grunt]

Well, I called Remington and have an 870 Express Compact Jr. stock on the way for my son's 870 Express. This gives me the option of going from 12 to 13 inch LOP in 1/4" steps so he can grow into it. I may take it out and try the squared up stance just to see how it works using a youth stock for a full sized adult but I'll be honest, I will probably not adopt that shooting stance. Might work fine but I've been around for a while and have seen different fads of shooting styles come and go. I was originally trained in the Marines to the Louis Awerbuck way of doing things and I really don't see myself changing those ways anytime soon. This squared up position and youth stock may work fine for some folks and that's great but I'm just not into shooting pistols with my finger on the front of the trigger guard anymore.