Darrin,
In my opinion, the Hogue overmold forestock is a big improvement over the oem plastic ribbed piece. It's very grippy and more comfortable too. You are right about the heat shield, I don't think it serves much purpose aside from looking mean. I haven't shot slugs out of it, but maybe that would cause more heat than shot shells. I don't think you would be disappointed with the Hogue stocks.
Jer..