Does anyone find the slide on pump action an uncomfortable reach?

[Balrog]

Maybe its because I grew up shooting semi autos, but I find the handguard on the slide of most pump actions to be a long uncomfortable reach. Anyone else notice this? Is there a solution or do I just need to get used to it?

 

[Big_E]

If I haven't picked up a pump in a long time then it does feel weird. More so with a stock that has too much LOP. After shooting the shotgun a little bit it becomes a lot less noticeable.

I did pickup a Wingmaster on the used rack the other day that had a shorter LOP stock and it felt completely natural to me. Pointed really well too.

I guess you're no the only one. Some members on here prefer putting youth stocks on their guns for the shorter LOP.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Check out the Benelli Nova and there's some new 870's out with extended forearms.

 

[Big_E]

I forgot about the extended forearms. However, if you are going to install a side saddle on the receiver then you can't use the extended forearm. No side saddle = no problem.

 

[dak0ta]

You can modify the left edge of the forearm and cut a notch so it fits with the sidesaddle.

 

[Bix]

Shortening the stock will have the effect of bringing the forearm closer to your support hand, as will adopting a very bladed stance (if you aren't already).

 

[ricebasher302]

Yes. I've definately noticed it, and I have long arms. Therefore, I have an 870 with the extended forearm as mentioned above and a Savage 20 guage that feels great too.

 

[zhyla]

If you're trying to grip in the center of the forearm then yeah, it's way too far out there. I tend to grip on the near end.

 

[chas08]

I've never noticed. And I switch around on action styles a lot. Semi-auto or pump for Waterfowl, and O/U or SxS for Dove and Quail. My common mistake is forgetting to pump after a shot, after using one of the others for an extended period. But even that goes away quickly after the first couple of volleys.

 

[BP Hunter]

Using an adjustable stock is the best idea for the most customized fit for any shooter using a pump shotgun.

 

[roo_ster]

A lot of police guns have extra-short forearms so they will fit into cop-car shotgun racks more easily.

Others choose them so other shotgun doohickeys will fit: side saddles, folding stocks, etc.

The regular-length forearms are still about and can be had. Combine with a stock that has a shorter LOP, and it can fit just fine.

ALso, some guns, like the Ithaca, seem to have a design that requires less reach:
http://www.ithacagun.com/defense37s.html


Relative to the stnadard 870P:


Yeah, the pics are not to scale, but they have the same OAL at 38"

 

[roo_ster]

Now that I think about it, I suspect that's why the Ithaca 37 feels better to me on my shoulder: my left arm is closer in, where I prefer it.

Maybe a used or new Ithaca is in your future.

 

[Packman]

I dunno. I shoot an 870 with a 1.5 inch addition on the LOP and my hand sits naturally and comfortably somewhere around the middle, or maybe just shy of middle, of the forend.

Then again, I'm 6 feet tall with very long arms. Hence the extra inch and a half on the LOP. I'm actually thinking of making it a 2 inch add.

 

[Packman]

Doubletap. Sorry 'bout that.

 

[sansone]

yes the reach is far for me. I shorten LOP and hold the rear of slide

 

[DanLee]

That's always been my biggest gripe about pumps. I like to hold shotguns at the balance point with my left hand, but that's usually nowhere near the forearm on a pump.

Dan

 

[W.E.G.]

Ummm.... I hate to tell you guys, but the slide is RETRACTED in that Ithaca pic.

Put that one in the same file with the HK backwards ammo, and Colt idiot scratch.

 

[Matt-J2]

I feel the same, one of the reasons I really don't like pumps. The Benelli Novas feel better to me in that respect, but I've never fired on so I'm not sure how it would really work for me. I also hate the bulkiness of many forearms. I don't have big hands so prefer something slimmer to wrap my hand around.

 

[CoastieShep]

I grew up shooting a pump, so it just always felt right to me I guess. When I started shooting an O/U, I missed the chance for a follow up shot so many times because I was trying to cycle another shell. Still do it every once in a while.

 

[3006mv]

I do, I tried modifying my mossy 500 forearm but only got maybe 1/4" by dremelling some plastic inside and tightening the nut in a bit. This may be an option possibly? http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduc...smithing - Stocks-_-PriceCompListing-_-923770 Who makes extended forearms? I didn't know those existed.

 

[Gord]

I have short arms (about 28" from outstretched middle fingertip to shoulder) and I generally find the reach uncomfortably long. A shorter LOP stock will help. As far as extended forearms, Remington's new synthetic forend looks like it extends a couple inches further back than the traditional field-style forends.