HD shotgun question...

[FMarlon]

Have been kicking around here for a few days now and feel that I can ask a question without being razzed too much for asking a "newb" question.

I have a maverick model 88 12 ga. Currently it is factory except the sling that I added. When I was at the local gun store today, I asked about a top folding shotgun stock like the "police tactical" shotgun I have seen online. The reaction I got was that they pretty much thought I was a lunatic for wanting such a thing.

They also thought it odd that I was asking for things like a side saddle for it too.

So my question is this, what are the legal mods that are commonplace on hd shotguns. Keep in mind that my wife is what I would call "just on our side" meaning that if she wasnt married to a man that liked guns, she'd be an anti.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome to Shotgunland, Marlon. Folders and Sidesaddles are legal, but utility is questionable in the former and marginal in the latter.

What you have RIGHT now is a wonderful close range weapon. Instead of top folding stocks and Sidesaddles, you need to buy ammo, use up,repeat. Once that Maverick feels like a body part instead of a tool, you'll know what addons and accessories will help improve effectiveness and what will just suck shekels from you with a soft and sibilant hiss.

Technology and discretionary income are darn poor substitutes for expertise.

Start off with the lightest loads of birdshot you can find. At typical HD ranges, they'll work well, and it's a lot easier to improve your form if you're not getting belted. Heavier loads are for later, and oft not at all when it comes to Maggie Numbs.

If you absolutely MUST do something to your shotgun to mark it as yours, get the fit tweaked and/or the trigger adjusted to a clean 3-4 lb pull.

Finally, I vehemently recommend that you get some kind of instruction. Good shotgunners are rare, good shotgunning instructors more so, but there's no reasonable alternative other than using up lots of ammo re-inventing the wheel and sweating it out on your own.

HTH.....

 

[Al Thompson]

Unless you have a specific need for the shorter storage area of a pistol grip or folding stock, for serious purposes, most of us regulars strongly advise against them.

The bottom line is that they make getting really good with the SG really expensive as it simply takes more time and ammo to do so.

I've owned one Remington factory folding stock (cheerfully sold ASAP) and have had two PGed shotguns. Neither has a PG at this time.

If you want to try one, feel free. But it's really a waste of your money - unless you have a specific need.

HTH

 

[MrMurphy]

I'm with the others on folding stocks. Unless you really NEED the shorter length, it's more controllable and easier to shoot with the standard stock.

I have a SideSaddle on my Benelli and it's useful for carrying a few more rounds. But they don't make one for the Maverick 88. It's sort of the bare-bones-ultra-budget shotgun. It'll still do the job, but once you become a more experienced shotgunner, you'll probably want to upgrade to a Mossberg 500, Remington 870, Winchester 1300, or a Benelli Nova SP.

 

[Coronach]

1. Ditto what has been said about folding and PG-only stocks. They look cool. Thats about it. Unless you need something very short for climbing in and out of vehicles or VERY tight places, they're worse than worthless. Even the most comfortable of the folding stocks will be no more comfortable than a standard stock (and certainly inferior to a well-fitted standard stock), and will provide something to be fiddling with or go wrong when you need the gun to work RIGHT NOW.

2. Ditto about ammo and range time. Shoot the thing. Modify it later.

3. The only truly 'needed' add-on to a HD gun is a white light system. Rule 4 always applies, and you need to have some method of illuminating your target. This can be through a well-positioned light in your house (figure barricade in the bedroom, though this is less flexible than other options), using a flashlight along with the SG (can be done with training, but is tricky), or with a flashlight attached to the weapon. I prefer the last option.

Mike

 

[Coronach]

Also, wanna make your wife 'happy' about your HD shotgun? Get a proper rack for it, that locks. Or a gunlocker. This way it is ready at hand, but can also be secured easily. A weapon that is not in hand is a potential threat if not secured...homeowners come home and surprise burglars all of the time. Would suck if that happened just after he found your loose shotgun, all loaded and ready to roll.

Also, if you have kids, this pretty much a 'must.'

Mike

 

[PI Rob]

Hi,

I have a PG only 12 ga. and while it's tons of fun to run around in the desert and play supertacticalninja vs. the evil 2 liter water bottles, the truth of the matter is, that for several days after the battle my hand, wrist, and elbow are incredibly sore and I've missed more than I'd like to admit. The bottles just laugh at me(part of their being evil and all).Keep the stock and forget the PG only or folder for serious work. Your joints and bank account will thank you.

Have fun,
Rob

 

[TEXASTACTICAL]

I am gonna disagree, if you have the money and you want a folding stock...get one. The more you personalize a weapon the more you will love it. The more you love it the more you will play and shoot with it. The more you shoot it the better you become. The better you become the more experience and confidence you gain, the more you will be prepared for a lethal force encounter. Good luck and shoot it!!

 

[TEXASTACTICAL]

Oh one other thing find another gunshop that is a little more "combat" oriented. The one you are going to sounds like it is more "sporting" oriented.

 

[Joe Mamma]

I have a top folding stock and pistol grip on one of my shotguns (Remington 870 12g). My primary reason was to be able to transport it easily and discreetly.

I am not an experienced shotgunner. I read lots of bad things on here about not being able to hit anything with a pistol grip gun (unfolded stock) and really bad recoil. But, the full stock guns are just too big in my situation. When I shot it, I was pleasantly surprised. Recoil wasn't too bad at all (with slugs buck and bird shot) and I could hit what I was aiming at, within reason.

Don't get me wrong, out in the open, there is no comparison between a full stock and pistol grip only gun in the ability to quickly acquire and hit a target. Also, the gun (with the pistol grip only) kicks a lot. But, it's not unmanageable or scary.

If you want a folding stock on your gun, I say get it. I'm very happy with mine.

Joe Mamma

 

[Sportcat]

What are some good folders, or combo pistol/stock, stocks?

 

[GigaBuist]

Well, I tried putting an 870 with the barrel removed into my suitcase this weekend. Not happening and I wish I had realized that it wasn't going to fit earlier. I didn't have the time, patience, or resources to try and remove the thing by hand at the time so I got to thinking today.

Maybe a folding stock wouldn't be a bad idea for me. Seems they're not very popular with shotgunners around here -- which makes sense -- but, does anybody have one that they actually like?

Of course, if taking the buttstock off an 870 and putting it back on every day while one travels about for leisure isn't that big of a hassle I'll just go that route. I'll find out for sure tonight I guess.

The #1 criteria for me would it has to be sturdy when not folded up. If all else fails I want at least something I can use as a club. I don't care of it has a PG, or a 7 round tactical reload shell holder. I just want something that'll fit into a suitcase and fold out into something sturdy.

 

[Joe Mamma]

I have a Choate top folder and am very happy with it. The only problem was that it wouldn't fit perfectly on my gun so I had to send it to Choate to be machined slightly. choate was well aware of the problems. Evidently, there are at least 2 different versions of Remington 870's. Someone here with more knowledge than me might be able to comment.

Joe Mamma

 

[Drjones]

have a maverick model 88 12 ga. Currently it is factory except the sling that I added. When I was at the local gun store today, I asked about a top folding shotgun stock like the "police tactical" shotgun I have seen online. The reaction I got was that they pretty much thought I was a lunatic for wanting such a thing.

1) Beautiful gun. I have the exact same one and it has been as reliable as a brick for me. However, mine is still absolutely bone-stock.

2) Slings on a HD weapon are a bad idea.

a) Why/when are you going to need to sling the weapon? (I'm talking realistically now....no SHTF fantasies.)

b) Slings on a HD weapon are wonderful at snagging on stuff and possibly helping get you killed. Slings that carry spare shells are even better at this. They also excel at swinging around and making it very difficult to aim.

3) I thought that telescoping AR-style stocks, folding stocks and the like were pretty cool too until I actually handled an FN 12 ga riot gun with an AR-style collapsible stock. I put that thing to my shoulder and then imagined actually shooting that 12 ga with real 12 ga shells in it.

No thanks.

4) A quality sidesaddle is about the only accessory I'd recommend for a HD shotgun. Really though, I'm going to get a bandoleer to carry spare ammo.

5) KISS, especially on a weapon you are going to trust your life to. Will a heat shield, tactical folding/collapsible stock, etc. actually help you shoot better, or do they just look neat and fulfill a fantasy of yours?

I'm not trying to flame, lord knows I love tactical stuff too. I've just learned that if you want all that tactical stuff, that is perfectly OK. Buy as much as you want. Just keep it away from your real weapons.