Knoxx SpecOps stock a good option for a youth 20 gauge?

[Armchair Bronco]

I recently won an auction for a used youth sized Winchester 1300 20 gauge shotgun w/ a 22" barrel. My two boys (ages 11 and 12) would like to take up trap and maybe skeet.
Unfortunately for me, it seems like the original youth/ladies stock was replaced with a standard-sized adult stock w/ a 14" LOP.

I was looking around for replacement youth stocks when I stumbled on the Knoxx SpecOps military style adjustable stock. The LOP adjusts from 11.5" to 15.5". Knoxx claims a significantly reduced perceived recoil with this stock, but I wonder if actual recoil would be greater since the stock probably weighs less. (Look at some of the videos on their site.)

I'm kind of a traditionalist when it comes to trap and skeet guns; but I'm intrigued by this stock and by the true pistol-grip handle. What do you guys think?

 

[Jeff F]

On a 12 guage 870 slug gun it works real well for recoil reduction. My 870 with standard stock I can shoot 6 to 8 slugs and my shoulder is sore, with my brothers that has the Knoxx SpecOps stock i can shoot slugs or heavy buck shot loads all day.

 

[Armchair Bronco]

It *seems* like the same stock stock works for both 12 and 20 gauge Winchester 1300 models, but I think I'll send some e-mail directly to Knoxx to confirm this.

Anyway, I really like the idea of having a 5-position stock that goes from an 11.5" LOP (without the pad) to 14.5". The only complaint I've heard is that the stock raises your head off the barrel, but for trap shooting that's actually a good thing -- my boys won't be using slugs with this gun, just 20 gauge 7/8 ounce loads of 7.5 shot.

 

[Armchair Bronco]

Heh! I just found the following anecdote from an old thread on this site...this stock is starting to look like a winner:

"There are two recoil reducing devices in the SpecOps. One is in the pistol grip and the other in the butt stock. Pulling the stock tightly against your shoulder preloads the secondary mechansim and reduces its effectiveness. It also tends to increase the intensity of the little recoil that makes it past the grip mechansim. After thousands of rounds of testing we have found that the best method is to set the stock gently against the shoulder and let the mechansims do their work. It takes some practice to overcome the old habits but it is worth it."

 

[Six]

I own a Knoxx, and while I can't tell if it'd fit a 1300, I can tell you I would not put it on a shotgun used for skeet/trap/etc.

Cheek weld issues aside (Someone else will jump in on this I'm sure), I really can't feel any recoil reduction when shooting 12ga bird shot. The springs are pretty stiff, and I don't think the recoil is enough to really put them to work unless you use heavier loads.

It's on my HD/fun gun, and it's a good stock. I like the pistol grip, and as the wife and I have very different arm lengths I also like the adjustable part (it's a much more solid stock than the ATI offering), but it's not for all purposes.


Assuming that your two sons are relatively similar in size, I'd really suggest you consider taking the stock you have to a gunsmith to be cut down with a good recoil pad added. I think the little bit of money you spend on a stock that fits them well will pay off quickly in their enjoyment of the sport.

 

[Armchair Bronco]

My other option is buy this youth-sized laminated stock for the Winchester 1300 Compact Ranger. I'm not thrilled with the laminate finish, but this is close to the factory stock with a 13" LOP. The seller wants $75.

 

[oneounceload]

The only complaint I've heard is that the stock raises your head off the barrel, but for trap shooting that's actually a good thing

No it isn't - raising your head off the stock will mean shooting over the bird.

They make adjustable recoil pads for target guns that allow you to change LOP fairly quickly and let you hold the gun properly. A pistol grip is difficult to swing easily on a moving target. Cut it fit the shorter LOP, and get a spacer for the child that might need a longer LOP and add it to the stock when he is shooting

 

[Fred Fuller]

Haven't seen one of these 'in the flesh' but it might be an option for you. Same 13" LOP as the hi priced laminate...

fwiw,

lpl
=======

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SPE0661 $29.99

 

[Armchair Bronco]

Good tip. Last night, I also spotted this replacement youth stock from http://ar7.imoutdoorshosting.com/store/page95.html. It's listed as a 12 gauge youth stock, but it may also work for 20 gauge guns. This one in beech is $40.

 

[bigalexe]

"There are two recoil reducing devices in the SpecOps. One is in the pistol grip and the other in the butt stock. Pulling the stock tightly against your shoulder preloads the secondary mechansim and reduces its effectiveness. It also tends to increase the intensity of the little recoil that makes it past the grip mechansim. After thousands of rounds of testing we have found that the best method is to set the stock gently against the shoulder and let the mechansims do their work. It takes some practice to overcome the old habits but it is worth it."

Sorry but this makes no sense, holding the stock lightly kicks your butt like any other gun.

If you look at the stock diagram you will see the recoil reduction mechanism has to do with the receiver sliding over the rest of the stock in a little pocket. So there is no pre-loading on the recoil reduction mechanism by gripping the pistol grip tightly and pulling into your shoulder as hard as you can.

The only way I can figure they mean to hold the gun lightly is with your front hand, however on pump guns you wont be doing that due to the need to run the gun properly.

 

[jon86]

I bought one of these for my maverick 88. Now the knoxx stock lives in a cardboard box. I simply can't get a good cheek weld with this, and I do not find that it reduces any felt recoil. For ME, it also doesn't shoulder as naturally as the regular'ole stock. YMMV. It pretty much comes down to the fact that I'm simply faster delivering follow up shots with the "stock" stock.

 

[SuperNaut]

The cheek-weld issue is solved by the Power-Pak risers. One for optics, one for the bead. I've posted this before but the issue keeps coming up

 

[jon86]

hmmm... wasn't aware of dat dere power pak riser. Thank you SuperNaut. I may have to pick one of these up next payday.

 

[SuperNaut]

No problemo!