Question about modifying the IAC Hawk 982 Forend

[Mr. Farknocker]

I recently purchased a pair of Esstac 7-round shotgun cards, the type with the velcro backing, to use with my IAC Hawk 982 12ga shotgun. When mounted, the card covers the entire length of the receiver and interferes with the movement of forend because of the way the forend hand guard is designed. When the handguard is fully retracted, a portion of the hand guard extends past the end of the receiver. The card, therefore, prevents the forend from fully retracting. I'm interested in modifying the handguard by cutting off a portion of it to obtain greater clearance for the shotgun card. Assuming the handguard can be modified as described, does anybody see a problem with doing this modification in terms of function or safety?

 

[PabloJ]

Just remove enough plastic from back of forend. I did that years ago to Model 870HD when I added side saddle shell holder to side of the receiver.

 

[USAF_Vet]

If it were me and my gun, I'd trim the card back to six rounds rather than the hand guard. Better to modify a $15 accessory than the forearm. Just my opinion, worth what you paid for it.

 

[Mr. Farknocker]

I thought about that option and decided that having an extra round was a better choice concidering how cheap a replacement Hawk forend is if I want to restore it. Considering the availability of better aftermarket products out there, however, this would be unlikely

 

[Scooter22]

If you trim it I'd remove all the overlapping material to allow 1/2" or so space between the receiver and forend when fully retracted.. It's easy to get a shirt sleave or clothing jammed in that over lap. You can also remove a chunk from your hand. I have a H&R Pardner, same gun, and found a used synthetic 870 forend in a box of stocks for 5.00 bucks. I saved my original and trimmed that. I ordered this and covered it.http://www.amazon.com/GT-5000-phones-cameras-knives-tools/dp/B00ATH0KEA
Works and looks great. Same texture as the Hogue Ovemold stocks that I almost ordered. The non slip tape you get a hardware stores or skateboard shops is very abrasive. Good luck

 

[Fred Fuller]

If you trim it I'd remove all the overlapping material to allow 1/2" or so space between the receiver and forend when fully retracted.. It's easy to get a shirt sleave or clothing jammed in that over lap. You can also remove a chunk from your hand.

This is IMHO the biggest consideration. The front edge of the bottom of the receiver on my Norincos is pretty sharp. If you leave a 90 degree edge on the cut down fore-end also, and let your hand slide back on the forearm as you run the gun, the shearing between the receiver and forearm will take a painful bite out of the heel of your hand. I have seen it and it isn't pretty.

Clint Smith says he likes shotguns because they remove bone and meat - don't let it be YOUR meat that gets removed

 

[Mr. Farknocker]

Good point. I trimmed it before the last two post and there is an 1/8th of an inch overlap. I'll cut it back some more and round out the edge.

 

[Virginian]

You're going to ruin the collector value.

 

[PabloJ]

You're going to ruin the collector value.

No. By adding shell carrier he is actually adding value to the Hawk 982.

 

[Scooter22]

You're going to ruin the collector value.

Collector value??????????????????? I'll pack a 1/2 dozen away.

 

[Mr. Farknocker]

Actually i think I'm adding value to the shell carrier.