Rifle stock preferences

[shappy0869]

There seems to be three basic rifle stocks available: the traditional (does this have a special name?), thumbhole and pistol grip (I am ignoring folders for the sake of this post).

I have always felt that pistol grip stocks were more familiar and, frankly, look cooler. However, does anyone know if one is considered ergonomically superior to another, or is it just personal preference?

The reason I am asking is that I am considering a rifle that is only available as a traditional stock, so I am wondering if, in the long run, I will be satisfied with the feel or will I desire a pistol grip?

If it matters, I am looking into a Kel-Tec SU-16C model. Before you try to talk me into another rifle, my desire is for something that is relatively inexpensive, light, compact, will take inexpensive magazines in a relatively inexpensive caliber. The SU-16 is about $550, less than 5 lbs, folds down to 25.5" and uses AR magazines. Plus, it has a lifetime warranty from a company that is known for good customer satisfaction.

However, it doesn't have a pistol grip stock, hence my question.

pictures for reference:

Thanks.

 

[shappy0869]

Do I need a breath mint?

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

I think it's just personal preference. Is it just going to be a plinker? I like a pistol grip on some rifles like AR platforms, but with my 10/22 I'm planning on keeping it with a classic stock style.

 

[shappy0869]

It's going to be an everything gun: plinker, HD, SHTF, Martian invasion, etc.

 

[doubleg]

I would personally get the one with a fixed stock. One less thing that can break.

 

[JesseL]

I think it really depends on the type of rifle and how it will be used.

For rifles with manual actions that are operated by the trigger hand (bolt or lever actions) and are used in situations where quick follow up shots may be necessary, I prefer a traditional stock. Pistol grips and thumb holes are slower to reaquire your grip when you're moving your hand around.

For pumps and autoloaders, I prefer the improved ergonomics and control of a pistol grip, but it's not that critical as long as it's comfortable.

 

[shappy0869]

Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[kcmarine]

Get a pistol grip just to burn McCarthy's rear end...

 

[tbtrout]

I kind of like it, buy it and have fun.

 

[ec-10]

I count myself as one of the oddballs that actually prefers a more traditional grip on a rifle. I also happen to like the cant on Glock pistols over the one on the 1911. I'm strange and have learned to live with the fact.

I own a Kel-Tec SU-16A. After selling my Bushmaster due to accuracy issues (probably my fault) I began looking for another semi-auto rifle. It was down to either an AK, SKS or an M-14. When I went to visit my gun guy he had some SU-16As in stock and I sort of bought it on impulse. So far I have been very impressed with this rifle. It has provided tighter groups than my Bushmaster and it is a breeze to clean in comparison. They seem to hold up very well and they have a better warranty then Bushmaster.

If I had it to do over again, I would buy the SU-16CA. The front sight post on my SU-16A bugs the hell out of me. I would much prefer the gas block mounted sight that the SU-16CA offers. I would not buy the SU-16C because I believe that being able to store an extra 30 round magazine in the stock is of greater benefit then being able to fire the weapon with the stock in the folded position. YMMV.

 

[rockstar.esq]

"Traditional" stock grip = straight grip stock.

"Pistol grip" is a slippery devil because a lever action has a totally different pistol grip than an AR!


Some folks contend that straight grips reduce recoil, this opinion seems to be harbored by shotgunners and dangerous game rifle aficionados. Those same folks tend to shoot with their right elbow perfectly parallel to the earth which is tremendously uncomfortable for me. I've found pistol grips (both types) to be easier to grasp, with less strain when I'm moving. I'd bet that the straight grip is/was more popular when folks were trying to make a stock that wouldn't break from the recoil of the gun. The wood grain being straight along the recoil path would probably allow lesser grades of wood to be perfectly serviceable.

After restocking my rifle with a "thumbhole" type of pistol grip stock I can say that the vertical grip afforded by this arrangement is tons more comfortable than the more typical hunters type of pistol grip. Personally I'm not a big fan of thumbhole stocks on rifles with safeties you can't operate without breaking your master grip.

There are disadvantages to the AR style pistol grip which include it's taller profile when shooting from the prone, and the possibility it'll snag on something. Most new semiauto designs put the operating knob on the left side of the gun so just about anything that needs to be done can be done without moving the shooting hand.

 

[B yond]

+1 SU-16

It's a great rifle, you'll love it.

I don't miss the pistol grip at all, besides, if you do any interstate travelling with it, you'll avoid some legal problems by not having a PG.

 

[Plink]

It's entirely personal preference. I have a bunch of pistol gripped guns, but I still prefer a traditional stock. I just shoot better with them. The most important thing is that the gun fit you. If it fits, you'll shoot well with it regardless of stock configuration.

The SU-16 is a great choice. People have been torture testing them since they hit the market and the reports are looking good for longevity and reliability. Their accuracy isn't bad either. I've shot half a dozen of them and they all shoot sweet.

 

[Soap]

Shoulder your rifle and then hold it with just your right hand (assuming you're right handed). For most people, the "traditional" (actually called a semi-pistol grip, such as on the Winchester 70) is much harder to hold up for any length of time. This usually only factors in during fighting scenarios, not hunting. So for certain applications, it is a matter of simple personal preference; certain other applications, a matter of ergonomics.

 

[DMK]

Purely in a utilitarian sense, I prefer a pistol grip or thumbhole. It puts the wrist at a more natural angle.

Plus a PG allows for a straight stock, inline with the action, keeping the bore lower and recoil straight back with less muzzle rise.

I will admit a conventional wood stock looks nice though, but I suspect that it's only still around purely by convention and I can't see any functional advantage to it.