Straight stocks vs. pistol grip stocks

[huntsman]

While the britts are probably more hung up on tradition than us, I think there is more to keeping the straight grip than tradition. after all they were in the business to sell guns and like today’s gun companies are finding out some times doing something simple like changing the stock configuration could sell more guns.

For me if were talking about grips on an auto or pump I'd say go with what you like looks wise, the difference in carry really only comes into play with a break open gun.

One also needs to define "carry" as it means different situations, is it used to describe a one handed carry of muzzles up threw thick popple cover?
It can also be long distance carry to and from bird fields; in this case a break open gun (unloaded) with some kind of pistol grip can be balanced on your shoulder quite comfortably. It can also be a casual carry, gun open shells in tubes hand in pocket gun hung over wrist, again a grip of some type fells better to me than a straight grip does.

 

[ArmedBear]

WRT carry, any gun over the shoulder is comfortable enough.

I'm talking about carrying a fully-loaded gun, especially a semi or pump, ready to take off-safe, shoulder and fire whenever the birds flush. That's the situation I find myself in around here. The brush is thick, and I have a split second to shoulder the gun, acquire the target, and fire, or the bird is gone behind the next bushes again. So I have to carry the gun in "condition 1" for long periods.

For doing that, a straight grip is superior, because with a PG, my right wrist can't just comfortably hold the gun. I have to flex it to hold the pistol grip. Soon, this gets uncomfortable.

If I were merely carrying an unloaded gun to the field, I'd use a sling.

 

[Chairman Meow]

Thanks for all the replies!

I handled some shotguns at Sportsmans Warehouse the other night, including a BPS upland special. I found that the extra control offered by a pistol grip is very useful when cycling a pump. This is not an issue with autos or doubles, and I very much enjoy shooting the straight-stocked 20 gauge 1100, but I think I have decided I prefer a pistol grip on a pump.

That being said, I am currently in the market for a Browning BSS 20 gauge for my father, and I think a straight stock would be just about right.

Thanks for all the insight! As usual, the THR community proves and invaluable resource.

- CM

 

[crackerjack]

I have for years shot both pistol grip and straight stock guns. To me fit is everything on a shotgun. I shot doves for years with BPS 22"/ with straight stock and shot it better than any gun I ever owned . I normally shoot a double for quail with straight stock, just works for me . My suggestion is to hold and shoulder the gun like you would be shooting the game intended for, taking it up fast to see if it comes "on" a prechoosen target . I think the straight stock comes up better on very fast shots for me but do not perfer it on all guns . I perfer a pistol grip on Citori over straight. Again I stress find what fits, shotguns relate like spouses choose them carefully.
Hope it helps,

 

[Cascade Hunter]

But I'm not sure how I feel about that english look on a pump:

Browning has 22" and 24" barrels available for the BPS, so I can get a nice short barrel with or without the straight stock.

Decisions, decisions...

- CM

If you are interested in a .28 ga like that, let me know. It's still in the box and it comes with BOTH stocks.

 

[huntsman]

now if browning lost the rib and swapped out the forend with a corncob type that would be swwwwweet

 

[ArmedBear]

Looks, shmooks. Feel matters.

Remington's 11-87 makes more sense than Browning's pump, though, IMO.

I can shoot a pump pretty fast, but if you're talking about a snap-shooting gun, a double or semi just make more sense.

Furthermore, a double makes the most sense, because the length of the gun per barrel length is shorter, the gun weighs less, and the balance is better suited to this kind of gun.

Check out the CZ SxS in 20 Ga. GREAT straight-grip gun for a tad over $600 new. My choice over all of the above.

 

[MarshallDodge]

My Browning Citori has an English grip. The pistol grip would feel better but it really doesn't bother me especially for the price I paid.

 

[Nathaniel Firethorn]

Wrong thread. Sorry. -NF