Typical "tactical" stock length for an 870?

[SIRVEYR666]

I recently purchased a barely used 870 Express Magnum for $75. I'm looking to use it in 3gun matches. I like the factory wood stock and fore end, but I think that the stock is a little long. What would be a good starting length to begin "trimming" at? Is this even advisable? I'm not too cheap to by the synthetic stuff, I just really like the wood.

 

[El Tejon]

Yes, all American long weapons are equipped with stocks (and barrels) far too long for optimal use in fighting (but then the people that make them do not understand their use and they are sold to people who have no clue as to its use--the blind selling to the blind). As Tim Wickertt told me at a Gunsite shotgun class, "start sawing at both ends [of an 870]."

I prefer a LOP at 12.25". Have it done by competent smith and make sure the recoil pad is nice and hard so it does not grab your clothing. Best wishes.

 

[Fred Fuller]

I'm 6'3" and wear a 37" sleeve. House guns here have 12.5" stocks to fit my wife, who's 5'4". I can still hit with 'em. Too long is MUCH harder to manage than too short.

lpl/nc

 

[Gordon]

13" including the pad is a good length for dual use. It's not too long for 5'8" people and not to short for 6'3" . I am 5'10" and have found 12 3/4" ideal for tactical use without armor.12" with or strickly small rooms.. 13 1/2" for upland birds with medium clothing 13 3/4 with T shirt.14" or a smidgen less for clay sports or water fowl. Get the picture? The higher you will generally be raising the gun to track targets the longer the stock -usually!A youth stock is usually 13" and is a good compromise.

 

[SIRVEYR666]

Thank you very much for the information. I shall call my gunsmith and set an appointment. I love THR!

 

[Exmasonite]

One of my buddies said that he once took the stock off a youth/bantam shotgun and it worked great for his HD shotgun. anybody else have any experience w/ this?

 

[Gordon]

Here's your sign

Please read post #4 :banghead:

 

[The Deer Hunter]

How did u get an 870 for $75?

 

[HiWayMan]

He got for $75 because he is a damn dirty thief.


Just kiddin' brother.

Please relate the story of your ignorant and foolish friend. We all need friends like yours.


I'll buy it from you for a $100. A nice profit if you ask me.

 

[SIRVEYR666]

The story behind the $75 870...

My good friend, that I've known for about six years, loves to spend money like he has it. He bought an 870 three years ago to hunt water fowl. The gun came with a 30" VR w/ 3 choke tubes, and a 24" slug barrel. He changed the sights on the slugger to some Hi-Viz, and installed them poorly. He shot maybe 40 rounds through it in two years...all misses. That lead him to buy a Bennelli. Still couldn't hit ****. He sold the Bennelli, and bought a Mossy 500.

One day, he decides that he needs a new shotgun. It's been the guns fault all along ya know. I ask, "Why?" He says that the 30" barrel is messing him up, and he wants a rifled slugger. I inform him that he can purchase both barrels for less than the price of a new gun. He says that he needs to start fresh witha whole new gun. I tell him that I will trade him my 26" VR for his 30" VR, straight-up. He says, "Naw, I'm gonna just get something new."

At this point, I realize that it's hopeless. He's being an idiot. Hmmm, how can I capitalize on this? I know, I'll offer him $150 for his "used" 870. He says that he only needs about $75 to get his new one. "So...you only want $75...right? "Yeah, that'd be cool."

I give him $75.

He comes to work the next day with a brand new...





wait for it...





...Remmington F-ing 870:banghead:

...with a 26" VR:banghead:

...and a rifled slugger.


***?

 

[Dave McCracken]

The standard stock works for me, even over a Level IIA vest.

However, I'm rather large. 36-37" shrt sleeve, 52 Long coat. Size 8 hat. XXL most everything else.

For the closer to average shooter, IMO, a 12 1/2 to 13 1/2" LOP works.

When in doubt, go shorter.

FYI, I can shoot the Youth stock passably.