What does a Straight Stock Do For You

[348win]

I prefer a PG stock,

reasons when putting hand out to point naturally; closest position to that on a rifle is Pistol grip

I feel a straight stock my hands always trying to "come out of the gun"

I'm curious what you guys that prefer a straight stock.....why

I'm missing something, you always miss something to when your stubbornly stuck on a certain way, you don't get to learn if your not open to other ways

[348win]

I admit a straight stock might feel faster to action

PG is kind of Lazy, settle in

[Grizz]

i have both and prefer the straight stock. something about how it comes up and lines up, plus more handier to carry barrel down in the woods for me. plus like the straight lever too. i can't say why, maybe it has to do with my frame geometry.... i just don't know.

[Malamute]

I refer straight on most rifles. At one point i was on horses some I cut the pistol grip off a bolt action rifle, it was easier to carry laid across the saddle in front of me and keep my hand on the wrist of the stock. It was good grizzly country, I wanted the rifle to come with me if I came off the horse.

Straight grips seem faster handling on fast snap shots and running game shots, and definitely easier to carry at the ready, or loose port arms as the term may properly be, when walking and ready to take a fast shot. Holding a carbine in one hand by the grip while doing something with the other hand, like part brush or move a branch seems easier with the straight grip stock to me.

One of the earlier prairie travelers that wrote about his experiences mentioned how they liked the new Winchester carbine (1866 model) as it was so short and light it could be held out in one hand and fired like a pistol. I may have been able to do that at some pint, but I admit Im currently not quite as tough as he was, however the lighter 92s can be held out by an old geezer and fired that way. I hardly ever get in running Indian battles off horseback any more though, so its of limited usefulness.

[JimT]

I am with Malamute. When I had horses the straight stock was best for me on horseback. Plus .. it's what I started out with as a teenager and just prefer. I ain't saying it's "better" .... I am saying for me it is better.

[Sarge]

It makes a Marlin palatable, to hands ground for a Winchester. Marlin recognized this about 1952 and offered their 336 Texan.



This one is a Ballard rifled old Thirty Five, 70 years old--barely older than me. Still wallops Bambi with authority.


I've put about 200 rounds of 40,000 PSI loads through this rifle in the last year. I suspect the straight grip models kick a little harder but I don't care. Straight grip lever actions are all I have space for in my rifle rack.

(Edited for brevity)

[pipehand]

All but one of my leverguns have a straight grip. Seems to point and feel livelier than the p.g. I only bought the p.g. 336 because it was a great deal, and shoots tighter than my 30TK. The TK just feels better in my hands though and the difference in accuracy isnt anything that matters in field conditions.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I don’t know that I ever paid that much attention.

Most of my leverguns have straight stocks. But I definitely prefer a full pistol grip stock on a shotgun. I just think it gives me a lot more control.

[jeepnik]

A straight stock just feels right. And in the end that's all that matters.

[Bill in Oregon]

I prefer a pistol grip but have and have had both. I always found the Winchester Model 64 more elegant and ergonomic than the Model 94. On something like a Sharps, I much prefer the PG for control when target shooting. Horses look at me and laugh, so saddle carry matters not a whit in "Bill's World."

[4t5]

Straight stocks bring me back to child hood days watching Gunsmoke , and the Rifleman .

[Nath]

I don't mind either way. Neither has any bearing in decision making as far as I'm concerned.

[GunnyMack]

Straight ( English) style stocks were to allow the hand to slide fore & aft smoothly to easier pick which barrel would be fired first. This was something I saw,heard some time ago. Having used both single trigger and double trigger guns this theory doesn't hold water as the trigger finger only needs to move slightly to get the front or back trigger. That being said an English stock can move easier under recoil BUT recoil is moving backwards not forwards so a PG will move just as easily.
I believe that a straight style stock was more for ease of production. Much simpler to carve and finish than a PG .
Think about all of the early muzzle loaders, all straight grip guns. It wasn't until much later the PG came along when someone decided to do something different. This difference created a new style of stock. Which has led to tight grips, open grips, palm swells.

[348win]

i agree straight is cheaper and faster for production

[44shooter]

It doesn’t make much difference to me in feel and some models look better with one or the other to me. I have both straight and PG stocked lever actions. Generally, I think straight stocks go with carbines/short rifles and PGs go with longer rifles. I tend to like a more open pistol grip even on bolt actions and I have small hands, so I’m not usually not in the deep curve any way.

[marlinman93]

I started out shooting and collecting old Marlin lever actions, and those with straight grip stocks were always standard models, where pistol grips were deluxe special order, and cost more. So the pistol grip deluxe also cost more to buy as collectible firearms also. I think I had probably a dozen straight grip Marlins before I found a pistol grip 1893 Marlin I could afford. Once I held it and felt the way my hand settled around the pistol grip version I only wanted pistol gripped versions! They just felt right to me, and basically because the same reason you mentioned, it's a natural way to hold your hand without pointing your wrist downward to grip a straight grip.
I own far more pistol gripped old rifles now and love the look of them, and the feel when shooting them.

[Eddie Southgate]

I have both and like both but I think on a lever action and a shotgun the straight stock looks best . Actually prefer straight on a good double gun.

[JimT]

I have both and like both but I think on a lever action and a shotgun the straight stock looks best . Actually prefer straight on a good double gun.

I agree. I just can't see John Wayne twirling a pistol-gripped levergun.

[Griff]

Either for me. I like 'em both! Shoot either equally bad when my head's not "in the game". Shoot either equally well when it is! For a saddle gun, I like a straight grip... appearance of either is of no consequence, it's figure of wood, metal finish and balanced look that appeals to me, and either can do that.

sharps&saddle.JPG

Custom 94.JPG

[OldWin]

I have both but much prefer a straight stock. They shoulder smoother and point more naturally for me. Of course, I started out with straight stocked Winchesters, so I'm sure some of it is habit and muscle memory.
Just like I much prefer the Winchester actions over the Marlins. However, I'd had a lot of Winchesters before I owned my first Marlin.

[kaschi]

All of my levers have straight grips except these: Win Model 71, Browning 65, Browning 71 and Savage 99.

For me it's simply that I find straight grips more "aesthetically pleasing" on MOST lever actions. One lever I'd still love to own is a Big Horn Armory Model 89. If given the choice between a PG or SG model, it would be the SG. Unfortunately, this isn't an option!

[COSteve]

While I also have both, I prefer the more natural fell of my wrist in a PG stock.

[jkbrea]

I have a couple of each. The straight stock just looks way cooler in my opinion.

[348win]

Interesting conversation and quite an even split I'd say

maybe Slightly more favoring straight stock

[rossim92]

drool!

[AJMD429]

.
If given a choice I'll take the pistol-grip stock, although either is ok with me.

If shooting prone or with a short stock, the pistol grip is easier to point well.

[Paladin]

I don't mind either way. Neither has any bearing in decision making as far as I'm concerned.

+1

[Walker]

I've grown to appreciate the model 71 pistol grip for handling the recoil; fingers don't get beat up. I do wish Winchester had stayed with the 1886 style PG though. Lesser cartridges I like a straight grip.

[LeverGunner]

I like them both. A straight grip handles faster and to me looks better. But a pistol grip is more comfortable to shoot for any length of time.

[Ji in Hawaii]

I have always been partial to straight grips, especially on my leverguns. My model 1916 Mauser, and 1903 Springfield both have straight grips too. To me they just look and feel right. Now on my scoped rifles like my model 70 Winchester, and H&R Handi Rifle a pistol grip is acceptable. All my break-barrel air rifle of course have pistol grips.

[6pt-sika]

Let’s see in all the Marlin levers I had there were a good many straight and I never really noticed any difference . In shotguns both SxS and O/U I e had both straight and pg and I gotta say I can do equally well or equally bad depending on your perspective with either . Bolt action rifles the only straight stock guns I had were Swedish Mausers and I did fine with them .

[6pt-sika]

Let’s see in all the Marlin levers I had there were a good many straight and I never really noticed any difference . In shotguns both SxS and O/U I e had both straight and pg and I gotta say I can do equally well or equally bad depending on your perspective with either . Bolt action rifles the only straight stock guns I had were Swedish Mausers and I did fine with them .

[348win]

I gotta get me some trigger time behind a M64 before they put me in the ground.

I haven't been acquainted of use w levers where "the guts fall out" during cycling.

But I'd be willing to let one prove me its worth.

And the 30-30, another I don't have time behind, is just a DANDY right there in the middle of capable at longer range w higher BC compared to fat pistol bullets. No fumbling short ammo around, its kinda just right. And it ain't full power that you can't shoot it a lot.

I just couldn't see shooting my 348 for (50) plus rounds or for hours at a time, without getting physically and mentally worn down from the recoil and pounding it gives.

Now a 30-30 is a different story.

Like my 32-20 I could literally shoot that thing ALL DAY, I bet a 30-30 could be shot all day as well, or close to it.

[OldWin]

Yes, the 30-30 is very pleasant to shoot. It really is the Goldilocks. I'm sure that's why there are so many around.
Oddly enough, I haven't shot any my 64s yet (I'll have to rectify that this spring). I have shot my factory 64/94 (basically a straight grip 64) quite a bit. It's in 32WS, but probably one of the most accurate Winchester lever actions Ive ever owned.

[LeverGunner]

I do love the 30-30 myself. It's such a balanced round. Enough power, but not too much recoil. Not to mention, the cartridge just looks right.

[Grizz]

too much coffee perhaps, but it interests me to hear that recoil is an issue. i think managing recoil is a shooter issue more than a gun issue. with 2 exceptions. a marlin 45/70 straight grip and 22" barrel. I have 3 other 45s and no problemo. the marlin will tattoo me with a large bruise. [ !!!!! ] The other is my son's marlin 444, which can tease me into flinching unless i do some kind of mental gymnastics before let-off. [ !!!!! ] I am enjoying structural frame issues associated with [ ??? ] maturity, I hate making excuses. but that's my excuse. :lol: :lol: :lol:



.
grizz

[Pat C]

I started out shooting and collecting old Marlin lever actions, and those with straight grip stocks were always standard models, where pistol grips were deluxe special order, and cost more. So the pistol grip deluxe also cost more to buy as collectible firearms also. I think I had probably a dozen straight grip Marlins before I found a pistol grip 1893 Marlin I could afford. Once I held it and felt the way my hand settled around the pistol grip version I only wanted pistol gripped versions! They just felt right to me, and basically because the same reason you mentioned, it's a natural way to hold your hand without pointing your wrist downward to grip a straight grip.
I own far more pistol gripped old rifles now and love the look of them, and the feel when shooting them.

That is a beauty !

[marlinman93]

I started out shooting and collecting old Marlin lever actions, and those with straight grip stocks were always standard models, where pistol grips were deluxe special order, and cost more. So the pistol grip deluxe also cost more to buy as collectible firearms also. I think I had probably a dozen straight grip Marlins before I found a pistol grip 1893 Marlin I could afford. Once I held it and felt the way my hand settled around the pistol grip version I only wanted pistol gripped versions! They just felt right to me, and basically because the same reason you mentioned, it's a natural way to hold your hand without pointing your wrist downward to grip a straight grip.
I own far more pistol gripped old rifles now and love the look of them, and the feel when shooting them.

That is a beauty !

Thanks Pat. Special order deluxe engraved 1893 with full 28" barrel and mag tube, and special sights at all 3 positions. Piano finish 4x wood, and upgraded checkering. .30-30 caliber.

[Pat C]

You just can't beat the look of a deluxe rifle with fancy wood and checkering. I have a 1902 Winchester 1894 project gun that was given to me by a friend. Just a box of parts currently.
Factory letter it was a 30 WCF octagon barrel pistol grip hard rubber shotgun butt.

According to my friend it was in his family for years and lived a well used life in some rugged country. It had been rebarreled in 40's . That barrel was also bad and pulled.

That's how I got it no barrel . I do have a 32 WS octagon I thought about sending for rebore to 38-55 and making it into deluxe short rifle. Frame had been refinished before I believe .
Markings are thin.

On the fence on what to do with it. Original buttstock numbered to rifle is poor shape but can be fixed and at least restored to reasonable shape.

[Griff]

I started out shooting and collecting old Marlin lever actions, and those with straight grip stocks were always standard models, where pistol grips were deluxe special order, and cost more. So the pistol grip deluxe also cost more to buy as collectible firearms also. I think I had probably a dozen straight grip Marlins before I found a pistol grip 1893 Marlin I could afford. Once I held it and felt the way my hand settled around the pistol grip version I only wanted pistol gripped versions! They just felt right to me, and basically because the same reason you mentioned, it's a natural way to hold your hand without pointing your wrist downward to grip a straight grip.
I own far more pistol gripped old rifles now and love the look of them, and the feel when shooting them.

I got to visit with a friend of mine last night and he showed me his latest acquisition, an 1893 Marlin in .30-30 w/very similar checkering on a PG stock, nicely figured wood, but with a hard rubber shotgun buttplate, 26" ½rnd/oct bbl &, ½ magazine in what I'd call 95+ condition. Color me envious!Color casing was still bright and deep bluing. Didn't appear to be refinished. I'll ask if he'd send me a pic.

[348win]

This forums my new favorite place to check back on.

Something to look forward to, conversation w like minded lever nerds

[marlinman93]

I got to visit with a friend of mine last night and he showed me his latest acquisition, an 1893 Marlin in .30-30 w/very similar checkering on a PG stock, nicely figured wood, but with a hard rubber shotgun buttplate, 26" ½rnd/oct bbl &, ½ magazine in what I'd call 95+ condition. Color me envious!Color casing was still bright and deep bluing. Didn't appear to be refinished. I'll ask if he'd send me a pic.

Color case done on non engraved Marlins was more vivid than what Marlin used on engraved guns. The reason being the vivid case colors Marlin did hid the engraving, so they adjusted either the bone charcoal ratio, or temperature to get less vivid colors on engraved versions and make the engraving easier to see. When I first saw this I though case colors were faded more than the rest of the gun's finish, but after owning 4 or 5 engraved guns, and seeing others I realized they're just more subdued.

[Bill in Oregon]

I would have preferred this Uberti 73 to have had a pistol grip, but it feels pretty fine with the straight grip. Need to put up some Savvy Jack/Bryan Austin loads with Re7 for this thing.