Opinions, big bores with straight stock or pistol grip?

nemhed · Post by **nemhed** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:40 pm

I personally love the sleek look of a straight stock, but wonder if there is any benefit in control or recoil management with a pistol grip stock on a big bore lever gun. I've found a deal on a standard Marlin 1895. If I got it I would probably shorten it to Guide Gun spec, but wonder about keeping the pistol grip stock. I notice when shooting my 1894c with its straight stock, my right hand takes a natural cant that would pretty much match the angle of a pistol grip anyway. So I would like to hear everyone's opinion and experiences on the subject. Thanks

RSY · Post by **RSY** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:51 pm

I heartily agree with your suggestion that the heavy hitters benefit from a pistol-grip stock when it comes to recoil.

Many times have I wished my BB94 .375 Win. was really a BB64.

scott

Post by **Old Savage** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 12:03 am

I have both and both work fine but I have to say I prefer a pistol grip.

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:22 am

Same here, PG for me.

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:52 am

RSY wrote:I heartily agree with your suggestion that the heavy hitters benefit from a pistol-grip stock when it comes to recoil.

Many times have I wished my BB94 .375 Win. was really a BB64.

scott

How's that? Do you think you can hold the gun from kicking you?

Borregos · Post by **Borregos** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:55 am

I have both but prefer the straight stock.

Malamute · Post by **Malamute** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:03 am

I prefer the straight grip stock for looks and handling, but the OLD Winchester PG's aren't too bad, they were not very tight.

I'd happily trade the pistol grip on my 71 for a straight.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:41 am

For actual shooting I prefer pistol grips. For aesthetics, I like straight. That's why you have to have several examples of each.

Post by **Hobie** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:48 am

I like the straight grip. I like the looks because I like the feel. However, it is the buttplate width, drop, pitch and comb design that really determine how a stock handles recoil.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:57 am

TedH wrote:For actual shooting I prefer pistol grips. For aesthetics, I like straight. That's why you have to have several examples of each.

Ted,
Me too. A pistol grip gives more control. The top silhouette shooters I have seen use pg Model 64's but the look of a straight grip is the one I like. BTW- nice cat you got there---what did you take him down with?-----------------------Sixgun

edsguns · Post by **edsguns** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 1:02 pm

I own a .444 Marlin with pistol grip, a .450 BLR with straight grip and a .325WSM BLR with pistol grip. They all recoil about the same, I'd say. I prefer the pistol grip look and feel. I also think there's not enough difference in feel that you shouldn't simply buy what looks good to your eye.

nemhed · Post by **nemhed** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 1:20 pm

Another question then, is your trigger hand subjected to more punishment under heavy recoil with a straight stock versus a pistol grip?

Mich Hunter · Post by **Mich Hunter** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 1:40 pm

I have a Marlin in both straight and pistol grip. Recoil is the same, but I can get faster follow up shots with the piatol grip. The staright grip I need to drop out of my shoulder to cycle

Lastmohecken · Post by **Lastmohecken** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 5:34 pm

Hobie wrote:I like the straight grip. I like the looks because I like the feel. However, it is the buttplate width, drop, pitch and comb design that really determine how a stock handles recoil.

I agree, either one can work very well, if everthing else is correct. Too long a length of pull, bothers me more then about anything else, and I don't like a slick buttplate like on the Browning 95 has. I have been thinking about changing mine over to a thin rubber pad or checkered steel buttplate for sometime.

Sharptop · Post by **Sharptop** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 5:41 pm

I love the straight grip. On shotguns and rifles. I find I have much better "feel" or connection to the gun for putting it up into firing position.

The last two years I've had occasion to shoot fast running deer with my Marlin 1894 SS .44 mag. Both times I killed the deer but could not remember exactly how many shots I fired. The cycling took place almost as an automation, it did not enter my awareness at all.

So I like the straight or English stock, as shotguns are referred to.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 6:37 pm

I like the look of the straight stock but IMO there is no arguing the superior recoil handling abilities of the pistol grip. 1886.

Jayhawker · Post by **Jayhawker** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:12 pm

I prefer the pistol grip for the heavy hitters as I feel it helps me deal with the recoil better, but prefer the straight grip for the pistol calibers. The straight is quicker handling for me.

old goat · Post by **old goat** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:50 pm

...In the straight grip vs. pistol grip, for whatever reason, I prefer the straight grip. Stocks with pistol grips do not handle well for me.

...I really cannot see how the pistol grip would help with recoil. To each their own!

...The reason both styles are made, is because "one size (style) does NOT fit all".

...old goat

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:07 am

A straight stock on a lever gun just looks right!!!

homefront · Post by **homefront** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:43 am

I have both, and the only difference I feel is before I pull the trigger. The pistol grip deludes me into thinking it's better, because it feels, well, like a pistol. There is absolutely no difference in felt recoil, or in follow up speed, as I hold the rifle to my shoulder using the forearm when I cycle the action.

nralover · Post by **nralover** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 9:38 am

I prefer a straight grip, more for looks than function, but I do feel it is slightly more comfortable as well.

El Mac · Post by **El Mac** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 10:07 am

Have both, like both.

Swampman · Post by **Swampman** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 10:44 am

I like the looks of the straight wrist best, but the pistol grip is more controllable under recoil.