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I tend to prefer the looks and feel of the straight stocked Marlins. However, I keep running into the idea that the pistol grips 'handle' recoil better. What is meant by this statement ? Is the stock physically stronger ?
Does the pistol grip lower felt recoil ?
Is this a just a bunch of hokum, thought up by some long forgotten gun scribe and repeated ever after ?
I can't respond to the recoil question, but it's my opinion that the pistol grip stocks are more ergonomically correct, i.e. comfortable, than straight gripped stocks.
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I, like you, prefer straight stocks on my rifles - specifically my leveractions. I think the preference for pistol grips is one of ergonomics - it doesn't actually reduce recoil (unless it adds mass compared to the same action on a straight stocked weapon), but allows most shooters to better manage the recoil.
That being said, it is an issue of what one feels most comfortable - and confident - with versus the science or physics.
IMO, The angle of the pistol grip allows the effects of recoil to be absorbed more by the larger muscles of the body, instead of the smaller hand/forearm muscles, by relieving some of the grasping pressure that must be used on a straight stock.
It's also easier to hold the rifle "plumb", or to control cant, with a PG than it is with a straight grip.
That said, I think straight grip stocks look best with full-length or button magazines; while PG stocks look best with a 2/3 or 1/2 magazine - but that's very subjective, beauty being in the eye of the beholder.
It looks like you and I are in the minority on this one. I like the curved ones better myself. But then you didn't say you liked them better yourself, did you? Personally my arm doesn't feel as contorted with a pistol grip as it does with a straight grip. I get the feeling like I have more control with the curved grip.
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I tend to prefer the looks and feel of the straight stocked Marlins. However, I keep running into the idea that the pistol grips 'handle' recoil better. What is meant by this statement ? Is the stock physically stronger ?
Does the pistol grip lower felt recoil ?
Is this a just a bunch of hokum, thought up by some long forgotten gun scribe and repeated ever after ?
Enquiring minds want to know...
revorg
It's a bunch of hokum. Neither stock handles recoil better. It's a personal preference thing. Personally I find pistol grip stocks on lever actions AWKWARD to use. The curve interferes with my grip. Double or triple that if a tang sight is installed.
Plus Marlin pistol grip stocks have a higher comb ( I think that's what the front of the stock where your cheek rests is called ) and it's shaped so that it actually impacts my cheek bone in a most painful way.
Make mine a straight stock every time. MUCH more comfortable for ME to shoot.
Joe
***Be sneaky, get closer, bust the cap on him when you can put the ball where it counts .***
What I like about the 'pistol grip' stocks is that when you are cocking or un-cocking the hammer, it is MUCH easier to do without strangely contorting your wrist and thumb. Just a smooth easy reach when the stock is curved, so less arm motion to spook that big whitetail!
Plus, IMHO, they generally just 'look better' than the straight stocks.
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As has been alluded to above, it is not an issue of the shoulder/recoil. In my opinion it does have an effect on the wrist, though, with the heavy recoilers.
I've always felt anything more powerful than a .30-30 might benefit from a pistol grip. I also think they facilitate the working of the lever with a shouldered weapon, regardless of chambering.
The point is not which stock handles recoil better but which sets the body up to handle recoil better. For me that is with a pistol grip. The web of the pectoralis muscle attaching to the shoulder is what absorbs the recoil. It should not be the stock on bone. For me the muscle is more stretched and less capable of absorbing the recoil with a straight stock. This may vary and people should shoot what is best for them. I fired more than 10,000 rounds of centerfire rifles up to 458s over a ten year period and this in not in doubt for me.
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I'm not sure you can generalize on this. I don't own a pistol grip levergun at present, but all straight grip stocks (or pistol grip stocks) are not created equal. The closer you are to the bore centerline, the less muzzle flip there will be, and the more direct into the shoulder. What is going to make the most difference is the "drop at heel" and shape of the buttpad. One manufacturer's straight grip might feel the same recoil-wise as someone else's pistol grip. It just depends on the shape of the buttpad and the amount of drop. Just my two cents.
WOW... lots of replies and opinions... Thanks !
I have two center-fire Marlins (and a 39M ) all with straight stocks. The 1st generation 444 with its odd but comfortable stock is a real ***** cat. My early 1895 45-70 is a BEAR when bench rested but manageable in any other position. That one could really use a recoil pad...
Now the reason for the question is I am thinking of a custom Marlin, probably from David Clements. I have had David repair my TLA#5 in the past and I have a Ruger Bisley on his bench now... I like his work.
I just have to decide on the base gun...
It's a nice problem to have
CowboyTutt wrote:I'm not sure you can generalize on this. I don't own a pistol grip levergun at present, but all straight grip stocks (or pistol grip stocks) are not created equal. The closer you are to the bore centerline, the less muzzle flip there will be, and the more direct into the shoulder. What is going to make the most difference is the "drop at heel" and shape of the buttpad. One manufacturer's straight grip might feel the same recoil-wise as someone else's pistol grip. It just depends on the shape of the buttpad and the amount of drop. Just my two cents.
CowboyTutt wrote:I'm not sure you can generalize on this. I don't own a pistol grip levergun at present, but all straight grip stocks (or pistol grip stocks) are not created equal. The closer you are to the bore centerline, the less muzzle flip there will be, and the more direct into the shoulder. What is going to make the most difference is the "drop at heel" and shape of the buttpad. One manufacturer's straight grip might feel the same recoil-wise as someone else's pistol grip. It just depends on the shape of the buttpad and the amount of drop. Just my two cents.
-Tutt
+1
+2.The shooter's physical build is a factor also.When I was younger and lankey a higher combo stock was necessary for comfort.Another factor to consider is the length of pull.In my youth I needed alonger than standard length of pull.Now beyond middleage things have changed .
"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not."
I only wish that Marlin would start making straight-grip, slender-forend, 30-30 carbines again--without the checkering! In short, guns like grandpa used, and like the custom boys all seem to spend money on re-creating.
