Gain Accuracy and Control With Stock and Forend Shotgun Parts
With the right to bear arms comes the right to make them look awesome. Shotgun stocks and forends are some of the few parts you can swap and customize. Some types provide a better grip or mitigate recoil, while others add more functionality. Shotgun stocks are fine out of the factory, but when teaching people new to shooting higher gauges, a replacement like a pistol grip may be in order. Replacing the shotgun stock is also ideal when looking to achieve better control than you would have on wooden stocks. Whatever gauge you like to shoot, customizing or replacing these integral parts will benefit both accuracy and safety. Remington, Hogue, and Mossberg are some gun manufacturers who offer stock and forearm replacements.
What Are Stocks and Forends For?
- Stock: The shotgun stock is dedicated to providing you with ample grip and stability when holding especially high gauge guns. This part consists of a long piece of material held against your shoulder for support. Stocks can be made of wood or synthetic material that is lightweight yet incredibly rigid and durable. Pistol grip stocks are conducive for better control, much like you would have on a pistol or a rifle. It can have pistol pads with grippy textures to improve stability and mitigate recoil. Some stocks also have butt pads with cushioning material for recoil reduction and comfort, especially on higher gauges.
- Forend: Also called the forearm, this component functions both as a handle and a protective cover for the reloading action on some guns like pump-action, semi-auto shotguns, and rifles. It consists of a shaft that may have textures or ridges on the surface for better grip. Forearms can be made of maple, walnut, or injection molded synthetic material that is durable, light, yet incredibly sturdy.
What Designs or Types Can I Buy?
- Over and Under: These shotguns have stacked barrels, which are loaded independently of each other. The stock and forearms are generally for grip and stability purposes only, much like on a rifle, so replacing them would be a matter of unscrewing the old ones and putting on the new ones.
- Semi-Auto: The nature of a semi-automatic shotgun is that up to three shells can be stored in its magazine. The forearm acts as a protective cover for the magazine mechanism along with providing ample gripping. Since this shotgun is built for speed and accuracy, the forearms have more emphasized textures and ridges for better handling.
- Pump-Action: As a classic hunting tool along with the rifle, this type of scattergun usually comes with wooden stocks and forearms. For a pristine piece, buy a maple or walnut stock and forearm kit to preserve the classic look of your firearm. Modern synthetic material like injection molding also suits the pump-action, with black and gray as mainstays in terms of color and texture.