[davidlars]

I have a 1969 20 ga vent rib Wingmaster that I got for Christmas when I was 16. Although it's been in the field a lot over the years, it still looks virtually new. I have recently scored a plain barrel for it (very hard to come by as they quit making the full frame 20 gauges in the early 70s) to cut down to 18.5" as an addition to my PT 140 for HD.

Do you think I should do a change out to say a Hogue pistol grip/forearm setup for HD, when she's not being used for hunting? I think that setup would put it at around 28"+/- overall length, and the gorgeous walnut could sit in cotton until upland time. Thoughts?

 

[Nomad1]

Sounds like a good idea good to me, just remember, when you put a pistol grip on any weapon it automatically becomes evil and capable of terrible acts of unspeakable carnage.

 

[davidlars]

LOL. I guess I'm already evil then with my 709 and 140.

 

[granthol]

I would not. This seems to be a weapon you are very familiar with. I get the shorter barrel, but why change a stock you are comfortable with already. In a case you really need it, I would want the most familiar gun possible. Just my 2cents.

 

[PolyFan]

My 870 (similar to your situation) is a 12 gauge so I opted to get a youth (slightly shorter) synthetic stock and forearm for the kick and cost savings. I was thinking how nice 20 gauge with the Hogue setup (pistol grip) would be though; thought the 12 gauge kick might be too much for me. Great video's on YouTube on how to convert the walnut stock/forearms when ready. Fun conversion, and I still maintained MY 870 for bird hunting, etc...

 

[davidlars]

After granthol's response and other forum thoughts on the pistol grip idea, I will stick with the original stock and short barrel. However, I am thinking of swapping out the forearm/forend/pump slide (whatever you'd like to call it) for a tactical forearm with a rail for a light. I've looked online and there are many options. The question is, will they fit my 1969 870 20 ga? Suggestions?

Gotta admit that a walnut butt stock with a black forearm and light will look weird, but at my age, tacticool is not priority 1. And the walnut forearm is in cotton as we speak. Getting it off the pipe was interesting. I was worried it might split. Didn't. Whew!

 

[MOONDAWG]

A 20 ga. Remington 870 is fine for home defense.

I personally don't like "pistol grip only" shotguns.

The "look" may impress mall ninja's but aren't much fun to shoot for experienced or novice shooters, nor do they make it more "accurate" to deploy in a defensive setting.

I'd much prefer making the shotgun as short as legally permissable (barrel & stock).

Having a stock to weld to shoulder & cheek is a big advantage to accurate shooting. Because, yes, at close distances one can "miss" a man sized target entirely.:r_c:

 

[davidlars]

Moondawg, I agree. Been knocking this around for a bit. I'll leave the pistol grip idea for the movies and stick with what has nailed a lot of pheasants, quail, and rabbits over it's life. If ever needed, god forbid, I doubt the BG will be flying or hopping.

 

[Wolf1477]

Or you could always go the best of both worlds and get a stock with a pistol grip.

Personally, I cringed more at modifying a 20 year old shogun than I did the grip style<g> I'd rather butcher a dime-a-dozen Mossy 500 than an old Wingmaster.

I do heartily agree with Moondawg on the pistol grip only being uncomfortable, I've shot any number of "tactical" shotguns and much prefer the feel of either a traditional stock or one with the pistol grip added so you can have a good cheek weld and the maneuverability of the pistol grip.

 

[PeanutsAndSoap]

Or you could always go the best of both worlds and get a stock with a pistol grip.

Personally, I cringed more at modifying a 20 year old shogun than I did the grip style<g> I'd rather butcher a dime-a-dozen Mossy 500 than an old Wingmaster.

I do heartily agree with Moondawg on the pistol grip only being uncomfortable, I've shot any number of "tactical" shotguns and much prefer the feel of either a traditional stock or one with the pistol grip added so you can have a good cheek weld and the maneuverability of the pistol grip.

Does anyone recommend one to fit a Remington 870? The pistol grip stock that is...

 

[MadKaw]

I have a 1969 20 ga vent rib Wingmaster that I got for Christmas when I was 16. Although it's been in the field a lot over the years, it still looks virtually new. I have recently scored a plain barrel for it (very hard to come by as they quit making the full frame 20 gauges in the early 70s) to cut down to 18.5" as an addition to my PT 140 for HD.

Do you think I should do a change out to say a Hogue pistol grip/forearm setup for HD, when she's not being used for hunting? I think that setup would put it at around 28"+/- overall length, and the gorgeous walnut could sit in cotton until upland time. Thoughts?

Check Ohio law. In Michigan any firearm with an overall length less than 30" is defined as a pistol, so that conversion would be illegal here.

 

[davidlars]

Pistol grip is out. I've shot this baby from the hip a few times over 43 years. Just going to find a forend with a rail for a light. Talked to a tech at Brownells and he said a 12 ga forearm will work fine. Just some dust beneath the smaller barrel.

 

[davidlars]

Thanks to all. There is no butchering here. The forearm/end is sitting on my table as we speak...unscathed. Just looking for a replacement with a rail for a light. Not a 4 D cell Maglight, but something to illuminate. ???