Anyone cut wood stock to 12" and find a pad that fits?

[MStarmer]

Sorry only my second post, I hope this is the right area.

Just got a 870P with wood and want to reduce the LOP to 12" and still want a decent pad. I assume this is a routine mod, I know I could just get the Hogue but I want to keep the wood. It's a new gun, not collector or anything so I have no problem modifying the wood, fitting a pad is something I've never done. I was hoping that someone new of one that would be the closest fit.

Or if all else fails who could I send the stock to get this done and not have to wait weeks/months/years to get it back. I'm in the North Puget Sound area of WA.

Thanks,
MStarmer

[Synchronizor]

I'm sure you could find a pre-fit pad that would be close enough to work, but if you don't want it looking sloppy, you may have to go with a grind-to-fit pad. There are different options out there, but I would suggest picking the pad before you do your cutting, because the dimensions of the pad will affect how much you need to cut the stock down to achieve your desired LoP. You should be able to make some rough measurements of the uncut stock to figure out what size pad you need; and if it's a grind-to-fit, you can always round up to allow for error.

I don't really know all the tricks to cutting down a stock and fitting a pad; my relevant anthropometry is pretty much right on the 50th-percentile, and the Police furniture fits me perfectly as-is. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, try asking around at local gun shops. Employees who know what they're talking about are generally able to point you to a capable gunsmith, or at least get you started on the trail.

[MStarmer]

Employees who know what they're talking about are generally able ...

Just that line is somewhat funny. Local gun shops around here are fading quick and the ones left are pretty useless. About a year ago we had a new Cabela's open up about 20min away, that seems to drive most of the business. I try to take most of my purchases north to Kesselring's gun shop but even now they are pretty much wiped out on the standard stuff like primers/powders and the likes. I did not inquire as to their gunsmith the last time I was up there. I think it's some little guy kept under the store hobbled, I've heard people speak of him but no ones seen him

[MStarmer]

Well I just ended up doing it myself. I figured what's the worst that can happen right?? Anyway I used a Limbsaver small grind to fit pad as it was locally available at Cabela's, even the small one meant a LOT OF GRINDING. It wasn't until after I started working on this that most of the info I found suggests NOT to use this pad if you are trying to do it yourself. I'm am reasonably happy with how it turned out but I do need to touch up the end of the stock as I did have very minor chip out and an obvious line where the wood was cut so it kind of stands out where the pad meets the butt. I ended up with a LOP of about 12.25" so it is night and day compared to the original 14". Apparently the Pachmayar Decelerator pads are somewhat easier to fit as they do not get as gummy. It's not a seamless fit but for my first one and a $39 Harbor Freight belt sander I don't think it's too bad. I still have to reinstall the sling stud after I shorten it a bit as the screw for the pad and it want to occupy the same territory, not really looking to run a sling with it but I didn't want to fill the hole at this point.

[Synchronizor]

That looks great! Nice job.

I'm also not a fan of the tacky rubber on the Limbsaver pads. I much prefer the smoother SuperCells (plus, the SuperCell pads are about half the price of a Limbsaver).

I would suggest putting in some extended practice time with the gun before you go through and put the detailed finishing touches on on the stock; just in case you want to take a little more off, or adjust something else.

[Chief Brody]

Nice job! I've got the same 870P, and I've recently started thinking about shortening my stock as well. Question about your bolt - Did you get a new/used chrome and put it in or polish the parked oem one? Definitely something I'd like to add to mine. Looks great.

[MStarmer]

Nah, when I brought it home that was the first thing I started playing with while I was cleaning it. I hit it with some 1000grit and then some flitz while I watching TV. It's a lot shinier looking in the pick than it actually is. I'm going to work on it more each time I'm cleaning on it.

As far as cutting the stock goes 12" give or take is about as short as you can go without deepening the shoulder and shortening the bolt. Also you will see I went just outside the sling swivel so I could put it back for aesthetics. If you are going to do it yourself I would stay away from the limbsavers, too gummy. I already am thinking I'll probably replace it at some point.

[MStarmer]

Although I'm sort of confident in my ability it didn't turn out exactly as I thought, mainly due to the material of the pad. I did find a reputable smith to do a second stock and had him fit a Pachmayr Decelerator and shorten the LOP to 12.25".

Just figured I'd update this post if anyone is looking for someone to do it for them. Super nice guy and I had my stock back in about 2 weeks from the time I sent it. $60 + the price of the pad.

Bob Day (R&D Custom Barrel Service)
www.americhoke.com

Here's the one he did.

[Synchronizor]

That looks nice. How do you like the Pachmayr pad over the Limbsaver?

[MStarmer]

I haven't shot this one yet (Decelerator) but it shoulders nicely albeit still just a little on the sticky side. No where near as grabby/sticky/tacky as the grind to fit limbsaver though, but not as slick as the Remington Supercell. I still need to hit it with some armorall or something to finish it up and get it to the range.