Remington factory plastic stock lengths

[Reaper]

I picked up this used Remington 870 stock at a gun show recently. What length is this considered? I'm guessing 13 inches. Are they measured with the buttpad on or off? Is a 12 inch LE or youth model total 12 inches with pad installed? I would like to try a solid stock about 10 inches in length like my M4 style stock is fully collapsed.

[Synchronizor]

Folks usually refer to stocks by their length of pull (LoP). This is the distance from the butt (including the recoil pad, if so equipped) to the trigger. This is a more relevant metric for determining whether or not there's room for your hand and your face, and for describing how far you have to reach to operate the trigger.



The traditional way to test fit is to hold the gun upright in your hand with your elbow at a 90-degree angle and the stock inside your fore-arm. If the butt just reaches your upper arm, it's supposed to be the correct LoP. It's not perfect, but it's a decent rule of thumb.



Standard LoP for 870s is 14", and that's a good starting point for average-statured men and larger women, when there's no heavy clothing or gear involved. The stock in the picture you posted is a 14" LoP stock. 13" - 12" LoPs show up on compact models, or on stocks meant to be used while wearing armor or heavy combat gear. Going below 12" is getting pretty darn short - at least for a straight or semi-grip stock.

[Reaper]

So.....that makes my M4 style stocks LOP 11 inches measured from the trigger to the end of the buttstock fully collapsed. A twelve inch LOP should work fine for me then. Thanks for the info.

[Synchronizor]

Stocks with a full pistol grip can allow for a shorter LoP than more traditional stocks. The pistol grip puts the hand farther forward relative to the butt, and you're not wrapping your thumb around the top of the stock, so there's more room for your face.