Wood Stocks

[BadMatt]

Hi Folks,

Soon I will be the proud owner of a brand new Mossberg 500. The first thing I thought when I handled the gun at the store was "This would look a lot better with a wood stock!" I guess I'm old fashioned.

Are wood stocks good to put on shotguns? Or should I leave it alone. I plan on going turkey hunting this March. Does wood stand up to reasonable hunting wear and tear?

Can a normal person install a wood stock without screwing up his gun? I have some basic tools, but I'm no gunsmith.

Thanks for the advice!

[MrOrange]

dbl post

[MrOrange]

Well sure, they worked fine for a few centuries before plastic stuff started getting popular, even in the wet stuff going after ducks and such. They're not as tough as a good synthetic, and of course won't handle getting soaked as well, but they work.

Can I get some cheesy old Mossberg love?




Dig that "engine turning" on the bolt and shell carrier:




If you know which end of a screwdriver to hammer on, you'll do fine. The buttstock is secured by a bolt accessible after you remove the recoil pad, you'll need a long extension. The fore end is held by a round nut with a couple slots, you can remove it once you have the barrel off. There is a special tool made for fore end nuts, but being a Swiss Army knife kinda guy, I use my Swiss Army knife (The flat-tip screwdriver. Works on 1911 barrel bushings, too.) Probably goes without saying, but I don't mind minor scuffs here and there, as I don't own any museum pieces.

[pdude]

I would think a heavier wood stock would ease recoil too.