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Length of pull mod. Do I dare cut the stock?
Kevin_L
Member Posts: 2,011 ✭✭✭✭
Hey folks...I have a legitimate question this time.
I'm refinishing the stock on a 1955 Browning Auto 5 Light 12 shotgun. It kicks like an angry Chuck Norris.
I have a slip on Limbsaver recoil pad on it that increases the LOP of the gun to the point it's awkward to handle. Not comfortable; just feels wrong.
I'm thinking of trimming the stock down by the width of a 'grind to fit' Limbsaver recoil pad (about 1"). That gets me the LOP that I want and some protection against Delta Force amounts of recoil.
Is this a bad idea? Would you make this modification?
🇺🇲 "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson 🇺🇲
Comments
Yes, No
Go buy yourself a shotgun that you like and set that one in the back of the gunsafe.
Oil it down good first.
It depends on the condition of the gun....you can cut on something and make it perfect for you without depreciating the value if its already rough. If its a nice gun in great shape....take the stocks off and store them away, put some garbage set on it that you can sand down, cut or paint and it can be switched back without much trouble.
The gun is in great condition. There's no rust, no blemishes, and you have to look closely to find any issues with the steel. Mechanically, its clean and reliable. The stock is in good shape to start with making my task of refinishing more a labor of love than a necessity.
🇺🇲 "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson 🇺🇲
It is your gun, do with it as you wish. Don
Sell it and buy a Beretta semi auto. You will like it much better.
I think Locust Fork has the right idea. Buy a used stock or a stock blank and shorten and refinish it. Make sure you KNOW HOW TO DO IT. This procedure is covered in most gunsmithing books. Good luck.
Added: What mike55 said. Re recoil, assume you know how to position the friction ring for light or heavy loads. Instruction are on the forend.
Replace the recoil spring and make sure the brass bushings are in the correct placement. You put them in different places for lower powered shells(bird shot) and higher powered shells(high brass duck loads).
You will be amazed how the new recoil spring takes the kick.
PS...keep the original spring just for collectors sake!
To your question, NO I would not cut the stock! Try the spring and go from there.
...unless your arms or going to grow shorter or longer, have it cut to fit and enjoy it...
If you really like the gun and you plan on using it over the years, yes. Now if you’re holding it back as an investment, no. If the length of pull on it now suits you just right, measure it and only cut what is needed off the stock to retain that length, for the recoil pad you choose.
Now the important question is, are you planning on doing it your self ? If you have never fitted a recoil pad before your self, it might be wise to have someone else install it for you that has had experience, and you have seen their work before and consider it good.
If it is going to be a shooter - cut it and enjoy.
If it is a collector piece - leave it alone.
Since you have already refinished the stock, I would opt for the cut and pad addition. Older A-5's don't fit me because of the stock configuration, to much drop, so if that is the case for you replace the stock with one that has less drop. The only shotgun that ever really hurt me after 25 shots or so was an A5 16ga from that same time frame. Life is to short to put up with an ill fitting gun. Bob
That's excellent advice, Mike. The gun may actually have the original spring in it.
I don't know if it's a legit collector piece. I think it may be more valuable to me as the first gun my dad bought when he got out of the Army. A good keepsake.
My father in law is a gunsmith and gunmaker with a career in woodworking so I'm not worried about making the cut or grinding the recoil pad to fit. He's got the skill and the experience and is a good teacher.
🇺🇲 "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson 🇺🇲
Find a replacement stock, cut to you liking and store the original.
Don't look at the resale value since it should be a keeper.
That's the way I'm leaning right now. You and Kasey have the right idea. It's not a huge expense to get an extra stock to chop on. Cheaper than a new shotgun, for sure.
🇺🇲 "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson 🇺🇲
Leave the stock the way it was when it was your father's, put it in a safe place for storage. Get another stock that doesn't have that special history and do what you will to it.
A shotgun properly fitting the shooter is the single most important aspect of the weapon.
Its your gun, have it fit to you properly. Dazzle your friends with what an absolute dead-eye shooter you are.
I'd be a dead-eye shooter if it weren't for my nearly dead eyes! 😂
🇺🇲 "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson 🇺🇲
A fitted shotgun is like going from a pocket pistol to a race gun.
It just helps you do everything better.
If it’s a Japanese A5 then cut away. Belgian, no way
If you've already refinished the stock, cutting it won't make it any less valuable since it's not original any more.
Belgian.
🇺🇲 "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson 🇺🇲
Exactly, and since they made 2.7 million of them plus the million plus or so Remington and Savage clones, unless it is mint or a rare variation cut it and make it fit. Your dad would be happy that you are using it. Bob
I think you should just add some length to your arms.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
My take is this. Are you going to ever sell the gun??? If no, cut the damn stock. Here is what I would do. I would go and buy another used stock, cut it down and put that one on. When you go to sell or pass down that beautiful humpback, put the original stock back on. I have done this with a few firearms, as my arms are shorter than most.
This would work. It does cost about what ten A5's are worth (the stock is very expensive) but it looks cool.
Nah. I don't like the color. 😂
🇺🇲 "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson 🇺🇲
Replacing the recoil spring will help and might even save the forearm from cracking!
Gotta remember, IF the spring is original, then it is OLD and weak. Mine is a few years older than yours and the new spring and bushings tamed the recoil a LOT. Fairly cheap to try.
Just sayin'
Gonna do that, Mike. I’ll dig around on GB to see if I can find a new spring.
—-
found and purchased. 😊
🇺🇲 "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson 🇺🇲
Hopefully that will tame it enough to remove the limb saver. If not, it will still prevent the forearm from cracking(if you set the bushings correct). Keep us updated.