Pistol grip to replace the stock on a shotgun?

Question

Hey everyone. I've been contemplating alot of accessories to add to my new Mossberg 88 (same as a Mossberg 500), and wanted input on the pistol grip for a shotgun. It gives it a more "assault shotgun" type look, but I don't really care. This shotgun is for self defense purposes inside my condo. (I live in an area where break-ins happen quite a bit)

I thought it would be a good idea, it lowers the overall length of the shotgun considerable and in turn, makes it easier to manuver. What yall think?

I also want a shotshell holder, have any of you ever used any shotshell holders that were elastic and went around the stock of the shotgun?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat602007-cat602306-cat602310&rid=&indexId=cat602310&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=16&parentType=index&parentId=cat602310&id=0005620

There's what I'm looking at right now as far as the rear grip goes.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/SHT005-1132-2123.html

That is what I'm looking at as far as the shotshell holder goes. Obviously, if I get the rear pistol grip I'll have to go with someone else, but I just wanted to know if anyone has used either and their general thoughts on both of those accessories.

Lastly, anything out there to dissapate the heat of the gun to prevent cracking/breaking? Or is that just inevitable?

Also, I was thinking, if I ever wanted to take the shotgun out to the woods, and I had the rear pistol grip instead of the stock, I could just switch them out. Is that possible? How much work does it involve?

Thanks everyone. =)

Answer 1

The Pistol Grip is an option that will work and make your 88 shorter in overall length. It isn't hard to control the shotgun with a Pistol Grip.....

You don't need to be concerned about HEAT and cracks in your Maverick 88....Heat will dissipate without a heat shield

The Tac-Star shell holder mounts onto the side of your Model 88's receiver and it also is a good option to use when you mount the pistol grip in place of the Butt Stock.

The Pistol Grip can be mounted easily by removing the Butt Pad (2 screws) then removing a single Stock bolt with a 6" extension ratchet wrench. The single pistol grip mounting hex-head screw is included in the cost of the Pistol grip and mounts using the same hole.NOTE* They are simple to switch back and forth...

The Elastic Shotshell Holder you are describing is made by Uncle Mikes Products..Item # 8849-1 $8.32 and is available thru J&M Shooting Supply online at www.shootnhunt.com

*Uncle Mikes website: (Under Const) www.uncle-mikes.com

Answer 2

On my 500 I have a pistol grip, aiming precisely is pretty hard. I have the 18" barrel, which leaves a few inches of room under the front of the barrel, and I mounted an inexpensive laser there. All I had to do was take a piece of scope mount rail from a rifle with a round receiver and carefully JB Weld it in place. Now when I'm indoors I can maneuver rapidly and still be able to aim accurately. Plus, a laser adds a more intimidating factor to any shotgun in the dark. It's very compact and easy to hide behind a dresser at this size.

The Tac-Star side saddle replaces the ejector screw with a longer screw, and replaces the pin that holds the trigger group with a screw. These hold a plate on the left side of the receiver, which in turn has the actual shell holder screw onto that. If you get a shell holder with a 6 shell capacity, you'll have to make sure that the forgrip does not extend over the receiver. I don't believe the Maverick 88 does, so you shouldn't worry about it.

If you need to remove the pistol grip, it's just a single screw in the back. Install a normal stock, there's a screw under the butt-pad that secures it to the receiver. Shouldn't take more than a couple minutes of screwing.

Answer 3

Good advice so far.
Some thing that might be an idea before you go with the pistol grip is try it out.
The only way you are going to know what works for you in the end is if you try it.
I bought a Knoxx Tactical stock for my 500 Mossberg thinking it would improve my home defense weapon for the wife. And it does reduce recoil a whole lot, BUT it was a pain in the rear trying to push the release for the slide. Seems their pistol grip on the adjustable stock made it very hard to hit the slide release, with the Mossberg release behing the trigger guard. When seconds count, fumbling with the gun to release the slide could get ya killed.
So there went over $130 bucks for the stock and power pak shell holder.
By the way that stock works great on an 870 as the release is in front of the trigger guard.

Despite what some folks think, you will not over heat a shotgun unless you have a few hundred rounds and shoot them as fast as you can load them. I have done this and the gun got hot but nothing melted or cracked. A heat shield will help protect you some from getting burned from a hot barrel. But unless you’re in heavy combat every day its not needed. Its nice looking though.

Answer 4

Replacement Pistol Grips

Answer 5

Yes, you can switch back and forth from pistol grip to stock. The pistol grip does shorten the firearm as you said, but, you should be aware that it causes you to feel the recoil a lot more in the hand holding the grip, also, it is not nearly as accurate to fire with the pistol grip as it is with a stock, you'll see what I mean if you do change it. I personally hate pistol gripped shotguns.
On the buttstock mounted shell holder, I have one on each of my defense shotguns, and on the one I use when in the woods. I place 2 extra slugs face down, and 3 extra buck shot face up, that way I can load what I want by feel. Also, if you go with a side saddle shell holder, make certain that you use a good one, that has screws to hold in in place, do not use the one that has simple push pins to replace the pins on your shotgun, these pins work loose at the worst time!!! My house gun has a 20" barrel with the extended mag tube that holds 8 rounds. In addition, I have the flashlight mounted into the forearm, and a shell holder on the buttstock. Yes, it is long, but I am very used to it and have no problem using it inside, plus, if the fight goes outside, I like that extra barrel length and mag tube capacity. I can also hunt game with it, or in a pinch, ic can be used for bird hunting. My wife has a 20 gauge, with 18" barrel, set up like mine for her home defense gun. This, in addition to the .45 acp pistols that are always on the hip, or within reach.

Answer 6

Replacement Shotgun Stock

Answer 7

Have you considered a retractable?
I’ve the same shotgun. Have it equipped with a retractable stock and also a pistol grip.

I live in a rural area- not a condo environment. And carry it on my ATV’s. The retractable stock is a good addition when one needs to shoot at a distance that is not conducive to using a pistol grip. Yet wants the convenience of having a shorter weapon
when the need arises. I also carry it when hiking-scouting, and the retractable stock makes it easier to carry. And a sling is of course another good option.

I do not use a shell holder mounted on the gun. Really prefer the ones that attach to my belt. Seem to be easier to access. Or a bandolier

But then this is just my opinion. And certainly do not claim to be an expert on assault shotguns.. More of a rifle enthusiast .The set up I use does seem to work quite well for my needs though. Mine is not used for sporting hunting, rather a defense weapon. Thus I have removed the “plug”.

Answer 8

Since you are not an expert shotgunner, unless you commit to some professional training, I'd say don't go with the pistol grip.

Nothing is going turn that shotgun into a one hand gun, and you will shoot better and more comfortably with a stock, even if you are shooting from the hip.

If you really want a pistol grip, you can purchase a shoulder stock with the pistol grip below.

Doc

Answer 9

Pistol grips are fine, except it's hard as hell to hit anything. They also have to be removed *every time* you strip the weapon to clean. Other than that, they're "kewl". That's sarcasm. Stick to the stock it came with at least until you've learned how to fire it.

Shell holder? If you absolutely need one, go for a TacStar Sidesaddle. Be warned....they're heavy, they get in the way, they snag on *everything*, and, again, you have to remove it every time you strip to clean.

Heat cracking and breaking???? Huh???? You got me, bud. You must know something I don't.

As to continually switching out your stocks....I'll tell you one thing the "experts" won't. Not because it's a secret, but simply because most "experts" are full of stuff other than actual knowledge. The #1 most common/necessary repair on a Mossy 500/Mav 88 is from folks continually switching out their stocks. The receiver is aluminum, the bolt is steel, and the two cross-thread and strip *very* easily. If you plan to keep your weapon out of the repair shop, choose ONE stock and stick to it.

Answer 10

I installed an AR-15 style collapsable buttstock on my Rem. & Mossberg shotguns, and they are very functionable.

Go the the Midway website [ midwayusa.com] and check them out. The stock number is 873-014, cost is $64.99, and it is made by ATI [Advance Tech. Inc].