Straight vs. Pistol Grip Stock

[Tom Jay]

Sitting in the Vegas airport passing time before boarding and read a post about people passing on buying a Parker Repro because it had a straight stock. What gives? I'm primarily a pheasant and quail shooter, occasionally ducks and prefer the straight stock of any gauge over PG. While I have several guns of each stock type, my go to guns are always the straight stocks. Interested in hearing from others to their preference and why, including pros/cons of each.

[CraigThompson]

I have always thought a straight/English grip to look more refined shall we say . I have also always liked shooting both the straight and PG guns . Sorry to say I do not own a Parker with a straight grip but I do have several British guns with straight grips that I shoot rather well .

I've also seen people debate the same point with lever action rifles straight vs PG and once again I like both and do equally well with both .

I personally believe a lot of folks have pre determined ideas about things like this even before they have tried them . Hence some people saying I can't shoot this well or that well .

At our local gunclub some of my good friends tell me they do not understand how I can shoot a SxS as well as an O/U . And again I think it's the same thing , they have it in their heads that they cannot and after that they don't shoot them well .

There is no scientific finding to what I just wrote all a matter of personal opinion and observation !

[Phil Yearout]

I prefer the gentle downward sweep of a semi-pistol grip stock. Not sure why other than it's what I'm used to; every shotgun I've ever owned has been configured in that way. Maybe I just don't know any better :whistle:.

[Larry Stalnaker]

Great question.

I have both PG and straight grip shotguns. I actually shoot a straight grip better than a pistol grip. But, I attribute that to the fact my hand, especially my thumb of my right hand are very swollen due to arthritis. It is about 2 1/2 times it's normal size.

Of the 'ritis brothers, Arthur is the worst!!

PopPop

[Chad Hefflinger]

I prefer the look of a straight grip on a SxS, especially with double triggers. When I decided I wanted to get a reproduction 28 that was a definite must have for me. I think some people may not like them on the repro's because they tend to be stocked a little higher from what I've read and the few I've had in my hands. As mentioned by others I tend to allways grab a straight stock gun from the safe unless I'm wanting to use a particular gun for something.
All that being said I think I tend to lift my head occasionally (read more often) with my straight stocks when shooting skeet, I think it's because of the way my hand is rotated around a little more??
Now that I think about this, I need remember to add this to my Grouse miss excuse list...

[Jay Oliver]

I prefer the straight/English grip guns as well. In a sxs or o/u. I was recently in the market for a 10 gauge lifter and wanted a straight grip only and waited until I found one I liked in that configuration. Having said that, I have and appreciate pistol grips stocks, but straight grips will always be my first choice.

[Mike Franzen]

It seems to me a straight grip carries a little easier in the field than a PG. I think a PG offers a little more control when shooting clays and trap. I can miss with either one equally well.

[Brian Dudley]

Everyone has their individual preferences. I personally find a straight grip more comfortable to cary and bring up.

[Kenny Graft]

Pistol grip shotguns is all we had growing up....no fancy English guns her. Its a know fact that American makers made way less English grip guns. The answer to the question is a matter of personal preference of the eye and has nothing to do with a guns shooting quality or ability to hit targets. Today I also own both grip styles but prefer the pistol grips to hunt with. I think the grip hand is always positioned the same with less thinking about it. Remember its not how the gun looks that breaks targets, its how well it fits its owner! We buy guns because we like the look but very often can't hit the barn standing inside it! If its a object of beauty, a safe queen not to be shot only to look at it would make no difference at all. The real fact of shooting ability comes from a proper fitting gun and lots of shooting practice! Yes you can learn to shoot a ill fitting gun O.K. but some guns we just can't miss with. My best fitting, best hitting of wild birds is a pistol grip gun......that's my favorite gun for now....(-: SXS ohio

[Bill Murphy]

Straight grip stocks add character and rarity to collector guns. I have no favorite for shooting. I don't think I have ever missed a bird or a target because of the grip on my stock.

[Dean Romig]

I prefer a straight grip gun. More stylish... less "utilitarian" looking... more streamlined and sleek looking with either type of forend... in hunting situations I am "one with my gun" and don't feel the need to have a pistol grip in order to 'hold onto' or 'pull the gun' into my shoulder - but this probably comes with using a light upland gun rather than a gun that is heavier and requires a tighter grip at the wrist of the gun.

Yes, I usually shoot a pistol grip gun but that is not of preference but rather of necessity because until now I only have one straight grip gun... aside from my old Winchester 94.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Well, since I am into older Parkers most of the early guns seem to be straight grip with a few ball grips, or semi- pistol grip whatever you want to call them. I tend to think that a little more work goes into the ball grips. most of the early high grade guns had the ball grip with the gold shield, with a few exceptions, I do not really have a preference, just as long as it is a "Parker". I have english guns too! but most in 410 and 28 gauge all are straight grip, Gary

[Gary Laudermilch]

Wow, talk about opening a can of opinions!

To my eye there is nothing sexier than a svelte straight grip side by side. With that said, I much prefer the pistol grip for much the same reasons as Kenny. I have had several straight grip guns and they all went down the road. The last one I loved the looks of so much I had a terrible time parting with it even though I shot it poorly. I guess I'll answer the original question with a question(s).

When was the last time you saw an English grip (or light weight) gun at the Olympics?

How many straight grip guns do you see on the registered trap, skeet, or sporting clays events? Most are about as far from straight as you can get.

What does George Digweed, a Brit no less and the winningest sporting clays shooter ever, use when his objective is to win?

What was the configuration of choice for the market hunters, who lived by the gun, and decimated the most bird rich continent in the world?

Your choice, fortunately for all of us. Whether it is wives or shotguns - form or function?

[Phil Yearout]

I don't think I have ever missed a bird or a target because of the grip on my stock.

Yeah, but it's another good excuse to have in your repertoire :)!

[Virginia Hessler]

Just purely for looks I like the straight grip. I shoot both and do not shoot either style better. I must admitt a checkered ball grip is real cool too.
Tom

[Andy Humphriss]

Chocolate or vanilla ice cream, I'm glad they make both. Same with shotgun stocks. For me if it has 2 triggers I want a straight grip, it makes it easier for me to transition from one trigger to the other. For clay target guns I prefer a single trigger with a pistol grip stock. I seem to be an equal opportunity wiffer with either stock.

[Jim Signore]

Out of all the doubles I have, only 2 straight grips. A Fox A grade 16, and a R-12 Darne 12ga. Now the Fox I haven't shot since I was a kid, but I remember doing quite well with it, and I do ok with the Darne even though I'm right handed and it's built for a lefty. everything else is PG or half grip, whichever term you prefer. But I'm with the majority, I don't mind shooting either, but a straight grip looks fantastic to me, in certain configurations, sometimes it can look odd to me. But that's just my personal opinion, I like em all for the most part no matter what the configuration. And with the exception of the 16ga Darne I have extremely high on my shopping list that absolutely has to be straight grip, I wouldn't base a decision to buy or pass on that factor alone, but again, just my opinion.

[Linn Matthews]

I don't remember the percentage but the number of straight stocks is much less that the others

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Keep me on the straight and narrow list!

[Bruce Day]

Straight grip stocks were not nearly as popular among Parker buyers as pistol or half pistol grip stocks. Percentage of straight grips was only about 6 percent in the Vulcan grade guns , rising as the grades advanced to as high as 40 percent in the A's .

While I do not know the percentages among contemporary double gun buyers I suspect it is not far from original Parker figures.

[edgarspencer]

It tends to be pretty chilly for late season grouse in Maine, and when I'm doing a lot of walking, I tend to rest the wrist across my fore arm, with the butt tucked up beneath my arm, right hand across the left ( I'm a southpaw). I never wear a glove on my left (trigger) hand, but do wear a thin deer skin glove on my right hand. A straight gripped gun stands the risk of sliding forward across your fore arm, whereas a pistol gripped gun stays right there.
James Purdey developed a popular trigger bow design for straight gripped gun.
Ironically, it's shape is precisely that of a pistol gripped gun.
Additionally, as arthritis get worse, the added twist to my wrist is a touch more painful.
I had a 32" straight gripped VHE, which I recently sold to another member for that reason. I also have a straight gripped CH, but haven't had it long enough to try it out, but I'm not expecting it to feel any different that the VHE.
Apart from Parkers, I also collect 'Special Order' Winchester 1894 rifles, with a strong preference towards pistol gripped guns (and half round barrels with set triggers, if we're getting picky)

[Bill Murphy]

It is really odd the number of Parker single barrel traps that were built with straight grip stocks. The percentage of straight grip skeet gun stocks compared to pistol grips is even more pronounced than single trap gun stocks.

[Alan Phillips]

I like them both. One item not mentioned so far is the length of pull. A lot of american straight grip guns were made with a 14" length of pull. Too short for a lot of people. European guns were much longer LOP's on straight grip guns. Sure a pad can be added but lot's of shooters look for that "feel" just as the gun sits. If more guns of american manufacture had at least a 14 1/2" pull with a straight stock they would be more acceptable I think.

[greg conomos]

IMO a small framed gun looks better as a straight grip. A straight grip seems to fit the idea of a small, light bird gun better.

A large frame, let's say #2 or larger, looks better as a PG. I think it would look kinda funny to be shooting ducks with a #6 frame gun with a straight grip.

Aside from looks, I couldn't care less which type it has.

[edgarspencer]

That's probably true up to a certain point, Greg, but have you ever tried to handle one of these diminutive British .410s that were in such abundance (and cheap) years ago? If you have even slightly large mitts, they're like gripping a soda straw. I've handled a 00 frame 28 Parker with a straight stock and it's just a tad too dainty. I feel like I am holding onto my 00 frame PG 28, and it doesn't feel so whippy.

[Bill Murphy]

Greg mentioned a #6 frame straight grip gun. I guess it's time to go shopping.

[Thomas Garver]

I have a DHE with 34" barrels and a straight grip. Being a person of smaller stature and hands, I feel that I get a better grip with this stock and therefore handle the longer length. As Mr. Phillips stated the length of pull on my gun also suits my stature.

[Rich Anderson]

I'm drawn to small bore and straight grip guns like a moth to the light. I hunt and shoot targets primarily with straight grip guns. To me they look better, handle faster. Sometimes they are a little thin in the wrist but it doesn't cause a problem. I'm NOT a 12ga guy but one of my favorite target guns is a BHE 12 straight grip on a #2 frame. 30 inch Damascus barrels choked full and fuller. The other one is a grade 3 top lever hammer gun #2 frame and a straight grip.