Straight vs. Pistol Grip Stock

[Wilmurt]

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.

[6pt-Sika]

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 .

[PopPop]

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

[Heff]

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.

[B. Dudley]

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

[SXS OHIO]

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.