When it comes to close encounters of the worst kind, my belief has always been this: Unless there’s a particular, specialized circumstance that dictates otherwise, never voluntarily use a pistol in any potential deadly force confrontation when a 12 gauge is available. Few things will draw a violent felon’s undivided attention more and encourage his absolute compliance to lawful authority more than the sound of a pump-action shotgun cycling a round into the chamber. Violent criminals aren’t usually the brightest of the bunch, but they possess a great deal of street smarts. Although most know they may survive a gunshot wound from a pistol, they know their odds of survival greatly diminish when a shotgun enters the equation.
I know that many departments have transitioned to semi-auto shotguns. However, I’m willing to bet there are a larger number who still rely on the time-tested, street-proven reliability and effectiveness of a traditional pump-action shotgun. An 870 is still my primary home defense weapon. Having had many years of shotgun training with one, I’m very comfortable with its operation. Conditions that may stop a semi-auto will probably not affect that old 870.
However, something terrible has happened to me in the past two decades. I’ve grown old. Age, combined with 27 years of police work, has taken its toll. Those 100-lb. dumbbells I used to slam together in the gym in my 30s have become a fading memory. I’m quite confident in saying that my Luke Skywalker warrior days are over, and I’m now in the Yoda phase of my life and career.
Because of this aging process and its associated hindrances, the beating from the recoil of a 3″ Magnum load in a pump shotgun that I once thrived upon is now downright miserable. Suddenly (or so it seems), the pump shotgun with a wooden stock isn’t nearly as much fun to shoot as it was when I was young and invincible. The recoil-absorbing characteristics of a semi-auto shotgun make it much more compatible with my aging body. But I already have an 870 that’s in great condition. I’ve invested a lifetime of training with it, and I really don’t want to give it up. So what’s an old codger to do?
As with most dilemmas, if you look in the right place, there’s a viable answer. The solution for me came in the form of a SpecOps Adjustable Shotgun Stock from Blackhawk! The stock is a shotgun-based adaptation of the telescoping adjustable M-4 stock, with one major difference that puts it in a class by itself: The built-in Knoxx recoil-reducing system is an incredible innovation for combat shotguns. It has two strategically built-in spring systems that act as shock absorbers for the weapon’s recoil. Based on my physical senses when shooting with it, I would estimate it reduces perceived recoil by 50–60%. That means better control, faster follow up shots and more training with less pain.
The SpecOps Adjustable Shotgun Stock is available for a wide range of different pump-action shotguns, including several models from Remington, Mossberg, Winchester and FNH. It’s also built for a variety of officer sizes. With an adjustable length of pull from 11.25–15.25 inches, it will accommodate the vast majority of the population.
Designed with military and police combat applications in mind, the SpecOps Stock is constructed with high strength, reinforced polymers and metal alloys. The internal springs have a life expectancy of 30,000 rounds. The SpecOps Adjustable Shotgun Stock should give most officers a lifetime of not only more comfortable shooting, but also far more control over and confidence in the weapon it’s installed on.
SpecOps Adjustable Stock
Pros
• High-strength, reinforced polymers and metal alloys
• Life expectancy of 30,000 rounds
• Adjustable length of pull
Cons
• None noted
CONTACT
Blackhawk!
800/694-5263
www.blackhawk.com
