Advantages/disadvantages to thumbhole stocks

[troutfisher13111]

To the guys who have or had them, what are the advantages and disadvantages to thumbhole stocks compared to a regular stock? Specifically, I am considering the Shurshot for my 870SM with a 23" rifle sighted barrel.

[kcrebel]

Size would be the only downside I can think of and that only becomes an issue when packing it in.  A standard stock is much more narrow profile obviously so it doesn't get in the way as much.  I counteract this issue by carrying my gun bandolier style so the stock in on my back.  Honestly carried that way it is more comfortable than regular stocked gun for some reason. 
One thing to clarify is that my 870 came with the original thumbhole as opposed to the newer Shurshot stock. I replaced it as soon as the new stocks came out.  My only drawback to the original thumbhole was that it was not ambidextrous.   I did have a bird come around on my hard right once I ended up shooting left handed with the old thumbhole stock and to say it was awkward is an understatement.  That 3.5 put a wallop on my shoulder since I had no way to secure the stock.  Lol.  Dead bird helped my feelings.  With the shurshot it would have been a nonissue. 
I find the shurshot stock is much easier to steady when aiming vs the original stock plus the raised comb helps with lining up the rifle iron sights or an optic and keeping a proper cheek weld. 

[owlhoot]

Shurshot stocks on 12 and 20 , good stuff great for carrying and shooting with sights or optics .

[Farmboy27]

The sure shot stock is fine. I never liked mossbergs thumb hole or tactical stocks because of the tang safety. If your in the shooting position with a positive hold you can't reach the safety. Remington (and any other gun with a trigger guard safety) are fine.

[Waynesworld23]

I have been thinking about a sure shot stock for my 870sm and since adding rifle sights and reading these post looks like I'm gonna give it a try

[WildSpur]

Go for it!  You will love it!  Don't worry about the bulk.  I am a run and gun hunter and will cover 5 miles or more a day.  No problems at all carrying the shur shot 870 around. 

The pro of the design is you can hold rock steady and get a great squeeze on the trigger.

Good luck

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