drop shims

[doubled-]

Posted this on general discussion, will try it here. I have a youth model 20 ga 870 and when sighting see too much rib. I need to lower the angle of stock to barrel. Are there any aftermarket drop shims for this shotgun.'
thanks Dan D

[Synchronizor]

You only need to start one post.

I'm not aware of any drop shims for the 870. 870 stocks attach via a long bolt that passes through the stock and screws into the receiver at fixed angles, so you can't just add shims to change the angle. If your current stock doesn't fit you, you'd be better off finding a different stock, or modifying yours. If it's a wood stock, you should be able to sand the comb down to give it more drop.

[gritz]

I am having the same issue with my 870 20 gauge. I found that if I keep my head way back on the stock (Stock slopes backward) then I get a better picture. But this is not what you want for a snap shot. I like to lean into the shot a little and I really have to get down into the gun to get low enough. It was never a problem for squirrels and turkeys because I aimed it like a rifle but I am starting to get into grouse hunting and want something that fits. Interestingly, shooting up in the air helps the angle, but I just want it to fit. I e-mailed Remington on it just before I came here. But I have a feeling that Synchronizer is right on this one, especially with a synthetic stock. What I am interested in is if they sell stocks that are set differently for a lower site picture. I will post again when I get a reply but I have a feeling that it will not be anything useful.

[Synchronizor]

Your options for the 20ga are going to be limited, Gritz. You could look into a wood stock that you can file/sand to fit you better, or if there's a 12ga stock that you think would fit you out of the box, Mesa Tactical makes an adapter that will let you install it on your 20ga.

[gritz]

This is the reply I got from Remington:

"Unfortunately we do not make a "spacer" or piece for adjustment on those stocks to drop the stock and allow a lower cheek placement on the buttstock. There is an aftermarket company out there that makes a buttpad that allows the shooter to adjust the buttpad up or down to allow a higher or lower placement of the shotgun in the shoulder thus placing the shotgun lower or higher. The buttpad will have to be gunsmith fit."

The good news is that I found that the cheek weld portion of the stock seems to taper or rise at an angle. So if I adjust my head placement towards the rear I get a better site picture. It is just annoying because I know how I shoot and do not want to change everything just for that gun. But as of right now it is the 'spend no money' answer and I will just adjust the best I can. I guess it will be a work around and the price to pay for a cheaper synthetic purchase. I really like the gun otherwise and already put money into a shorter, more handy ribbed 18.5 inch screw choke barrel. Thanks for the impute. If I still get enough woods time chasing squirrels and rabbits I might eventually opt for a nice set of walnut stocks that I can custom chop. Just frustrating because all I need is to shave down the comb about a quarter of an inch. Stock is hollow and not an option.

[wormyjames]

I have a Browning gun that I had this problem on and I just installed a slip on recoil pad which in turn moved the portion of the stock where the cheek meets it forward and now everything lines up just right..
rj