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Blackhawk Knoxx SpecOps Stock Gen III for Remington 870 – Review

The Blackhawk Knoxx SpecOps Gen III is a premium stock upgrade for the Remington 870 shotgun that you don’t want to miss. If you’re new to shotguns and still using the factory stock that came with your Remington 870, then you know how the recoil feels each time you fire. With the Knoxx SpecOps Stock Gen III, this recoil you would normally feel will be reduced a lot.

The previous SpecOps generation stock was discontinued.

Knoxx SpecOps Stock Gen III for Remington 870

The biggest difference from the previous generation of this stock is a huge buttpad which also reduces recoil. And felt recoil is much softer. You don’t feel hit you just feel like shotgun springs to the rear and back. This is thanks to what is referred to as the “2-stage recoil reduction system” that has been implemented into the stock. Not only will you experience very little muzzle rise during operation, but you won’t have to deal with any annoying cheek-slapping problem either. Instead, you can just focus completely on your accuracy with each shot and improve your confidence after you experience the results. As you may know, cheek-slap was one of the common problems of the previous generations of the SpecOps stock.

I have tested Blackhawk Knoxx SpecOps Gen III on the range with variety of shotgun ammo and recoil was always nice and soft:

When I was shooting Mini Magnum and Magnum the shotgun was jumping in my hands but my shoulder didn’t feel much of the recoil. Slow motion shows that it is better to adjust the stock to make it a little longer.

Knoxx SpecOps Stock Gen III for Remington 870 – Spring

The Knoxx SpecOps Stock Gen III is suitable for both tall shooters and short shooters alike. Thanks to the 6 various adjustable positions and enhanced ergonomics, this stock can be handled by someone of virtually any height and physique. You can adjust the length of pull from 12.5 inches to up to 15.2 inches. As for gripping the weapon, the stock features a pistol grip which will allow you to hold the weapon firmly in dangerous tactical situations. You can even hold your shotgun with one hand by using this pistol grip if you wanted to. That way, you can use your other hand for reloading the weapon or whatever else you need to do in a situation where time is of the essence.

Knoxx SpecOps Stock Gen III for Remington 870 – Stock

In addition to the stock, you will receive a matching forend with a handstop for extra gripping ability. There is also a Picatinny-like mount for adding accessories to the stock too. You can install flashlight, laser etc.

Quick detach sling swivel comes with the stock. You can install it on left or one the right side of the stock. This will enable you to have a sling to help you carry your shotgun more conveniently if you’re walking a long distance with it.

Knoxx SpecOps Stock Gen III for Remington 870 – Forend

The cost of the Knoxx SpecOps Stock Gen III is $119.99. For that, you’re getting a stock made of a durable and lightweight polymer that was built to offer recoil reduction to the user. If you frequently use your Remington 870, especially in tactical situations, then you cannot afford to go without a premium stock upgrade like this.

Knoxx SpecOps Stock Gen III Installation

Installation of the Gen III stock is little trickier than installation of the previous generation but still very fast and simple. It took me less than 10 minutes to install the stock and forend. Just follow the simple instructions that are included with the stock and you should be all set.

Knoxx SpecOps Stock Gen III Frequently Asked Questions

Proper Eye Relief is Important

How the Knoxx SpecOps Works

Use of Oversized Safeties and additional accessories on Remington 870 with Knoxx Stock
Manufacturer of the SpecOps stock does not recommend using any of the oversized safety buttons. This is because big safety buttons stick up and when shotgun moves rearward the button will hit the stock and damage it and even may cause injury.

Here’s what happens when you try using Blackhawk Specops stock with oversized safety:

Also, you need to make sure that sidesaddle will not interfere with the stock movement.

Spacer Between Receiver and Stock on Remington 870
Some people don’t read installation instructions carefully or just forget to remove the metal spacer which is needed for the factory stock. Remember that you need to remove it installing the Knoxx SpecOps stock or otherwise you will have a gap between stock and receiver.

Does it Reduce 95% of Recoil?
In my opinion – no, it doesn’t reduce that much recoil BUT it reduces recoil significantly and I highly recommend it.

Knoxx Stock and IPSC

I have seen a lot of discussions about the use of the Knoxx recoil suppression stock in IPSC competitions. Some shooters believe that it is prohibited under this rule:

22. External modifications such as weights, or devices to control or reduce recoil are specifically not allowed, except for recoil pads fitted to the rear face of the stock of the shotgun.

Other think that it can be installed because it is not an “external modification”.

I decided to contact the IPSC at the rules@ipsc.org to find the answer. I was very pleased to receive answer from Neil Beverley, IPSC Shotgun Director. And now I want to share the truth about use of the Knoxx stock in IPSC.

“Knoxx recoil suppression stocks can be fitted as a direct replacement of an existing stock under Point 23 of the division rules.”

“Point 22 of the rules prevents any additional weights from being added externally to a stock.”

Also, Neil sent links to the IPSC Global Village where you can find more information.

So, the short answer is Knoxx recoil suppression stocks CAN be used in IPSC.

DISCONTINUED – Blackhawk Knoxx PowerPak Modular Cheek Piece System

What is Blackhawk Knoxx PowerPak Modular Cheek Piece System?

I haven’t seen many Blackhawk Knoxx PowerPak reviews on the web. I have read one very negative review and several positive ones. That is why I want to share my experience with you.

It is modular cheek piece with ammo holder and watertight storage compartment. It can be installed on Knoxx SpecOps Stock.

Blackhawk Knoxx PowerPak Modular Cheek Piece

My brother is owner of the Fabarm SAT 8 Pro Telescopic. This shotgun has Knoxx stock, which can be installed on Remington 870. That is why Blackhawk Knoxx PowerPak can be installed on both Fabarm and Remington 870. Recently my brother installed Blackhawk Knoxx PowerPak on his shotgun.

Installation
Installation of the Knoxx Powerpack is not difficult and takes just 15-20 minutes. The only one problem is that screws are very small. But when it’s ready it is easy to snap cheek on the stock.

Knoxx Powerpak Modular Cheek

Construction
This cheek looks good, shells are hold reliably in place.

Advantages
I think that Knoxx Powerpak is a good alternative to the receiver mount shell holders. High cheek will be useful for people which have holographic sight/scope installed. I am not sure what can you do with a watertight storage compartment but instruction says that it can be used to store earplugs and spare batteries there.

Blackhawk Knoxx Powerpak

Blackhawk Powerpak

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Review of the 4 Pistol Grips for the Remington 870 Shotgun, Part 2

Read first part here: Review of the 4 Pistol Grips for the Remington 870 Shotgun

Thanks to Synchronizor for this detailed review!

Control Interaction:

There are three controls that an 870 user manipulates with their shooting hand: the trigger, the safety switch, and the slide release. With the traditional semi-grip shotgun stocks that the 870 was designed to use, these controls are all easy to reach and manipulate. Pistol grips, whether part of a stock or stand-alone, can have a significant effect on how – and how easily – these controls are manipulated. Pistol grips rarely interfere with the gun’ s trigger for obvious reasons, but they can – and frequently do – make working the safety or slide release slower or more difficult.

Hogue Tamer Pistol Grip and Forend for Remington870

Hogue Tamer Pistol Grip Forend

You can get Hogue Tamer Pistol Grip Forend on Brownells

Pachmayr Vindicator Grip for Remington 870

Pachmayr Vindicator Grip for Remington 870

You can get Pachmayr Vindicator Grip for Remington 870 on Brownells

The 870’ s cross-bolt safety is located right behind the trigger, and with a traditional stock that’ s no wider than the receiver and doesn’ t enclose the rear of the trigger guard, it is possible to apply pressure on the safety with the side of the finger, rather than the tip. This allows the user to disengage the safety while keeping their fingertip on or very near the trigger, so a shot can be made virtually immediately. With traditional stocks, the safety is also fairly easily reached with the thumb or middle finger for re-engagement, or for disengagement in the case of left-handed shooters using an 870 with a right-handed safety switch.

Review of the 4 Pistol Grips for the Remington 870 Shotgun

Thanks to Synchronizor for this detailed review!

I won’t get into when, where, and for what I think pistol grips should and shouldn’t be used, because it would just add several thousand more words to what is already a massive piece. I’ll simply say that while they have many downsides, and a fixed or folding stock will be a better choice for many situations, pistol-gripped shotguns do have their place. They’re very compact & maneuverable, and (usually) lighter than a full stock, which can be beneficial on a gun that’s used more as a tool than a weapon, or one that needs to be stored or deployed in very tight spaces. They’re also cool; a lot of folks (myself included) buy a pistol grips just for fun, and that’s a perfectly legitimate reason to own one.

5 Best Aftermarket Stocks for Remington 870 (UPDATED 2024)

The stock of the shotgun is truly the most attractive part of the weapon. Not only is it the most noticeable when you first see the weapon, but it also provides the shooter with certain benefits which help their stability and accuracy. Obviously, not all stocks are made of the same material or cut into the same size. There are all kinds of sizes, materials, and shapes with the stock choices on the market these days. You just need to be able to figure out which stock is going to be comfortable for your body type and preference. However, if you are upgrading another shotgun by replacing its factory stock with a better-quality stock, you have to make sure the new stock you purchase is compatible with the model of your shotgun. Otherwise, the stock won’t be able to fit properly onto the receiver. Sometimes, it is recommended that you purchase a stock from the same company that made your shotgun because this will increase its chances of being fully compatible.