Hole in 870 stock

[RHarris]

is there a purpose for the extra hole or hollow area about 3/4" diameter and a couple inches deep that is found when removing the recoil pad from a stock 870? Is it supposed to save weight (can't imagine that amount of wood is significant)? Is it to possiblly add weight or something?

 

[labgrade]

Unless I misunderstand your question, that hole is for access to the bolt that holds the stock onto the rear of the receiver.

Far as adding weight, you could stuff it with lead shot or wire & still remove it whenever you wanted access to the stock screw.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Or put one of Dave McC's recoil reducers in it.

Or keep your mad money in it.

Sam

 

[Dave McC]

Like the guys said, it's to allow access to the stock bolt.

Early 870s used a solid steel mag plug that weight over a lb or so. If taken out of the mag, it would snug fit into that stock hole.I've still got one here, but it's not been used since 1960 or so.

I've hollowed out a few 870 stocks to lighten them by enlarging that hole. One has to remove a lot of wood to save a few oz, but it can be done.

Or,conversely, one can add weight with a cheapo recoil reducer, shot or a roll or two of coins, to aid balance.

 

[RHarris]

The hole I am talking about is in an older 870 stock (1960's). It is not the hole the mounting bolt is in. It is a separate hole above it.

 

[labgrade]

Well then - nevermind.

Beats me, RHarris. I'd guess it's a spot to stuff in extra weight or a recoil reducer. I'd agree that lightening doesn't make much sense.

Sometimes these guys were way ahead of us ....

 

[Dave McC]

That's where the mag plug went when not in use. Some just have the stock bolt hole, others have an extra hole.My oldest 870 had one in the original stock....