Buttstock shell storage

handofzeus

handofzeus

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So I've been thinking about this for awhile now. Has anyone come across a shotgun buttstock with a READILY accessible compartment for shell storage? Of course when I say storage I mean when in the field or in use as storing ammo WITH a gun is a no-no, although I personally see no issue if a key or tool is needed to access the compartment. One of the reasons I hate synthetic stocks on rifles is the loud hollow "thunk" sound they make and the fact that they are inherently light which usually results in a front-heavy unbalanced gun. Within an hour of unpacking my first synth-stocked rifle years ago I was filling the hollow cavity with a tube and a half of pure silicone caulk.....and it worked. Recently, however I started thinking about synth-stocked shotguns and how many shells could be stored for emergency. I was able to cram 8 rounds into my tactical buttstock along with foam to stop any movement from recoil and was happy with the result as it added substantial weight and gave me emergency ammo. What I don't understand is why manufacturers have never offered a hinged buttplate on synthetic stocks just for these reasons (unless I just haven't found it!). Heck, they could even have a locking latch too. This isn't a new idea I'm sure, since flintlocks have had little compartments in the side for a few hundred years. It just amazed me how much storage room is available yet left un-utilized on these synthetic stocks.
 
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I mean stored inside and completely concealed from the elements. This would of course be useful for any number of survival items like batteries, matches, meds etc. The speedfeed is a step in the right direction but doesn't come close to utilizing the internal capacity of a buttstock nor does it protect from the elements.
 
I haven't seen anything like you describe, but it sounds like something that could be made. You'd need to figure out a quick way of removing your buttpad, but otherwise it shouldn't be too hard to do...?
 
Can't find an example online but I remember seeing an 870 that had snap-in horizontal storage for 2 or 3 shells in the fixed stock. This may have been a 'police' model because the gun also came with a door breeching attachment on the muzzle. That was maybe 10-12 years ago and it doesn't seem like the idea was a success, or at least not a successful selling point.
 
I was thinking about that to a Mossberg 590 stock, do a 3d printed insert where you could put shells vertically into the stock from the underside. But it's a lot of surgery and I wasn't sure if taking that bottom structural support out of the stock would weaken it too much...

I don't know about making it lockable, If you're out in the field and using it for predator defense I thought a loaded shell carrier was okay as long as you unload it when storing/transporting it after. A little lock box in your truck/car for the ammo is an easy way to store it separately.

I remember Choate used to make a stock that could hold shells but I have no idea if they still do, could be modified with a little metal or kydex sheet to swing down (mount it on the plastic of the butt pad) and have a little lock go through the thumbhole area.... I dunno, sounds like a lot of work.

choate_rem_MK6_5a_grande.jpeg


You could get one of these and just throw it in a locked box when you're storing it, I love these for "out and about" shotgun stuff: 5.11Tactical Shotgun Ammo Pouch

It's got 2 overlapping elastic flaps that keep the shells in but you can just reach in and grab a shell out. Molle or you can set it up to go on a belt which is how I do it.

TP381_BLK_1500_1.jpg
 
The Mossberg speed feed stock is flimsy and if you shoot with rounds in it, they're going to fly out of the cavity. It's not reliable and I would recommend a side-saddle.
 
handofzeus said:
Looks like I'll be buying a hunk of hard rubber and sculpting a hinged butt lid or .....butt-plug?!?
Click to expand...

Just get a mossberg limbsaver I'm sure you could fit a hinge onto it somehow. Weirder things have certainly be done before :p

Just watch for the internal support braces, they can take up a lot of room in shotgun stocks sometimes.
 
handofzeus said:
So I've been thinking about this for awhile now. Has anyone come across a shotgun buttstock with a READILY accessible compartment for shell storage? Of course when I say storage I mean when in the field or in use as storing ammo WITH a gun is a no-no, although I personally see no issue if a key or tool is needed to access the compartment. One of the reasons I hate synthetic stocks on rifles is the loud hollow "thunk" sound they make and the fact that they are inherently light which usually results in a front-heavy unbalanced gun. Within an hour of unpacking my first synth-stocked rifle years ago I was filling the hollow cavity with a tube and a half of pure silicone caulk.....and it worked. Recently, however I started thinking about synth-stocked shotguns and how many shells could be stored for emergency. I was able to cram 8 rounds into my tactical buttstock along with foam to stop any movement from recoil and was happy with the result as it added substantial weight and gave me emergency ammo. What I don't understand is why manufacturers have never offered a hinged buttplate on synthetic stocks just for these reasons (unless I just haven't found it!). Heck, they could even have a locking latch too. This isn't a new idea I'm sure, since flintlocks have had little compartments in the side for a few hundred years. It just amazed me how much storage room is available yet left un-utilized on these synthetic stocks.
Click to expand...

My kid’s nerf gun has this. The butt plate clasps at the top and is hinged at the bottom. Once opened, you can clip a number of darts into it.

As for you though... I’m just spitballing here... what if you devised a way to easily but securely remove and reattach the but plate/pad. Then, line the butt interior with Saran Wrap, or a thin bag with no holes. Then fill the cavity with spray foam insulation (the denser stuff). Let it harden, then remove the foam piece. Then figure out the best layout, and drill/bore out as many holes as possible to store shells in. Fashion some sort of key ring on the back for pulling it out, then just slide the perfectly formed piece back into the stock, and reattach the butt plate.
 
Why not build an insert that goes between the buttstock and recoil pad. The insert is held in with an o-ring and to use it you would pull on the finger grooves( built into insert) to pull the insert/recoil pad out.
The shells would reside in the insert and would come out as one unit. Think of stock extender externally with an insert internally.

I might be able to whip up a concept in the next couple of days if you want.

L
 
Some good ideas here. I'm thinking the pop out plug style butt plate is the way to go. Making a casting to maximize use of space is also a good plan even though I just want to cram stuff in there. I'll check out what Choate has too but I'd rather stick with what I have on hand.
 
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