Straight Grip vs. Pistol Grip

[JHT]

Other than for aesthetics; what are the functional differences/benefits between the "straight grip" and the "pistol grip" on a heavy recoiling lever action rifle?

JHT

[Mikey]

Don't rightly know.  Got both on my 94AEs in 444.  For me it feels as though I have better handling control with the pistol grip.  I don't think one shoots better than the other, for me at least.  Mikey.

[JHT]

Mikey,

Do you mean that the lever action that has the pistol grip just generally handles better or that it appears to handle recoil better?

Thanks,

Jay

[Mikey]

JHT:  Sorry, I should have clarified that for you.  It seems to me that my pistol gripped rifles both handle better and seem to handle the recoil better.  But to be perfectly honest, I am so 'padded' when I sit behind any of them at the bench that I don't really notice.  It seems that regardless of the rifle I use it will only take a box or two of ammo before my shoulder sez:  'Enuf'. 

To me, the pistol gripped rifles just seem to fit my hand and come to the shoulder more naturally.  The Traditional Rifle has a straight stock, the Black Shadows and Timber Carbines haave the pistol grip stock.  Both the Traditional Rifle and the Black Shadows have the same length barrel and I can't figure out which one is the better stock design.  It may just be aestetics.  Mikey.

[JHT]

Mikey, thanks for taking the time to clarify.  I only own but one lever, the first of the BLRs that possesses the straight stock.  I am about to go forward with a .50 Alaskan conversion and have not decided which lever type or brand to utilize.

Jay

[Ranger J]

I much prefer the pistol grip but it may be because all the guns I learned to shoot with had a pistol grip.
RJ

[Swamp Yankee]

    For me I like the straight grip. I find that the straight grip seems to have a lower comb on the stock and gives me a better cheek weld.....but thats just me.....Jim

[Hairtrigger]

If I was only going for looks the straight grip would win easily.

[olywa]

I've always felt that the straight stock points better on snap shots. I have a 336T and have owned 2 1894s with straight stocks. I also have had a couple of straight stock 20ga shotguns that I used for grouse. They seem to come up easier and get on point faster. I like the control of a pistol grip stock when taking measured shots at greater distances. But for close quick shots in heavy cover the straight stock excels. YMMV.

[Lloyd Smale]

I definately prefer straight grip stocks but have to admit when you get up to 50 alaskan or even 4570 heavies the pistol grip works better. but i guess id put up with a little pain for the the better looks.

[Win 88]

Is it possible to change the straight grip to a pistol grip, without more job than restocking and a new lever?

Pete

[lgm270]

According to the website for Clement's Custom Guns, the pistol grip handles recoil better than the straight grip.  This firm does alot of work on the Marlin Lever Actions.    This is what they say:

"I prefer to use the 1895SS with its pistol grip stock to build big bore rifles.  It handles recoil much better than the straight stock."

He is talking about the 45-70 where recoil is more of a consideration than with a 30-30 or the pistol rounds in carbines.


Here is the link:

http://www.clementscustomguns.com/rifles/Default.htm

[Ratltrap]

Recoil isn't really an issue with my 30-30 or 35 Rem. For looks I like the straight grip. but I think the pistol grip does give me a better grip on the rifle.

For me, my pistol grip 336 with it's higher comb is marginally better for scope use than my straight grip 336. For the factory open sights I'd say the straight grip is better and for my NECG peep sight I'd say the pistol grip comb is better.

[K.K]

I have large hands, and the straight grip on my .450 Marlin allows for more unimpeded movement when levering my rifle and recovering from recoil. I have a large nose, also, and sometimes, I have to be careful about my positioning, lest I get hit in the snoz!  I like both, but for a heavy-recoiling rifle, I like the strraight grip. I'm not sure of the scientific reasons,  though. Many heavy double guns used in Africa have psitol grips. I guess to each his own. 

PS I think that the combs and stocks on pistol grip rifles are generally better fr scope use. I use peep or Express Sights on both of the above mentioned rifles

[pastorp]

JHT, the first 50 alaskan I had built was on the pistol grip marlin. The man reason I sold it was the lever recoiled into my middle finger with heavy loads. I had another built with a straight stock. To me the straight stock handles recoil much better.  Your experience may differ but that is not opinion but experience. Regards, Byron

[JHT]

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to my continuum of knowledge and insights into the subtle, but nevertheless important influence that different shape grips make in the handling of any given rifle.  While perhaps subtle in the overall consideration in which style to purchase it may make a large difference once in the field.

Again, thanks and best regards,

JHT

[Big Paulie]

  IF you are going to put a scope on your Marlin lever, then the straight grip is the way to go (especially on  a carbine), because it reduces the total verticle profile of the rifle, making it much easier to carry and handle in the woods. With the pistol grip plus scope, the overall side profile of the rifle is just "too tall", making it want to flop left or rights when you carry or hold it.  As far as looks, the scoped rifle seems to look alot better (sleaker) with the straight grip, and it seams to "leap" to your shoulder when you bring it up to shoot.

Big Paulie

 

[ironglow]

  I like pistol grips...and on a precision shooter such as a varmint rifle, I prefer a rather severe pistol grip..

   That being said, I think such preferences are simply a matter of an individual's choice...

   Now, if the recoil; were to reverse direction or have a 2-way recoil....a pistol grip would be really necessary !..LOL

[MSP Ret]

I have several lever action rifles and prefer the straight grip for handling and looks, but for some reason if I need a lever for deer hunting I always seem to reach for my mid 50's vintage Marlin 336 in .35 Remington with a pistol grip stock. Not for the stock, I really wish it was straight stocked, I am just used to the gun. My vote is for the straight stock, especially with the heavy recoil and faster handling...<><....