By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
During the past year, a diagnosis of arthritis in the shoulder has given me pause when firing some of my harder kicking firearms.
I keep my hand in with every defensive tool and the 12-gauge certainly has its merits. The only real demerit is recoil. The Savage Renegauge 12-gauge semiautomatic is one answer and so is the Remington 1148 in 20-gauge.
I decided to try to put together a piece combining function and effect with lessened recoil energy directed to the shoulder. I would revive an old Mossberg 500 shotgun at the same time. There is nothing more reliable than the pump action Mossberg and this one has served long and well. A few judicious changes and sure enough the shotgun proved far more effective.
WOOX Wood is Wonderful
WOOX gear stocks are even more gorgeous in reality than the images reflect. I know a little about wood and a plain jane stock is functional while those with greater grain are the ones from a tree that weathered many storms.
I elected to add a set of WOOX stocks to the Mossberg 500 and was not disappointed.
But appearance isn’t everything. The WOOX stock is properly cut, dried, sealed and finished to provide moisture bucking resistance to the elements. The finish is darker than most but with visible grain. When you order the forend, be certain to specify the length of your magazine/slide tube. There are two lengths and they do not interchange. The WOOX site provides useful information on sizing.
The forend offers a good mix of abrasion and adhesion with its nicely textured gripping surfaces. The forend features a widened portion at both ends. This prevents the hand from slipping off of the stock during rapid fire drills. I have seen it happen even with practiced shooters. The forend also features M-LOK slots. This allows mounting combat lights or lasers. These slots are metal reinforced and tightly screwed into the stock. This is a great option for defensive shotgunners.
The Stock and Forend Combination
The stock is well designed to mitigate recoil. The angle of the stock requires an adaptor and shorter bolt once the factory stock is removed. This is a strong attachment. The angle of the stock allows a locked wrist rather than the usual angled grip common with shotgun. This alone makes a considerable difference in handling. The stock is properly pebbled for greater adhesion and abrasion.
The stock also offers a good range of adjustment with a set of spacers. This allows a customized length of pull, extremely important in handling a shotgun. Then there is the gel filled recoil pad. I like that a great deal. The Gladiatore stock and forend set up make for a good improvement in tactical ability and recoil control. The looks, well, the combination of American walnut and Italian craftsmanship is excellent.
Firing Tests
Among my most trusted loads is the Federal Flite Control Wad 12 gauge 00 buckshot load. This loading will put the entire load of pellets into a man sized target at 25 yards. This is exceptional performance for buckshot. You may not need this type of performance for home defense but for area defense, it is a formidable loading.
I fired this load after mounting the WOOX stock, and also the Remington Managed Recoil buckshot loading. The Remington load is a little difficult to find but offers excellent performance with lower velocity, ideal for home defense use.
I began firing the WOOX combination modified shotgun at 7 yards, beginning with the shotgun at “muzzle down ready” position. I quickly brought the shotgun up, racked the bolt, and fired. I was able to get good center hits quickly.
The shotgun’s recoil is considerably different with the WOOX stock installed. Recoil energy is re-directed by improved stock geometry and controlled by the locked wrist possible with this shotgun. The gel filled recoil pad is a component, and the WOOX stock seems to add some weight to the shotgun as well. Results were good. I also found the line of sight improved.
I was able to test the Federal Flite Control loading at 15 and 25 yards. Muzzle flip is lowered by the new stock angle and the pattern was well centered. Control is excellent. Don’t misunderstand, there is still recoil because the laws of physics are not changed. But the stock angle weight and recoil pad aid in re-directing the stocks recoil. This is good, and the stock’s appearance is also a big advantage.
I also fired a number of 12-gauge slugs at a long 25 yards. I like to keep these on hand for long range use or for, if need be, taking down a larger animal. I was able to ring the bell at 25 yards. Not exactly a cloverleaf but four shells in four inches quick is pretty good.
There’s More
WOOX recently announced they are adding a line of lever action rifle stocks. There are many older rifles with well worn or cracked stocks in service. I think the WOOX stock would be a fine upgrade. Not to mention the AR and bolt action rifle stocks also available from WOOX.
In short, the company is offering first class gear for more and more firearms.
