Let’s Dive into Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5 offers a modernized, glass-filled polymer stock for a classic shotgun platform. Manufactured by Choate Tool, this stock aims to provide improved durability and ergonomics over the original wood stocks while maintaining a familiar aesthetic. It’s designed as a drop-in replacement, with some fitting potentially required, making it an interesting option for those looking to refresh or upgrade their Winchester shotgun.
My trusty old Winchester 1300’s stock had seen better days; it was heavily scratched and the finish was starting to flake. I needed a durable, weather-resistant replacement that wouldn’t break the bank, but also wouldn’t drastically alter the classic feel of the shotgun. I wanted to retain the original feel, not move to some pistol grip tactical configuration, but something with more modern materials.
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5 arrived in a simple cardboard box, well-protected with packing material. My initial impressions were positive; the polymer felt solid and the molded texture offered a surprisingly good grip. The black color was uniform and appeared to be evenly applied.
I considered the Hogue OverMolded shotgun stock and the Magpul SGA stock before settling on the Choate Tool offering. The Hogue’s rubberized coating is excellent, but I wanted something stiffer, and the Magpul, while outstanding, alters the classic lines of the Winchester far too much for my liking. The Choate Tool offered a more traditional profile at a compelling price.
I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would be a significant improvement over the worn factory stock without sacrificing the classic shotgun’s character. The need for potential bedding concerned me slightly, but I was eager to see how it would perform after installation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5 at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on clay pigeon shooting. The weather was mildly damp, providing an opportunity to assess the grip in less-than-ideal conditions. I ran a few boxes of shells through the shotgun, ranging from light target loads to heavier field loads.
The stock performed admirably, providing a secure and comfortable hold even with slightly wet hands. The textured polymer offered a noticeable improvement over the slick, worn finish of the original wood. I was impressed with how the Choate Tool stock absorbed recoil, especially with the heavier loads; it felt slightly better than the factory stock.
Installation was straightforward, though I did need to perform a small amount of bedding to achieve a perfect fit with the forend. This involved carefully sanding down a small portion of the forend to prevent binding. Overall the fitting was very intuitive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5 has proven to be remarkably durable. It has withstood numerous trips to the range and even a few outings in the field during light rain and snow. There are no visible signs of wear and tear beyond some minor scuff marks from normal handling.
The polymer construction is clearly resistant to scratches and impacts. I’ve cleaned the stock several times with a damp cloth, and it still looks like new. Compared to my previous experiences with wood stocks, the Choate Tool is much easier to maintain and shows no signs of warping or cracking.
The new stock significantly outperforms the original, weathered stock in terms of grip, recoil absorption, and overall durability. The Choate Tool stock has proven to be a worthwhile upgrade for my Winchester 1300.
Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5
Specifications
Manufacturer: Choate Tool.
Gun Model Compatibility: Winchester Model 1200, Winchester Model 1300, Winchester Model 1400.
Fabric/Material: Glass-filled Polymer.
This provides exceptional strength and resistance to the elements, ensuring long-lasting durability.Color: Black.
The stock has an unassuming black finish, that is both functional and aesthetic.Quantity: 1 (Stock and Forend).
It’s a complete replacement set, providing both the stock and forend.Length of Pull: 13 3/4 inches.
This provides a comfortable length of pull for most shooters.Country of Origin: USA.
The Choate Tool stock is proudly made in the USA.
These specifications ensure compatibility with the specified Winchester shotgun models while offering enhanced durability and weather resistance. The glass-filled polymer construction is key to the stock’s ability to withstand harsh conditions and heavy use.
Performance & Functionality
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5 noticeably improves the shotgun’s handling and recoil management. The textured grip provides a secure hold in various conditions, contributing to improved accuracy. The stock is extremely functional.
The stock’s main strength is its rugged durability and resistance to weather. One area for potential improvement is the slight bedding that may be required for some users, which might be daunting for those with no experience. Overall, the stock meets and slightly exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Choate Tool stock offers a classic, familiar design with subtle modern touches. The glass-filled polymer is both lightweight and incredibly strong, making the shotgun comfortable to carry and shoot. It’s a great balance between new and old.
The ergonomics are well-considered, providing a comfortable cheek weld and natural grip. The stock has a minimal learning curve, even for those accustomed to the original wood stock.
Durability & Maintenance
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5 is built to last, thanks to its high-quality polymer construction. With proper care, the stock should provide years of reliable service. The polymer finish is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5 doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but it does accept standard sling swivels. The stock is compatible with aftermarket recoil pads, allowing users to further customize the fit and recoil absorption. You can tailor it to your needs.
The stock does require a standard Winchester 1200/1300/1400 forend, and users may choose to replace or upgrade the forend as they see fit. The Choate Tool stock is compatible with a wide range of accessories designed for the Winchester 1200/1300/1400 platform.
Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5
Pros
- Enhanced Durability: The glass-filled polymer construction offers superior resistance to weather, impacts, and scratches compared to traditional wood stocks.
- Improved Grip: The textured surface provides a secure and comfortable hold, even in wet conditions.
- Easy Installation: The stock is designed as a drop-in replacement, simplifying the upgrade process.
- Classic Aesthetics: Retains the familiar lines of the original Winchester stock while offering a modernized look.
- Cost-Effective: Offers a significant upgrade in durability and performance at a very reasonable price.
Cons
- Potential Bedding Required: Some users may need to perform minor bedding to achieve a perfect fit.
- Basic Design: Lacks advanced features found in more expensive aftermarket stocks, such as adjustable cheek risers or length of pull.
Who Should Buy Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5?
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5 is perfect for:
- Hunters seeking a durable and weather-resistant stock for their Winchester shotgun.
- Shooters looking to refresh or upgrade their existing stock without drastically altering the classic design.
- Individuals who want a cost-effective way to improve the grip and handling of their shotgun.
This product might not be ideal for:
- Shooters seeking a highly customizable stock with adjustable features.
- Those unwilling to perform minor bedding or fitting adjustments.
A must-have modification is a quality recoil pad, which further enhances the comfort and recoil absorption of the Choate Tool stock.
Conclusion on Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300/1400 Conventional Stock MK5 is a solid, well-made replacement stock that significantly improves the durability and handling of the classic Winchester shotgun. The price is definitely justified given the enhanced performance and long-lasting construction. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to upgrade their Winchester 1200, 1300, or 1400 shotgun. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, durable, and aesthetically pleasing upgrade for your Winchester, the Choate Tool stock is a great choice.