Let’s Dive into Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock is a significant departure from the traditional shotgun stock, offering a more compact and maneuverable platform. Designed specifically for the Winchester 1200 and 1300 12-gauge shotguns, this stock replaces the standard buttstock with a pistol grip configuration and a shortened length of pull. The glass-filled polymer construction ensures durability while keeping the weight down to a mere 9 ounces. Its appeal lies in providing enhanced control and reduced length, making it ideal for tight spaces or for shooters wearing body armor or youth shooters needing a shorter length of pull.
My journey to this product stemmed from a need for a more compact shotgun setup for home defense, where maneuverability is paramount. The standard stock on my Winchester 1300 felt bulky and unwieldy in confined spaces. I also wanted a shorter length of pull for my smaller framed wife to be more comfortable using it for home defense.
The Choate Tool stock arrived in a simple, no-frills package. Immediately, I noticed how lightweight it was, which was a pleasant surprise considering its rugged appearance. The glass-filled polymer felt solid and well-molded, and the pistol grip had a comfortable texture. Build quality appeared to be excellent, with no visible blemishes or imperfections.
Before settling on the Choate Tool stock, I considered the Hogue Tamer pistol grip stock and the Mesa Tactical LEO adapter with an AR-style stock. The Hogue offered a similar pistol grip design but lacked the shortened length of pull I desired for body armor compatibility. The Mesa Tactical option was more versatile, but also significantly more expensive and complex to install. The Choate Tool stock seemed to offer the best balance of compactness, affordability, and ease of installation.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The stock felt like a well-thought-out and practical solution for enhancing the maneuverability of my Winchester 1300. I was excited to see how it would perform at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Choate Tool stock at an indoor shooting range, simulating a close-quarters environment. The most immediate difference was the improved handling. The pistol grip allowed for a much tighter grip and better control during rapid firing.
The shortened length of pull felt natural, even without wearing body armor. This configuration made it significantly easier to maneuver the shotgun in tight spaces, such as moving around corners or clearing doorways. While initially the change from a traditional stock felt different, I quickly adapted, and appreciated the added agility.
There was a slight increase in felt recoil due to the reduced surface area against my shoulder, but it was manageable, even with heavier loads. Installation was a breeze, taking only a few minutes with basic tools, and was just a matter of unscrewing the old stock and installing the new one. My wife immediately felt more confident with the shotgun due to the shorter length of pull and now she felt that she could quickly and safely use the shotgun in a home defense scenario.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and simulated home defense drills over the course of a few months, the Choate Tool stock has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking, splitting, or loosening. The glass-filled polymer is proving to be incredibly durable.
The stock has shown no significant wear and tear. The finish has remained consistent, despite repeated handling and exposure to different weather conditions. The only maintenance required has been the occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime.
Compared to my previous experience with the factory stock, the Choate Tool stock offers a significant improvement in maneuverability and control. While the recoil is slightly more noticeable, the benefits of the compact design far outweigh this minor drawback. I now feel more confident and capable when using my Winchester 1300 for home defense.
Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock
Specifications
Manufacturer: Choate Tool – A reputable company known for producing quality aftermarket firearm accessories. Choate Tool is based in the USA.
Gun Make: Winchester – Designed specifically for Winchester shotguns, ensuring a proper fit. This ensures that the stock mates perfectly to the receiver without modification.
Gun Model: Winchester Model 1200, Winchester Model 1300 – Compatible with these specific models, offering a tailored upgrade. This is not a universal fit stock, so compatibility is crucial.
Color: Black – A classic and practical color that blends well with most firearm finishes. Black is also more resistant to showing scratches and wear.
Fabric/Material: Glass-filled Polymer – Provides a balance of strength, durability, and light weight. This material is also resistant to temperature extremes and solvents.
Length: 11 3/4 in – A shortened length of pull for enhanced maneuverability and compatibility with body armor. This length is also ideal for smaller-statured shooters.
Weight: 9 oz – A lightweight design that minimizes added weight to the shotgun. This keeps the overall weight manageable, even with accessories.
Country of Origin: USA – Indicates quality manufacturing and supports domestic jobs. This adds to the overall value and confidence in the product.
Quantity: 1 – Refers to the single stock included in the package. This is a direct replacement stock, and includes all necessary mounting hardware.
Performance & Functionality
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock dramatically improves the shotgun’s handling in close quarters. The pistol grip design allows for a more secure and ergonomic grip, while the shortened length of pull enhances maneuverability. This makes it easier to aim and fire quickly in confined spaces.
The primary strength of this stock is its compactness and ease of installation. The glass-filled polymer construction is incredibly durable and the pistol grip provides enhanced control. The only weakness is the increased felt recoil compared to a traditional stock.
The Choate Tool stock largely meets expectations. It delivers on its promise of improved maneuverability and a shortened length of pull, and the build quality is excellent. The increased recoil is a minor drawback, but one that I was prepared for.
Design & Ergonomics
The Choate Tool stock features a simple, functional design. The glass-filled polymer is molded into a comfortable pistol grip with a textured surface for enhanced grip. The overall weight is very light, contributing to the shotgun’s maneuverability.
The stock is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills for installation. It is a direct replacement for the factory stock, and the process takes only a few minutes. The pistol grip feels natural in hand, and the shortened length of pull makes the shotgun easier to shoulder and aim.
Durability & Maintenance
The glass-filled polymer construction of the Choate Tool stock suggests that it will last for many years with proper care. The material is resistant to impacts, scratches, and temperature extremes. The simple design and lack of moving parts also contribute to its longevity.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The stock is also resistant to most solvents and cleaning agents, making it easy to keep in good condition. There are no parts that are likely to require repair or replacement.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with various aftermarket accessories designed for the Winchester 1200 and 1300 shotguns. This includes things like shell holders and sling attachments that can be added to the stock.
While the stock itself is not customizable, the user can personalize their shotgun with aftermarket accessories such as a tactical light mounted on the forend or a red dot sight mounted on the receiver. The Choate Tool stock provides a solid foundation for building a customized home defense shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock
Pros
- Enhanced Maneuverability: The shortened length of pull and pistol grip configuration make the shotgun significantly easier to handle in tight spaces.
Cons
- Increased Recoil: The shortened length of pull results in slightly more felt recoil compared to a traditional stock.
Durable Construction: The glass-filled polymer is incredibly strong and resistant to damage, ensuring a long service life.
Easy Installation: The stock is a direct replacement for the factory stock, requiring no special tools or skills to install.
Lightweight Design: The 9 oz weight minimizes added weight to the shotgun, maintaining overall maneuverability.
Affordable Price: The Choate Tool stock is a relatively inexpensive upgrade compared to other aftermarket options.
Aesthetics: Some users may not prefer the look of a pistol grip stock on a traditional shotgun.
Who Should Buy Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock?
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock is perfect for:
- Home defense enthusiasts looking for a more compact and maneuverable shotgun setup.
- Shooters who frequently wear body armor and need a shorter length of pull.
- Youth shooters or individuals with smaller frames who find traditional shotgun stocks too long.
- Anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-install upgrade for their Winchester 1200 or 1300 shotgun.
This product is not ideal for:
- Hunters who prefer the traditional feel and longer length of pull of a conventional stock.
- Shooters who are highly sensitive to recoil.
A must-have accessory for this stock is a quality recoil pad to help mitigate the increased felt recoil. A sling attachment would also be useful for carrying the shotgun hands-free.
Conclusion on Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock
The Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock is a well-designed and practical upgrade for the Winchester 1200 and 1300 shotguns. Its compact design, durable construction, and easy installation make it an excellent choice for home defense, tactical applications, or youth shooters. While the increased felt recoil may be a concern for some, the benefits of improved maneuverability and control far outweigh this minor drawback.
The price is certainly justified, considering the quality of construction and the significant improvement in handling that this stock provides. I would personally recommend the Choate Tool stock to anyone looking to enhance the functionality and versatility of their Winchester 1200 or 1300 shotgun.
If you are looking to improve the handling of your Winchester shotgun, then strongly consider purchasing the Choate Tool Winchester 1200/1300 Pistol Grip Youth/Body Armor Stock today. You will not be disappointed!