The Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend Made a Bold First Impression
The Remington 870 is a legendary shotgun, a true workhorse favored by law enforcement, hunters, and homeowners alike. Many owners choose to customize this shotgun, and the Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend is a popular upgrade option. But does this aftermarket furniture live up to the hype?
After years of using various shotguns in demanding environments, I was eager to see if the Hogue offering could improve the ergonomics and handling of my trusty 870. I needed a solution that offered a more secure grip, better recoil absorption, and increased durability compared to the factory stock and forend.
My initial impression of the Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend was a mix of intrigue and skepticism. The overmolded rubber felt grippy and comfortable, but the overall design seemed rather basic. I considered options from Magpul and Mesa Tactical, but opted for the Hogue due to its lower price point. To be honest, my first impression was slight disappointment, hoping for something more premium.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend extensively at my local shooting range, running hundreds of rounds of birdshot, buckshot, and slugs. The conditions were typical for a late summer day – hot, humid, and dusty.
The rubber overmolding provided a significantly improved grip, even with sweaty hands. Recoil was noticeably reduced compared to the original stock, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable. Unfortunately, the forend felt a bit short for my preferred shooting style, leading to some hand fatigue after prolonged use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend showed minimal signs of wear and tear. The rubber remained intact, with no cracking or peeling.
Cleaning was straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth. Compared to my previous experience with synthetic stocks, the Hogue felt more durable and comfortable, but the less-than-ideal forend length remained a consistent issue.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend
Specifications
The Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend is designed as a drop-in replacement for the factory stock and forend of Remington 870 12-gauge shotguns. The stock is molded from a fiberglass-reinforced polymer, providing a stable and durable platform. The grip and forend feature Hogue’s signature overmolded rubber for enhanced grip and recoil absorption.
The stock has a standard length of pull. It incorporates an ambidextrous ergonomic palm swell and a soft recoil cushioning buttpad. These specifications translate to improved handling, reduced felt recoil, and enhanced shooter comfort.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend performs adequately. The improved grip is a definite plus, especially in adverse conditions. Recoil management is also improved, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
However, the short forend is a significant drawback, limiting the shooter’s ability to effectively control the shotgun during rapid firing or dynamic movements. While better than the factory stock in some ways, it ultimately falls short of expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent, with the fiberglass-reinforced polymer providing a solid foundation. The rubber overmolding feels comfortable in hand and offers excellent grip. The standard length of pull should accommodate most shooters.
However, the forend design feels like an afterthought, lacking sufficient length and texture for optimal control. There’s minimal learning curve, as installation is simple and straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend is built to last. The rubber overmolding is resistant to abrasion and chemicals. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning.
The materials are rugged and appear capable of withstanding years of use in harsh environments. The product seems designed for longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend does not include any accessories. The design is fairly basic, limiting customization options. The stock is compatible with standard sling mounts.
While it’s possible to add aftermarket accessories like shell holders or cheek risers, the lack of integrated mounting points limits its versatility. It won’t accommodate any new optics you hoped to add.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend
Pros
- Improved Grip: The rubber overmolding provides a significantly enhanced grip, even in wet or slippery conditions.
- Reduced Recoil: The soft recoil cushioning buttpad effectively reduces felt recoil, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable.
- Durable Construction: The fiberglass-reinforced polymer and rubber overmolding are built to withstand years of use and abuse.
- Easy Installation: The drop-in design makes installation quick and easy, requiring minimal tools or expertise.
Cons
- Short Forend: The forend is too short for many users, limiting control and potentially causing hand fatigue.
- Basic Design: The lack of integrated mounting points or customization options limits its versatility.
Who Should Buy Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend?
The Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend is a decent option for casual shooters and homeowners looking for a basic upgrade to their Remington 870. It offers improved grip and recoil absorption at an affordable price.
However, serious hunters, tactical shooters, or anyone requiring optimal control and customization options should skip this product. You should invest in a higher-quality option with a longer forend and more versatile features. A quality sling would be a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend
The Hogue Grips OM Rubber Remington 870 Stock/Forend offers a modest improvement over the factory stock and forend of a Remington 870. The improved grip and recoil absorption are definite benefits.
However, the short forend and limited customization options hold it back from being a truly exceptional upgrade. At a price of $59.46, the value proposition is questionable, considering the available alternatives. I would personally recommend exploring other options before settling on the Hogue.