Knoxx Spec Op Stock Review (Rem 870)

Bull Barrel · 02-09-2006, 07:15 PM

Just received the Knoxx Spec Op stock: http://www.knoxx.com/NewStyleKnoxx/P...cOpsStock.html
to my Remington 870 Express which has had its barrel shortened to 18.75" and now looks like this:http://www.policeone.com/police-prod...leases/119781/ which I ordered two days ago from Cabela's. If possible I always use proven vendors, as I have had mixed results orering direclt from manufacturers (SureFire being a notable exception).

I also ordered these fiber optic sights: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...795&hasJS=true which are attached with knurled set screws that dig into the vent rib. Installation was easy--an extra set screw and an allen wrench are included. They fit correctly and offer a vast improvement over the standard bead (which was removed along with 9.25" of the 28" express barrel) especially in low light.

The Quick-release swivel from Uncle Mikes required altering the removable magazine cap of the 870 using a #3 drill (.213) and a 1/4-28 tap. The Knoxx stock is already fitted with a swivel. A black Bob Allen strap with a heavy neoprene pad takes the load when tramping through the brush.

My initial impression of the Knoxx Spec Op stock when I opened the box was positive--the fit and finish of the product is very high and I was a little surprised at it's heft--the body is aluminum with high-density (ABS?) plastic pistol grip and 3-position stock--both the stock and grip house recoil-absorbing mechanisms. As I have not tried to dissassemble the units I can only relay the information from the manufacturer that a heavy spring and cam are arranged to allow the stock to compress a little over an inch-- while simultaneously the grip pivots slightly on its axis, the stock exhibits no play whatsoever until acting to absorb the recoil of the shotgun blast.

The dark charcoal color of the stock complements the black oxide coating of the 870--but where the stock fits up onto the receiver the two surfaces are not flush--compared to the Remington Factory furniture the Knoxx stock could follow the reciever contours more closely--this is an aesthetic point, as mechanically the Knoxx stock mates up perfectly with no question as to it being purpose-built for the 870.

Installation was very straight forward and the instructions with the stock were clear with numerous pictures. Removing the Remington furniture required a "1 phillips screwdriver and a large flat-bladed screwdriver. Although Knoxx recommends using an extended ball-head 3/16" allen key to install the Spec Op stock I had no problem using a standard ball-head allen key--it just required a little more patience as the body of the stock would not allow for a full turn of the wrench. I encountered no difficulties.

According to Knoxx it is not necessary to pull the stock tightly into your shoulder--the best way to let the recoil mechanisms work is to firmly grip the pistol grip and lightly fit the butt into your shoulder pocket (a sure way to get a blue shoulder with standard furniture). When fired, the gun will move rearward as the stock compresses --to avoid cheek slap against the flare of the stock be sure to keep your face a couple of inches back from the flare. This is duly noted in the instruction sheet.

The new stock and sights transform the 870 visually into a variant of the 870LE (without the improved choke of the Law Enforcement model)--functionally a CQT weapon except for the limited magazine capacity of 4 + 1. As the sun began to dip over the mountains I set off for the back acre range to see how the "new" shotgun would perform.

Using a piece of 1/2" plywood to print some slugs and 00 Buck off hand at 50 feet I was able to keep 4 slugs in a tight grouping (3") which could have been tighter if I had benched the weapon. The 4 rounds of 00 buck printed to about 9" leaving a ragged hole where the 32 pellets hit. Recoil was very mild--similar to firing an M1A1 .308. As dark was setting in further testing with different loads and ranges will follow in subsequent posts.

I was pleased with the Knoxx product in all regards:nod: --the Star Dot sights were equally impressive considering the twilight conditions of the dense woods. I would highly recommend these components to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable CQT shotgun for Home Defense or competitive shooting. The 870 Express retails for $240, the Spec Ops Stock for $110, the sights for $25--quick release swivels and strap are another $20 bringing the total to slightly less than $400 (the list for an H&K Fabarms).

Better groupings could probably be had with a proper 18" barrel from Remington, but the added expense (over $200) may not justify the slight improvement offered by the choke, especially if short distances, 00 buck and slugs are prefered.:uzi:

silentknight · 02-09-2006, 07:41 PM

In my opinion the greatest aftermarket stock on the market. I love mine, since I've installed it I've shot 200 rounds of high brass 7 1/2 shot at clays in 1 afternoon. The only reason I stopped was that i was out of shells, my shoulder wasn't even close to sore. I use this stock for everything that I use my 870 for: pheasant, deer, turkey, clay targets. The only time this stock will leave my 870 is if i were to get a 870 Police model

(its the one on the top

)

Bull Barrel · 02-09-2006, 08:03 PM

Wow! that wood on the the lower rifle is gorgeous--I am curious--is that a Mossberg replacement barrel on the shotgun? or a Remington? Looks like a Mag extension on there too--may I enquire where to get one? I found a barrel in Cabela's http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...805&hasJS=true

I checked Brownells but they are currently out of stock...

Nice picture! (And great advice earlier about that stock--it is unlike anything I have ever tried before--it really works!)

silentknight · 02-09-2006, 10:34 PM

Thats the slug barrel that came with the slug/bird combo, Just a factory Remmington fully rifled 20" barrel. I can't take the credit for the wood on the Stevens on the bottom, Dad refinished it before i was around

Big Dog · 02-10-2006, 06:23 AM

Good write-up! I've considered this stock myself, as the older folder I have is punishing (it's got a slender little buttplate - OUCH!). :right:

silentknight · 02-10-2006, 11:54 AM

Sorry I didn't put this in my earlier post. The mag extension is a Tac Star, I purchased mine at Scheels for $45. Cabelas has them here
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...h-results1.jsp

I wouldn't get the Mossberg barrel, Their blued finish will look nothing close to the parkarized finish of the 870 express. I'd spend a little more and get one from Remington, $139.99 through Cabelas '12 Express 20" Improved Cylinder Deer Rifle Sight'
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...h-results1.jsp

SilverRun · 02-12-2006, 10:04 AM

I just ordered the Knoxx Folding Copstock. I will post a review here after i get to shoot it. Looks intersting. That is a nice stock on the .22.

Bull Barrel · 02-16-2006, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silentknight

Sorry I didn't put this in my earlier post. The mag extension is a Tac Star, I purchased mine at Scheels for $45. Cabelas has them here
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...h-results1.jsp
I wouldn't get the Mossberg barrel, Their blued finish will look nothing close to the parkarized finish of the 870 express. I'd spend a little more and get one from Remington, $139.99 through Cabelas '12 Express 20" Improved Cylinder Deer Rifle Sight'
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...h-results1.jsp

Thanks for the links! I agree the blued barrel would look like crap. I think the 20" would work better for what I intend to be doing anyway--I have found some limitations of the stock however which only became apparent after putting a few hundred rounds through it doing various drills. Don't expect to use this stock with 870 and be able to access the safety with your right hand thumb--can't happen--the stock completely shrouds the button--putting the gun from safe to fire with the trigger finger is not really a problem--after taking a small drum sander (dremel) to the stock in that exact area to ease access. If doing live fire training where a chambered round is involved using the safety is cumbersome--requiring the left hand to be removed from the forestock--something the standard stock does not require.

The only other oddity of the stock is avoiding cheekslap promotes poor form--as the stock recoils the flare will slap you unless you have the stock well extended and your face well back. Getting a good cheek weld is problematic, so skeet type shooting is less natural.

To give an example: Using my shooting partner's FN police shotgun acquiring the the target in flight is a natural point and shoot affair--with the spec ops stock pistol grip the elbow is bent down which tends to brings the cheek up above the stock and hence off of the sights--a separate motion is added in hunching the shoulder to bring the stock up so the sights will line up.

To it's credit the Knoxx stock excells at speed shooting from the waist at close range at targets that are on the ground--the pistol grip puts your arm and hand in the best position to receive the recoil and keep you on target--unlike the standard rifle type stock of the FN where the more horizontal grip position is working against you when shooting from the waist--I worked this out with my shooting partner--who is more experienced in tactical shooting--by watching each other shooting the two different guns.

Again--rapidlly acquiring targets at medium to long range with the weapon shouldered is less natural with the pistol grip and lack of comb than with the standard rifle type stock. I consistently had to shoot more slowly with the Knoxx stocked weapon to make the shots.

Knoxx offers an accesorry for the spec op stock that features an adjustable comb and side saddle--it will be shipping March 1st--I feel this will greatly improve the cheek weld and may ameliorate the effect of the pistol grip when shouldering the rifle and tracking clays. I let you know after it arrives.

For Knoxx to offer this accessory they must have seen the need or received some requests for it. For close quarters work and reflex shooting the Knoxx stock is awesome--but for regular shooting in the field it has some drawbacks due to hand, cheek and shoulder position.

All in all an excellent product that can only get better with the comb accessory. A slight modification to aid access to the safey is highly reccomended both for speed and safety.:target:

silentknight · 02-16-2006, 11:42 PM

I've never had a problem with cheekslap, I've shot hundreds of rounds of clays and plenty of 3" magnum slugs through it. I do agree though that the 'Power Pack' that knoxx is offering now, will help alot with optics

02-09-2006, 07:15 PM	#1
Bull Barrel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia Posts: 239	Knoxx Spec Op Stock Review (Rem 870) Just received the Knoxx Spec Op stock: http://www.knoxx.com/NewStyleKnoxx/P...cOpsStock.html to my Remington 870 Express which has had its barrel shortened to 18.75" and now looks like this:http://www.policeone.com/police-prod...leases/119781/ which I ordered two days ago from Cabela's. If possible I always use proven vendors, as I have had mixed results orering direclt from manufacturers (SureFire being a notable exception). I also ordered these fiber optic sights: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...795&hasJS=true which are attached with knurled set screws that dig into the vent rib. Installation was easy--an extra set screw and an allen wrench are included. They fit correctly and offer a vast improvement over the standard bead (which was removed along with 9.25" of the 28" express barrel) especially in low light. The Quick-release swivel from Uncle Mikes required altering the removable magazine cap of the 870 using a #3 drill (.213) and a 1/4-28 tap. The Knoxx stock is already fitted with a swivel. A black Bob Allen strap with a heavy neoprene pad takes the load when tramping through the brush. My initial impression of the Knoxx Spec Op stock when I opened the box was positive--the fit and finish of the product is very high and I was a little surprised at it's heft--the body is aluminum with high-density (ABS?) plastic pistol grip and 3-position stock--both the stock and grip house recoil-absorbing mechanisms. As I have not tried to dissassemble the units I can only relay the information from the manufacturer that a heavy spring and cam are arranged to allow the stock to compress a little over an inch-- while simultaneously the grip pivots slightly on its axis, the stock exhibits no play whatsoever until acting to absorb the recoil of the shotgun blast. The dark charcoal color of the stock complements the black oxide coating of the 870--but where the stock fits up onto the receiver the two surfaces are not flush--compared to the Remington Factory furniture the Knoxx stock could follow the reciever contours more closely--this is an aesthetic point, as mechanically the Knoxx stock mates up perfectly with no question as to it being purpose-built for the 870. Installation was very straight forward and the instructions with the stock were clear with numerous pictures. Removing the Remington furniture required a "1 phillips screwdriver and a large flat-bladed screwdriver. Although Knoxx recommends using an extended ball-head 3/16" allen key to install the Spec Op stock I had no problem using a standard ball-head allen key--it just required a little more patience as the body of the stock would not allow for a full turn of the wrench. I encountered no difficulties. According to Knoxx it is not necessary to pull the stock tightly into your shoulder--the best way to let the recoil mechanisms work is to firmly grip the pistol grip and lightly fit the butt into your shoulder pocket (a sure way to get a blue shoulder with standard furniture). When fired, the gun will move rearward as the stock compresses --to avoid cheek slap against the flare of the stock be sure to keep your face a couple of inches back from the flare. This is duly noted in the instruction sheet. The new stock and sights transform the 870 visually into a variant of the 870LE (without the improved choke of the Law Enforcement model)--functionally a CQT weapon except for the limited magazine capacity of 4 + 1. As the sun began to dip over the mountains I set off for the back acre range to see how the "new" shotgun would perform. Using a piece of 1/2" plywood to print some slugs and 00 Buck off hand at 50 feet I was able to keep 4 slugs in a tight grouping (3") which could have been tighter if I had benched the weapon. The 4 rounds of 00 buck printed to about 9" leaving a ragged hole where the 32 pellets hit. Recoil was very mild--similar to firing an M1A1 .308. As dark was setting in further testing with different loads and ranges will follow in subsequent posts. I was pleased with the Knoxx product in all regards:nod: --the Star Dot sights were equally impressive considering the twilight conditions of the dense woods. I would highly recommend these components to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable CQT shotgun for Home Defense or competitive shooting. The 870 Express retails for $240, the Spec Ops Stock for $110, the sights for $25--quick release swivels and strap are another $20 bringing the total to slightly less than $400 (the list for an H&K Fabarms). Better groupings could probably be had with a proper 18" barrel from Remington, but the added expense (over $200) may not justify the slight improvement offered by the choke, especially if short distances, 00 buck and slugs are prefered.:uzi: __________________ Beautiful Noisy Deadly Machines--What's Not to Like? :assult: Last edited by Bull Barrel; 02-09-2006 at 07:42 PM.

02-09-2006, 07:41 PM	#2
silentknight Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,118	In my opinion the greatest aftermarket stock on the market. I love mine, since I've installed it I've shot 200 rounds of high brass 7 1/2 shot at clays in 1 afternoon. The only reason I stopped was that i was out of shells, my shoulder wasn't even close to sore. I use this stock for everything that I use my 870 for: pheasant, deer, turkey, clay targets. The only time this stock will leave my 870 is if i were to get a 870 Police model (its the one on the top ) __________________ Sic Vis Pacem Parabellum

02-09-2006, 10:34 PM	#4
silentknight Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,118	Thats the slug barrel that came with the slug/bird combo, Just a factory Remmington fully rifled 20" barrel. I can't take the credit for the wood on the Stevens on the bottom, Dad refinished it before i was around __________________ Sic Vis Pacem Parabellum

02-10-2006, 06:23 AM	#5
Big Dog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 12,806	Good write-up! I've considered this stock myself, as the older folder I have is punishing (it's got a slender little buttplate - OUCH!). :right: __________________ "A bold spirit embiggens the smallest man!" Jebediah Springfield

02-10-2006, 11:54 AM	#6
silentknight Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,118	Sorry I didn't put this in my earlier post. The mag extension is a Tac Star, I purchased mine at Scheels for $45. Cabelas has them here http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...h-results1.jsp I wouldn't get the Mossberg barrel, Their blued finish will look nothing close to the parkarized finish of the 870 express. I'd spend a little more and get one from Remington, $139.99 through Cabelas '12 Express 20" Improved Cylinder Deer Rifle Sight' http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...h-results1.jsp __________________ Sic Vis Pacem Parabellum Last edited by silentknight; 02-10-2006 at 12:02 PM.

02-09-2006, 08:03 PM	#3
Bull Barrel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia Posts: 239	Wow! that wood on the the lower rifle is gorgeous--I am curious--is that a Mossberg replacement barrel on the shotgun? or a Remington? Looks like a Mag extension on there too--may I enquire where to get one? I found a barrel in Cabela's http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...805&hasJS=true I checked Brownells but they are currently out of stock... Nice picture! (And great advice earlier about that stock--it is unlike anything I have ever tried before--it really works!) __________________ Beautiful Noisy Deadly Machines--What's Not to Like? :assult:

02-12-2006, 10:04 AM	#7
SilverRun Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: AL Posts: 1,685	I just ordered the Knoxx Folding Copstock. I will post a review here after i get to shoot it. Looks intersting. That is a nice stock on the .22.

02-16-2006, 11:42 PM	#9
silentknight Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,118	I've never had a problem with cheekslap, I've shot hundreds of rounds of clays and plenty of 3" magnum slugs through it. I do agree though that the 'Power Pack' that knoxx is offering now, will help alot with optics __________________ Sic Vis Pacem Parabellum