Why don't "hunting" rifles have pistol grips?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Why don't "hunting" rifles have pistol grips?

Posted: 3/25/2002 6:39:18 AM EDT

Why do only “Tactical” shotguns and rifles have pistol grips? I would prefer a rifle and shotgun with a pistol grip for all situations, especially for carry in the field while hunting. What which do you prefer? Why do manufacturers only sell hunting models with “standard” stocks and grips? Can anyone explain it for me?

Posted: 3/25/2002 6:49:21 AM EDT

[#1]

You can get any stock you want as long as it isn't on an 'assault rifle'.
(where's that vomit smiley when you need it)

Posted: 3/25/2002 6:50:29 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
You can get any stock you want as long as it isn't on an 'assault rifle'.
(where's that vomit smiley when you need it)

View Quote

Not in Jersey you can't...

Posted: 3/25/2002 7:03:23 AM EDT

[#3]

Mine do.

But the funny thing is how common sporter stocks are called "pistol grip" to differentiate them from English straight stocks.

On my next pig hunt I fully intend to use a AUG.

Posted: 3/25/2002 7:12:47 AM EDT

[#4]

Mine do, their called AR10's.

Posted: 3/25/2002 7:14:42 AM EDT

[#5]

The way a traditional hunting rifles stock is configured makes it difficult to use a pistol grip. You can't have a pistol grip dropping off of a standard stock, since that brings your hand down too low to operate the bolt and safety quickly. You could use a thumb hole stock, which feel great, but they slow down how fast you can operate the rifles bolt and safety. I guess that this only applies to bolt action rifles.

Posted: 3/25/2002 7:25:39 AM EDT

[#6]

If they had a pistol grip, they would be eeevilll.......

Posted: 3/25/2002 7:30:59 AM EDT

[#7]

You can buy aftermarket stocks with pistol grips for many commercial rifles.

I think the primary reasons why pistol gripped hunting rifles are hard to find is that most hunters are used to the function and looks of standard stocks. That is probably a big part of the reason why the army chose the M14 over the FAL. And it is not like standard stocks suck. Well designed ones, like the M14's, work very well. Winchester, Remington, Ruger and Savage do not make pistol gripped rifles because they think they would not sell very many, and I bet they are right. There is probably also some fear that they would offend PC sensibilities by putting out such a rifle.

There is also some truth to what Shoowallagager says above, and some bolt actions would have to be redesigned. Other bolt actions work fine with the pistol grip.

Posted: 3/25/2002 7:31:25 AM EDT

[#8]

Well, Sen. Schumer says that pistol grips a so that the shooter can "spray bullets from the hip".

The funny thing, is that in military training, they never teach you that "spray bullets from the hip" trick. AND they still insist that military rifles HAVE a pistol grip.

Mysterious....

Posted: 3/25/2002 7:43:05 AM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
You can buy aftermarket stocks with pistol grips for many commercial rifles.

There is also some truth to what Shoowallagager says above, and some bolt actions would have to be redesigned. Other bolt actions work fine with the pistol grip.

View Quote

I put the Choate Ultimate Sniper stock on both my Savage bolts and I think that it is actually a more natural motion to come up on the bolt than having to move your hand forward first as you would with a traditional stock. The Choate stock has a pistol grip as part of the open loop buttstock.

Posted: 3/25/2002 7:53:50 AM EDT

[#10]

I prefer Semi-autos (shotguns & rifles) to have pistol grips.

Helps to quickly bring the muzzle back down, for the next shot.

I don't like them on bolts or pumps.