Remington 1100: Custom Wood Stock Guide

Hey guys! Thinking about upgrading your Remington 1100 with a custom wood stock? Awesome choice! A new stock can totally transform the look and feel of your shotgun, making it not only more aesthetically pleasing but also better suited to your individual shooting style. Let's dive into everything you need to know about choosing and installing a custom wood stock for your Remington 1100. We'll cover the different types of wood, styles, finishes, and fitting considerations to ensure you get the perfect upgrade. The Remington 1100 is a classic shotgun known for its reliability and smooth action, making it a popular choice among hunters and sport shooters alike. Upgrading the stock is a fantastic way to personalize your firearm and enhance its performance. A well-chosen wood stock can improve your grip, shoulder fit, and overall comfort, leading to better accuracy and a more enjoyable shooting experience. Keep in mind that the quality of the wood greatly affects the durability and appearance of the stock. Higher-grade woods like walnut offer superior strength and aesthetic appeal. The process of selecting and fitting a custom wood stock involves several steps, each crucial to achieving the desired outcome. It begins with identifying the type of wood that best suits your needs and preferences, followed by choosing a stock style that complements your shotgun and fits your body type. The final step involves ensuring that the stock is properly fitted and finished to provide a seamless and comfortable shooting experience. Properly fitted stock is essential for comfortable shooting and improved accuracy. A stock that is too long or too short can affect your ability to properly mount the shotgun and maintain a consistent cheek weld. This, in turn, can lead to inconsistent shot patterns and reduced accuracy. Custom wood stocks offer a tailored fit, ensuring that the shotgun feels like a natural extension of your body. Investing in a custom wood stock is an investment in your shooting performance and overall enjoyment of the sport.

Why Upgrade to a Custom Wood Stock?

So, why should you even bother upgrading to a custom wood stock for your Remington 1100? There are a bunch of great reasons! First off, let's talk about aesthetics. A beautiful wood stock can dramatically enhance the look of your shotgun, giving it a classic, elegant feel that factory synthetic stocks just can't match. Think of it like putting a sharp suit on a reliable workhorse – it just elevates the whole package. Beyond looks, a custom wood stock can significantly improve your shotgun's ergonomics. A stock that's properly fitted to your body can make a world of difference in terms of comfort and control. This leads to better recoil absorption, faster target acquisition, and improved accuracy. No more awkward shouldering or struggling to maintain a consistent cheek weld! Furthermore, upgrading to a custom wood stock allows for personalization. You can choose from a variety of wood types, each with its unique grain pattern and color. You can also select a specific stock style that suits your shooting preferences, whether you prefer a classic field stock, a pistol grip stock, or something in between. Ultimately, a custom wood stock is an investment in your shooting experience. It's about making your Remington 1100 an extension of yourself, a firearm that not only performs well but also feels great in your hands. Let's not forget about the durability factor. High-quality wood stocks, especially those made from hardwoods like walnut or maple, are incredibly durable and can withstand years of use and abuse. Unlike synthetic stocks that can crack or warp over time, a well-maintained wood stock will retain its shape and strength, ensuring that your Remington 1100 remains a reliable companion for years to come. In addition to durability, wood stocks offer a unique tactile experience. The natural warmth and texture of wood provide a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet or cold conditions. This can be especially important for hunters who spend long hours in the field, where comfort and control are paramount.

Types of Wood for Remington 1100 Stocks

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of a custom wood stock. Now comes the fun part: choosing the right type of wood! Each wood species has its own unique characteristics, affecting the stock's appearance, weight, and durability. Let's break down some of the most popular options: Walnut: This is a classic choice for shotgun stocks, prized for its strength, stability, and beautiful grain. Walnut stocks offer excellent recoil absorption and a rich, dark color that only gets better with age. There are different grades of walnut, with higher grades featuring more intricate grain patterns and figure. Maple: Maple is a lighter-colored wood that's known for its hardness and durability. It's a great option if you want a stock that's both strong and visually appealing. Maple stocks can be stained to achieve a variety of colors, from light honey tones to deep browns. Birch: Birch is a more affordable option that still offers good strength and durability. It's a lighter-colored wood with a relatively plain grain, making it a good choice if you plan to apply a custom finish. Birch stocks are often used as a base for hydro-dipping or other decorative treatments. Cherry: Cherry is a reddish-brown wood that's known for its warm color and smooth texture. It's a bit softer than walnut or maple, but still plenty strong for a shotgun stock. Cherry stocks tend to darken over time, developing a rich, reddish-brown patina. When selecting the type of wood for your Remington 1100 stock, consider not only the appearance but also the functional properties. Harder woods like walnut and maple offer superior resistance to dents and scratches, while softer woods like cherry may be more prone to damage. Also, think about the weight of the wood. Heavier woods can help to reduce felt recoil, while lighter woods can make the shotgun easier to carry for extended periods. Ultimately, the best choice of wood depends on your individual preferences and shooting needs. Take the time to research the different options and choose a wood that you find both aesthetically pleasing and functionally suitable.

Styles and Finishes for Your Custom Stock

Now that you've picked your wood, let's talk styles and finishes! The style of your custom stock will affect both the look and feel of your Remington 1100, while the finish will protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty. Let's explore some popular options: Classic Field Stock: This is a traditional stock style that's designed for all-around shooting. It typically features a straight comb and a slim forend, making it comfortable to carry and easy to swing. Pistol Grip Stock: A pistol grip stock provides a more secure and ergonomic grip, which can improve your control and accuracy. It's a popular choice for tactical and sporting applications. Monte Carlo Stock: A Monte Carlo stock features a raised comb that's designed to align your eye with the sights or scope. It's a good option if you wear glasses or prefer a higher cheek weld. Thumbhole Stock: A thumbhole stock allows you to wrap your thumb around the grip, providing enhanced control and stability. It's a popular choice for target shooting and hunting. As for finishes, there are several options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Oil Finish: An oil finish penetrates the wood, providing a natural look and feel. It's easy to apply and maintain, but it doesn't offer as much protection as other finishes. Lacquer Finish: A lacquer finish is a hard, durable finish that provides excellent protection against scratches and moisture. It can be applied in a variety of sheens, from matte to high gloss. Polyurethane Finish: A polyurethane finish is a synthetic finish that's known for its durability and resistance to chemicals and solvents. It's a good choice if you want a low-maintenance finish that will stand up to a lot of abuse. When selecting a style and finish for your custom stock, consider your shooting style and environmental conditions. If you primarily hunt in wet or humid environments, a water-resistant finish like lacquer or polyurethane may be the best choice. If you prefer a more traditional look and feel, an oil finish may be more appealing. Also, think about the overall aesthetic you're trying to achieve. A high-gloss finish will give your Remington 1100 a sleek, modern look, while a matte finish will create a more understated, classic appearance. Ultimately, the best style and finish are those that best suit your individual preferences and shooting needs.

Fitting Your Custom Wood Stock

Alright, you've got your beautiful new custom wood stock. Now, the crucial part: fitting it to your Remington 1100! A proper fit is essential for both comfort and performance. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, it's always best to consult a gunsmith. But if you're feeling adventurous, here's a general overview: First, ensure your firearm is unloaded and safe. Seriously, double-check! Then, remove the original stock. This usually involves unscrewing a bolt located at the rear of the receiver. With the old stock off, carefully slide the new wood stock into place. Make sure it aligns properly with the receiver. You might need to use a rubber mallet to gently tap it into position. Once the stock is seated, secure it with the appropriate bolt. Tighten the bolt to the manufacturer's recommended torque specification. Overtightening can damage the wood, so be careful! Now, check the fit and feel of the stock. Does it feel comfortable in your hands? Can you shoulder the shotgun easily and maintain a consistent cheek weld? If not, you may need to make some adjustments. This could involve sanding down certain areas of the stock or adding shims to adjust the length of pull. When fitting your custom wood stock, pay close attention to the length of pull. This is the distance from the trigger to the center of the buttstock. A stock that's too long or too short can affect your ability to properly mount the shotgun and maintain a consistent cheek weld. To determine the correct length of pull, measure the distance from your bent elbow to the tip of your trigger finger. The length of pull should be approximately the same as this measurement. Also, consider the drop at comb and drop at heel. These measurements refer to the vertical distance between the top of the receiver and the comb and heel of the stock, respectively. Adjusting the drop at comb and drop at heel can help you to fine-tune the fit of the stock and ensure that your eye is properly aligned with the sights or scope. Remember, patience is key! Fitting a custom wood stock can take some time and effort, but the results are well worth it. A properly fitted stock will improve your comfort, control, and accuracy, making your Remington 1100 a joy to shoot.

Maintaining Your Wood Stock

Okay, you've got your custom wood stock installed and perfectly fitted. Now, let's talk maintenance! Proper care will keep your stock looking beautiful and performing its best for years to come. Regularly clean your stock with a soft cloth to remove dirt, dust, and fingerprints. For stubborn grime, you can use a specialized wood cleaner or a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to dry the stock thoroughly after cleaning. Periodically apply a wood preservative or oil to protect the wood from moisture and prevent it from drying out. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents, as these can damage the finish and the wood itself. Store your Remington 1100 in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid exposing the stock to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can cause it to warp or crack. If you notice any scratches or dents in the finish, you can often repair them with a touch-up kit or by applying a new coat of finish. For more serious damage, it's best to consult a gunsmith. When maintaining your wood stock, pay attention to the metal parts that are in contact with the wood. These parts can sometimes cause rust or corrosion, which can damage the wood. Regularly clean and lubricate these parts to prevent this from happening. Also, be careful when handling your Remington 1100 in the field. Avoid bumping the stock against hard surfaces or exposing it to excessive moisture. A little bit of care and attention will go a long way in preserving the beauty and integrity of your custom wood stock. Remember, your wood stock is a valuable investment, and it deserves to be treated with respect. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can ensure that your stock will continue to look and perform its best for many years to come. So, there you have it – a complete guide to choosing, installing, and maintaining a custom wood stock for your Remington 1100. With the right stock, your shotgun will not only look amazing but also feel great in your hands, enhancing your shooting experience in every way. Happy shooting, guys!