TFB Review: Chisel Machining Shotgun Stocks

Stocks and Bonds

The gun stock has a long history of use and has infused itself into combat and recreation alike. Whether it’s the flintlock stocks of old, modern creations intended to marry operators with a complete weapon system in other lands across the pond, or the 3‑Gun champion racing the clock for the win, the stock is an integral part of any shoulder-fired weapon. Chisel Machining has leveraged two decades of experience to create a unique and highly functional system that will not only capture the eye but will also fuse function and effectiveness to the user’s shoulder.

The Chisel stock is centered on material: it’s based on 6061 aluminum, machined to perfection for function and comfort. The approach was simple: over-engineer a system that places strength over weight. The Chisel stock is a thick, chunky design built to scoff at the harsh recoil felt from a 12 ga shotgun. Every aspect of the stock was engineered to endure; with no corners cut, the Chisel stock was designed to withstand years of heavy use in all conditions.

The Chisel stock also uses a soft recoil pad that resists tearing while remaining comfortable under continued heavy recoil. The stock also offers the ability to change the length of pull. With the removal of a few screws, the user can adjust the length to the desired amount. To be fair, most users have a preferred length of pull and leave their stock in that configuration; because the Chisel stock is folding, the set length of pull has no effect on storage when folded.

Unlike many other adaptations, the Chisel system lowers the user’s head position to allow for a natural co-witness with bead or other iron sights. The Chisel stock for the Remington 870 seen in our photos also has an integrated optics mount for a mini red dot; it uses the RMR footprint. The sight picture is excellent and allows for the use of a top-mounted Picatinny rail if one prefers to run the optic on the receiver. In either case, Chisel also incorporated an adjustable cheek riser; this allows the end user to choose optics mounting and their preferred cheek height relative to their optic and mounting solution.

Another welcome option is the lowered height of the stock, which permits the use of advanced retention devices like the R2S from Matchpoint USA for retaining the shotgun in urban and other CQB operations. The system is a one-for-one swap for the stock and grip. This ensures QD sockets are available on either side of the weapon and that any standard AR-15-compatible grip can be used. Finally, the folding mechanism push-button lock design. This provides both a positive lock when extended and a slight resistance when folded, a tried-and-true design with a proven track record.

The Ends

The Chisel stock is a well-designed, high-quality product, but there will surely be those who ask if the cost is worth the performance. My answer is, without doubt, a strong yes. Anyone who uses a 12 ga for an extended period in training or combat will tell you the platform takes its toll. The stocks of the ’80s are long-outdated designs or half-measures meant to solve specific needs; they are not practical for many modern users. Aside from the beautiful machining and incredible engineering, the Chisel stock provides a significant upgrade for shotguns and is worth serious consideration for other rifles using captured-recoil systems like the AK or Jakl when used with gas masks/respirators or ballistic face protection.

There are many other designs available from Chisel: stocks specific to Benelli/Beretta, AR-style buffer tubes on a Picatinny grabber, and lever-action rifles. With a variety of options for quivers and other accessories, Chisel even offers handguards for Henry and Marlin lever guns. There is also a stock option for the new Mossberg 590R tactical shotgun. Finally, if you are not fond of the RMR footprint, Chisel offers adapter plates so the end user can choose a popular mini red-dot footprint they prefer.

Chisel Machining is taking that much-needed next step forward to ensure the end user has options while also ensuring pre-existing products are not left behind. With so much growth and undoubtedly more to come, Chisel is worth knowing. The company is showing that innovation doesn’t have to mean discarding what works.