In the rifle world, the AR-15 is the most customizable kid on the block. You can dress up an AR to your heart’s content and still have options. In the shotgun world, several guns compete for this title. The Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870 are probably the most common. A few other guns, like the Benelli M4, are also popular choices with plenty of options.
Today, we will focus on the Mossberg 500 and the Magpul SGA stock. I’ve switched stocks around on my Mossberg several times, trying to find the one I liked. The wooden stock is what I prefer most of the time because I like the traditional look and feel, but I wanted to try something different this time. The telescoping stock (AR-15 style) didn’t turn out how I wanted, so I kept trying one thing after another.
The first time that I used the SGA stock was with my Savage 110 rifle. The Savage uses the Magpul Hunter stock, but it’s similar to the SGA. Magpul has become a rockstar in the gun industry. Just about everything they do exceeds my expectations. The SGA stock is no different. Let’s take a closer look at the stock, how to install it, and one thing I’d like to see added.
The Magpul SGA stock
The shape of the stock is what makes it comfortable and easy to use. As the stock nears the back of the gun, it angles down, not quite as much as a pistol grip does, but more than a standard stock. To me, this creates the perfect grip for a shotgun. It comes with multiple recoil pad spacers so you can adjust it for the length of your arm.
The total length of the stock is 11 inches, which sounds and looks short, but it feels great on the Mossberg 500. Like their other stocks, Magpul installed a removable plug for a QD mount should you decide you want one. You must purchase the Sling Mount Kit Type 1 and install it for the QD attachment to work. I have one on my Savage rifle and love it, so you can bet I’ll be adding one to this stock.
Installing the SGA Magpul stock
Even if you don’t like working on guns, replacing the stock on your shotguns is easy. That may even be an understatement. One bolt needs to be removed from the stock. That’s it. I’m sure it goes without saying, but please ensure your shotgun is unloaded and the chamber is empty before you start work.
For traditional stocks, take one screw out of the recoil pad so it can turn just a little. As you rotate it out of place, you will see a hole in the back of the stock that leads to a screw. Use a ½-inch socket or a flathead screwdriver to remove the bolt. Once the bolt is out, the stock will pull off the shotgun. Now you’re ready to install the new SGA stock.
Inspect it to ensure nothing is loose and the gun functions as it should.
Installing the Sling Mount Kit Type 1
There are slots on each side of the stock for installing up to a 1.375-inch sling. However, if you want a QD attachment, you’ll need to install the aforementioned kit. To do this, remove the plugs from each end with a small straight screwdriver.
Insert the QD attachment into the side you wish the sling to mount to. The kit comes with several lengths of screws so find the one that leaves just enough room for the nut to fit on. Once you have the screw tight, place the plug back in the side you are not using to cover up the nut.
Ready for a stock?
Magpul stocks are not expensive and, for the quality, I would call them a great deal. I would love to see a shotgun shell holder built into the stock of the SGA. I have a shell holder mounted on the side of the gun, but I like having a stock that holds multiple shells. This may not be possible because of how thin the stock is, but hey, I can wish, right? If you are in the market for a new stock, I would give Magpul a try first.
