SGA Stock by Magpul: The Pro’s Choice

Recently, we’ve seen a major renaissance of the gauge. Shotguns are back in the greatest way. They lived in the shadow of the AR for a couple of decades, but now that ARs are old hat, the humble shotgun has been making a comeback. Part of this comeback has ignored some of the most important innovations in shotgun technology. I’m not just talking about new guns but modern accessories for mounting optics, extra ammo, slings, and furniture. One of the biggest contributions to the gauge’s renaissance was Magpul’s release of the SGA stock.

Magpul introduced the SGA stock in 2011, and while that was still a dark time for shotguns, it was a major innovation in shotgun furniture. The Magpul SGA stock has quickly become the choice of professionally wielded pump-action shotguns.

The stock has been so popular that Remington and Mossberg produced Magpul models for the 870 and 500/590 series, respectively. Even though it premiered over a decade ago, the SGA Stock has remained the best option for shotgun stocks for many reasons. As you’d imagine, I’m a big fan of the series, and my fighting 870 wears an SGA stock.

Let’s cover why the SGA stock is the choice of discerning shotgunners and why it should be the choice for you and your shotgun.

Adjustable Length of Pull

The length of pull refers to the measurement from the rear of the trigger to the end of the stock. Most shotgun stocks are crazy long, at 14.5 inches and above. I’m over six feet tall and have long arms, and those are uncomfortable for me. They make getting behind the gun and squaring up with the threat difficult.

Shortening or adjusting the length of pull to match the shooter is critical. A proper length of pull allows you to utilize all the critical recoil mitigation techniques like push-pull, lean forward, and put your weight behind the gun. This simple adjustment makes it easy to get behind the gun and to control it better. You can reach the controls and pump more easily when the gun fits you. Hell, it even makes reloading easier.

The Magpul SGA stock features a neat insert and slider system. You remove a screw, remove the recoil pad and skeletal inner frame, and slide an insert between the recoil pad and stock. You can adjust the length of pull from 12.3 to 14.3 inches in a matter of minutes. That’s a good bit of adjustment, and it makes life a lot easier for shooters of all sizes.

An ill-fitting shotgun is like an ill-fitting suit; it just won’t work well, and everyone can tell.

Excellent Ergonomics

There is debate in the shotgun world between shooters who like traditional shotgun stocks and grips and shooters who prefer a rifle-like pistol grip. There are a few strengths to each, and the Magpul SGA attempts to give you the best of both worlds.

The Magpul SGA pistol grip is surprisingly vertical and sits away from the stock. This more vertical grip makes it easy to hold the shotgun up with one hand. It allows you to use your spare hand to open doors, call 911, etc., while keeping the weapon up and oriented at the threat. You can also pull the weapon rearward quite aggressively and tight into the shoulder.

The Magpul SGA stock offers the benefits of vertical grips while maintaining the benefits of a traditional stock. Namely, it allows you to keep your eyes low and along the bore. It also provides easy reach to your controls and doesn’t put a vertical pistol grip in the way when it comes time to reload.

The ergonomics of the Magpul SGA stock and pistol grip design are in a league of their own.

Optics Friendly

We live in 2024, and if you’re using iron sights, that’s fine, but let’s face it: red dots are better. They are quicker to use, work in all lighting conditions, and provide all the benefits of both a bead sight for speed and ghost ring sights for precision. Red dots rule, especially on shotguns. They make the weapon quick and easy to use in close quarters, where shotguns rule.

The problem with optics on shotguns tends to be the cheek weld. They sit higher than beads, which makes shooters choke up and away from their stocks.

This creates a major problem. Your mouth gets a nice punch in the cheek provided by the shotgun’s often powerful recoil. You want a good cheek weld with the shotgun, and the Magpul SGA wants to give it to you.

Magpul produces a cheek riser that attaches to the SGA and provides a high cheek weld on the gun. This makes using the red dot of your dreams easy without getting punched in the face. The nice cheek riser makes it comfy, and you don’t have to look around to find the dot.

Multiple Sling Points

You might not want a sling for a home defense shotgun, but it can be a very useful piece of gear. A properly tensioned sling can help with recoil mitigation. Part of the push/pull technique is pressing the gun forward while pulling it rearward. The sling can give you tension to press against, which helps you control recoil and keep the gun low and on target as you blast your way through your tube of shotgun ammo.

A sling is handy for recoil mitigation but also does other things. It helps you carry your weapon, aids in retention, and provides a multipurpose strap for making sure the shotgun stays where it is supposed to be.

The Magpul SGA stock comes with sling points on both sides to make it easy to mount whatever sling you choose. This includes web-style sling points and QD sockets. Aftermarket options also mount between the gun and the stock and place the rear sling point in front of your hand.

Getting Down and Dirty with the Magpul SGA Stock

Simply put, as of this writing, the Magpul SGA stock is the best stock currently on the market for shotguns. It’s a shame it’s only produced for the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500/590. I’d love one on my Benelli SuperNova, my Benelli M4, my Ultima Patrol, etc. Many companies have seen the Magpul stock and taken notes.

Shotguns from Mossberg, Beretta, and Savage all incorporate length-of-pull adjustments with their own insert system. Some have even copied the pistol grip design to a degree. The Magpul SGA stock has been a huge hit and clearly has been a serious influence on modern shotgun design. If your 870 or 500/590 aren’t wearing one, then you’re missing out.