I'd agree with option#3

 

I thought about a PFS for a while. But for me, it is just too ugly for that kind of $$$.
I ended up going with the comb and adjustable buttplate. IMO, it looks much better and works rather well. I'm happy with my choice.

 

I'd certainly look carefully at #3 also.

I don't know where you live, but, is it possible that you are close enough to a retailer/maker of the adjustable butt plate/adjustable comb device? Perhaps you could arrange to visit in person. I imagine they would have a "fitter"stock around that would illustrate how their devices work.

It wouldn't hurt to make a call if the distance is reasonable.

 

I'm in Houston so there are plenty of gunfitters around who could cut the stock and install the components. However, I haven't settled on the exact manufacturers. I was thinking about a Gracoil buttplate and a Cole 6-position comb. Thoughts?

 

I had Graco do two of my guns, very good quality, service and turn around time.
My current gun, did it in a friends garage...quality, service and turn around time were better...

 

If you have an idea who you want to use to do the installation, I'd certainly ask that person what they recommend.

They work with numerous shooters and numerous manufacturers. Sure, they have their favorites, but they usually have a reason for that product being a favorite, and I doubt it is only profit.

I am new at this and also live in Houston part of each year. Gil Ash runs a great school in our fair town. I'd listen carefully to any product he might recommend, or any installer, too. He has a segment on this very site.

 

I'd visit a recommended gun fitter and let him make the decision what you need as far as hardware or bending. Then worry about who will do the work. Be prepared to pay for the fitting independent of the hardware install if you want someone else to do it besides the fitter.

 

You may need bending in addition to the adjustable components if you need significantly more cast than the gun currently has.

 

jblsmith,

Gil Ash is nearby to you and IMHO is worth having a discussion with before you decide.

gil@ospshool.com

+1(800) 838-7533.

 

Then you, Malcom7. Someone else gave me Gil's name as well. I'll be sure to reach out! Thanks all for the recommendations!

 

I generally fit your size/shape. I've been down this road and have spent the money. Hopefully this will help you and save you some money.

The only reason to buy the PFS is if you have serious recoil issues.

The cheapest way out is to modify your current stock. It won't be pretty and is probably sub-optimal but it will be cheapest.

I don't know if Ergosign will make a stock for a Beretta because of Beretta's relationship with TSK but if they do you should contact Allen Chubb (Keystone Shooting Park) as he deals with this product in the US.

If you want a TSK call up Cole Gunsmithing and talk to the people there who deal with TSKs and get everything figured out.

If you are serious about shotgun sports and have enough experience to understand what you want and need, I'd suggest getting a custom grip made for whatever stock you go with. That will cost more but if you're consistent with your gun mount and are a good shooter this will matter. Custom grips for both stocks are possible. I highly prefer the Ergosign stock standard grip than the TSK.

One stock you did not mention was the Grip Plus stock. It's a little different with the thumb hole stock but I felt it had the best stock grip out of the 4 stocks above. It's not better than a custom one though!

 

Go see Larry Feland, (281) 373-0336. He's in NW Houston off of 290. I am not quite as tall as you, but close to your size. He's helped me with a couple of fits. The guy knows what he is doing and is a hoot to me around to boot!

 

My advice is to not concern yourself with the brand of butt plate and or adjustable comb. Choose the stock worker carefully, and you won't have to worry about that. They will choose according to their experience and preferences. You have to trust them for that. Pushing a brand on the installer that they are not comfortable with does no good for anyone. The devices are all more or less similar in function. Just choose the simplest ones that do everything you need to do and not a whole lot more. KISS.

Regarding recoil attenuation, I am happy with just a good pad, no mechanical device. And my pad of choice, like many other people, is the Kick-Eze. Hard to beat.

 

re "just a pad"...Yep.
I am happy with a ten dollar Allen&Co slip-on pad (Amazon) for my 12 gauge Remington 870 TRAP shooting 1 1/8th oz shells. The 870's are not known for their gentle kick.

And my $30.00 Limbsaver 10800 AirTech on my 12 gauge Browing Citori, shooting the same ammo, makes it fun to use.

I'm nearly 81 years of age and have plenty of arthritis, yet those two pads allow me to enjoy my guns.

Now, I rarely shoot more than 75 rounds a day, so if one was competing and shooting more, then ..more protection...may well be needed.

 

jblsmith

I'm trying to be constructive with several rhetorical questions. It's just for your thoughts, answers are not sought. You're about to spend a lot of money. I've done things similar to what you are discussing in the past and have screwed up a couple of good guns.

Should you visit a fitter before buying anything? Someone who'll have you shoot a plate and record your stock dimensions. Someone who has worked with hundreds of clients. It's extra money in the long run, but you'll get it right the first try.

Do you know your stock dimensions?

Have you considered how adding weight to the rear of the gun might effect it's balance?

What kind of shooting will you be doing with this gun?

 

I think the guys that think you should ask a professional stock fitter that question are right. It could be as simple as increasing the length of pull. Who could know without seeing you & your gun?

 

Go see Larry Feland, (281) 373-0336. He's in NW Houston off of 290. I am not quite as tall as you, but close to your size. He's helped me with a couple of fits. The guy knows what he is doing and is a hoot to me around to boot!

Larry did all our guns. When I bought my Blaser F3 a few years ago, I took it straight to him before I ever shot it. He does the actually work for several of the pros that do stock fitting. I almost always ran into a well known shooter when I was in his shop.

 

I had 2 PFS' on my guns and I ended up selling both because they made my guns quite butt heavy. If you are particular about gun balance like me, I would stay away from PFS (especially for a light weight gun like the 686).