What items for buttstock storage?

E

Eyegor

Joined
Feb 22, 2006
Messages
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I've decided to take advantage of the fact that my Rossi .22lr/20ga "Matched Pair" single shot has a hollow in the buttstock. For those not familiar with it, the entire butt is not hollow. There is a drilled out cylinder the same diameter as a 20ga shell running almost the entire length of the butt. I'm assuming they did this to reduce weight. I've since learned that this a common method of stock attachment. I knew the bolt was at the base, and its purpose, but was not aware if it was common or not.

I'm trying to decide what to include in this space. It would hold 2, possibly 3 2.75 shells. It could also hold approximately 40 .22lr. instead. Probably more if I was really careful packing them in.

My current plan is to carry 1 20ga shell of #3 Buck, 10 .22lr CCI SGB, and filling the remaining space with fire starting and cordage materials. Should I just load up with ammo instead? Would it be easier to just carry ammo in the "Matched Pair" carrying bag? I've decided against cleaning supplies because this is such a simple firearm that cleaning it can be improvised with almost anything. Should I use all the space for gear instead of ammo?

None of the gear in the butt would be my primary. It would be secondary, and in most cases, tertiary gear.

I'm hoping to not only get some good ideas but to stimulate an interesting discussion regarding pro-cons, weight, ammo selection, gear, etc. etc. Thanks in advance.

Edit: One thing I forgot to add is that right now I am leaning against a butt-cuff style shell holder. The stock is very slim and none of the couple I have laying around would stay nearly snug enough. It would also make it more difficult to store the stock/receiver in the carry bag. Not to mention that I would have to customize one to carry both .22lr and 20 gauge or the holder would not be worthwhile half the time.
 
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I would only fill it up with ammo. It's a rifle, if you have to grab it and run, all you need is there. Make a small survival pack and carry it along with all you need. I've seen some small pouches that can be strapped to the stock of the rifle, and to my eyes that would be the best option instead of loading the stock with something other then ammo.
 
personally i like the tinder and cordage along with the ammo, in a short term survival situation tinder and cordage and some ammo are all important, and it sounds like you wouldn't be able to fit enough ammo for a long term survival situation anyways, may as well have the tinder.
 
That's my point: he won't have enough space to put enough survival gear in there, but does have the space to pack enough ammo for a short term survival or self-defense situation.
 
I'd go with mostly ammo, and try for some tinder for a fire. Cordage is nice, but unless it is in small diameter, not much would really fit in it, unless fishing line or something of that sort.
 
for cordage, make a sling out of paracord and attach to your rifle. dual purpose and a lot of cord.
 
Somebody on here posted a pic of a decent survival set-up built on to a shoulder strap. I would find that to be much more useful and I would leave the hollow for ammo.
 
I've been kicking this around for a week or so and figured I would let the forum and especially those who took the time to reply what direction I went. I've decided to just fill the space with ammo. I still have to smooth the walls of the cavity so the shotgun shells slide in and out easily. Right now they go in easy enough but I have to bang the butt repeatedly to get them back out.:( I'm going to stash 2 20ga #3Buck in there and fill the rest with .22lr CCI SGB. It should fit at least 20. I'm still debating my choice of shot size. If I could find some 20ga BB or maybe T then that would be my choice. My theory is that even if I have the complete matched pair with me I still have to choose which barrel to have attached. If I have the shotty on then I am after larger game, but still want/need the option of varmint size game, possibly running, without destroying a lot of meat. For strictly small game hunting I would have the .22 tube attached.

Another thought that I had that may be beneficial to those with combo guns. If I do decide to add a slip-on buttstock shellholder I would get one for the shotgun. Normally these hold 5 rounds. I would load 4 and then use the last loop for a pill bottle or similar container filled with .22lr. Should get at least 10. Thanks again for eveyone's insight. That is what this forum is all about.
 
I may be an old worry wort but I would be real cautious haveing a bunch of rim fire shells packed next to my face and have a chain detonation set off by recoil from the shot gun. I would save the butt stock for extra survival gear. use the sling and a small pouch for the ammo. nothing may happen loading 22rim fires in the stock but why take the chance.:)

PS FWIW most single shotguns and alot of rifles have that hollow in the butt stock not for storage but for a large bolt at the bottom that holds the stock on the shotgun.
 
Maybe that hole is there to attach the stock to the receiver. I would put toilet paper and fire tools in there. Maybe a thin blade with the handle slabs removed. Ammo would be place in a cuff on the stock.
 
I'm of the belief that putting rounds in there, especially rimfire .22 is a bad idea, it essentially is a bomb next to your face.

I'd say tinder a water bag and water purification tablets.

Limited ammo, cleaning isn't really going to be a problem, you'll run out of ammo before fouling becomes an issue.
 
Skimo said:
I'm of the belief that putting rounds in there, especially rimfire .22 is a bad idea, it essentially is a bomb next to your face.
Click to expand...

I can see your point but yet it works just fine for a Savage 24 Camper. Maybe maintaining the rounds exactly in line makes a difference? It might.
 
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I may be an old worry wort but I would be real cautious haveing a bunch of rim fire shells packed next to my face and have a chain detonation set off by recoil from the shot gun..
Click to expand...

Come on, guys. What did you do as kids? What I did was hit 22s with hammers and occasionally drop them in campfires. It's really, really hard to get one to go off and if when it does (in a fire) the case splits. The round goes no where and the effect of the powder discharging is basically nothing if the shell isn't enclosed in a chamber.

BTW, the hole is for the buttstock bolt I think. Don't have my Rossi with me right now to look for sure.

I carry ammo in mine. At least in my synthetic stocked Rossi, you can carry some more ammo under the foreend. They rattle a little. Probably should come up with a solution to that.

I like the idea of a paracord sling. The sling could have items attacked to it like a small knife, firesteel, maybe a button compass.
 
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