Most seem to have a preference, however I have 2 straight and 1 curved and it really doesn't matter much to me.

 

I am short and stocky, so I favor the straight stocks. For me, I don't have to reach as far to work the lever, and the recoil is more of a straight push back. Whitch I prefer. It's all about what you find more comfortable. Try both and see if it makes a difference to you.

 

And for me I handle the recoil with a pistol grip better than with the straight stock. In other words it truly is a matter of personal fit and choice.

Didn't help at all to answer your question did it?

 

I have a fair amount of both PG and straight grip .

I suppose you could say I prefer whatever way it came from the factory .

X2 ;D

 

I've used both styles and find that I have no particular preference one way or the other. I used to think that I preferred straight stocks, but it hasn't worked out that way of late. I like my pistol grip Marlins just fine.

 

I have a chance to pick up a pistol grip stock set for my guide gun which of course has a straight stock. What is the difference? Do you prefer one over the other? They are both Walnut, not lams. I know I will have to change the lever but was planning on that anyway.

If you do the conversion to pistol grip and want to get rid of the straight grip set, give me a shout. I need a straight grip set.

 

It really doesn't matter until you put a 450 to your shoulder ;D

 

I've owned both. One thing I've noticed is that the straight stock is a lot easier to flip from shoulder slung, under the arm, to aimed and cocked quickly. The curved stock is a lot more difficult to do that with. other than that, I have no preference.

 

I prefer the straight stock on my gg along with a large lever loop. I also like the straight stock on my Winchesters.

Whether shouldering the rifle to get on target, or paddleing a canoe, I think there is little diffence performance wise between the two.

I would pick the set that has the best match, color and character wise.

 

In september when you harvest your patch , send me some !

I'd like to dry me out a little smoke it and see if I can see it the way you do ;D

Personally I don't think the recoil from the 45-70 or 450 is that bad !

With one exception !

The older 45-70's with the curved plastic buttplate and STOUT 400 grain plus loads will start digging in your shoulder from the bench .

+1. Even my 1894 Sporter with the curved Marlin Safety BP kicks like a baby mule with stout handloads. I barely notice my other 44's but that Sporter is another matter.

 

I sold me 450 ;D

Hydro is done ever 3 months.

 

I like straight stocks but then I always had a soft spot for Winchester 94's too which I own one a 64 vintage one. I am glad the guide gun was offered with a straight stock. I sure like mine.

 

It is really a personal preference thing.I personally have never been able to reach a conclusion.I like both.Sometimes I feel like a straight stock and sometimes I like the pistol grip,so I have both.I will say this though,when it comes to the guide gun,it just seems to be part of the make up of the gun to have a straight stock.Although it may feel good in the hand with the pistol grip on some days,I love the way it feels with the straight. SS

 

It's obvious from all the responses that it must be a preference thing. I just like the look of the pistol grip with a large loop. Short of buying another rrifle, I wanted to change the stock to get the look I like. Unfortunately I don't know anyone who has a pistol grip stocked rifle for me to try out.

Anyway, thanks for all the input.

 

You will also need the trigger guard plate(lower tang) for the swap. The PG stock will fit on your rifle as is but will have an empty spot under the lever.

 

I have owned both, no real difference to me on the way it shoots, however if you have a dream hunt in the future that might include packing in on horse or mule the straight stock will be appreciated unless you mount a scope on yours then not an issue.

 

I prefer straight stocks for open sights and curved for scoped guns

 

My 336CS has a pistol grip and my Winchester 94AE has a straight grip. To be perfectly honest, I can't tell the difference between the two. I guess it just comes down to one's personal preference.

 

I take it the trigger guard plate is different for the PG stock than for the straight stock. I'm told Marlin does not sell the trigger guard plate.

 

I like the straight stock myself. Just wish Marlin would use a bigger lever on the Guide gun.

JD338

 

I take it the trigger guard plate is different for the PG stock than for the straight stock. I'm told Marlin does not sell the trigger guard plate.

They are a tad different. The PG tang as a curve and the SG tang does not. However, a PG stock will fit on a SG tang but have a small hollow place left under the lever. The SG will also bolt onto the PG TGP/tang but will have the curved part of the tang sticking down. This can be ground off and made to fit the SG stock.

Marlin will sell you one but you have to send the rifle to them for installation.

 

I always wondered which stock helped with recoil the most ?

 

No difference in recoil regardless of which stock you have. Every dimension of both stocks are the same except the PG stock has that little knob on the bottom. The PG stock is a bit heavier than a SG stock.

 

I first fell for Marlins, 30 years ago, because of the elegant PG stock. These days I much prefer the straight ones.

Cheers,
Mark.

 

My first Marlin, a new 1975 336C had the PG but that was because we couldn't find a Texan anywhere around here back then. I have both and use both but do prefer the straght grip over the PG.