Stock (firearm) facts for kids
A stock, also known as a shoulder stock, a buttstock, or simply a butt is a part of a rifle or other firearm, to which the barrel and firing mechanism are attached. It is held firmly against the shooter's shoulder when firing the gun. Stocks are also found on crossbows, though a crossbow stock is properly called a tiller. The stock provides a means for the shooter to firmly support the device and easily aim it. The stock also transmits recoil (the shock of firing the weapon) into the shooter's shoulder. The term stock dates to 1571 and comes from the Germanic word stoc, meaning tree trunk. This refers to the wooden nature of the gunstock.
Images for kids
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M1 Garand rifle with one-piece wooden stock.
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M16A1 cutaway rifle (top) and M16A2 (below) with a "straight-line" stock configuration
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Gun stock construction on a lathe from the 1850s (photo circa 2015)
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M4 carbine with a telescoping stock.
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An AK-103 with its stock folded.
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A bump stock allows semi-automatic firearms to shoot at a faster rate of fire that somewhat mimics fully automatic fire.
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The Luger Artillery Pistol with its wooden holster attached.
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A SIG MPX with a retractable Velcro-strap brace with two slide rods.
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An early hand cannon, or gonne, supported by a simple stock
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Different styles of gunstock grips
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Variations in gunstock combs
See also
In Spanish: Culata (arma de fuego) para niños
