What Is a Tail-Hook Stock? Understanding This Curved Buttpad Design If you've been comparing rifle stock options and come across the term "tail-hook stock," you might be picturing something exotic. In reality, it refers to a specific shape at the very back of the stock — one that changes how the gun handles far more than its name suggests. Here's a full breakdown of what a tail-hook stock is, how the design works, and who it's built for. The Short Answer A tail-hook stock is a style of but …