original_query: What is a gunstock and what is its purpose in a long gun?
query: What is a gunstock and what is its purpose in a long gun?
answer: A gunstock, also called a stock, is the back part of a long gun that provides structural support for the barrel, action, and firing mechanism.  It allows the shooter to brace the gun against their shoulder for stability and aiming, and helps reduce muzzle rise by absorbing recoil.