Measuring the length of pull (LOP) on a shotgun is essential for ensuring a comfortable and accurate shooting experience. The length of pull is the distance from the trigger to the end of the shotgun’s buttstock, and it directly affects how well the gun fits your body. A proper fit helps with recoil management, aiming consistency, and overall control. Whether you are buying a new shotgun or adjusting an existing one, knowing how to measure the length of pull correctly will ensure your shotgun feels natural and comfortable to shoot.
What You’ll Need
- A tape measure or ruler (preferably a flexible one for ease of use)
- A flat surface or a partner to assist (optional but helpful)
- A shotgun to measure
- A comfortable shooting stance or place to sit
Step-by-Step
- Prepare your shotgun: Ensure the shotgun is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Safety first is always the priority.
- Assume your natural shooting stance: Stand or sit as you would when shooting. Hold the shotgun firmly against your shoulder with the buttstock resting comfortably in the pocket of your shoulder.
- Position your hand on the grip: Wrap your dominant hand around the shotgun’s grip as if you were ready to shoot. Your finger should be on the trigger, but not pressing it.
- Measure from the trigger to the end of the buttstock: Using your tape measure, measure the distance from the middle of the trigger (where the trigger finger rests) straight back along the shotgun’s stock to the end of the buttplate (the part that rests against your shoulder).
- Record the measurement: This distance is your shotgun’s length of pull. Typical lengths range from about 13 to 15 inches, but your ideal length may vary based on your body size and shooting style.
- Assess comfort and fit: With this measurement, check if your shotgun feels comfortable. If the LOP is too long, you might have to reach too far forward, causing poor control and aiming. If it’s too short, the gun may be cramped against your shoulder, causing discomfort and affecting recoil absorption.
- Adjust if necessary: If your shotgun has an adjustable stock, use this measurement as a baseline to set it. For fixed stocks, consider adding or removing spacers or consulting a gunsmith for custom fitting.
Common Mistakes
- Measuring from the wrong point: Some people measure from the back of the stock or the recoil pad instead of the trigger, leading to inaccurate LOP.
- Not using a natural shooting stance: Measuring while holding the gun awkwardly or off-shoulder can distort the true length of pull needed.
- Ignoring recoil pad thickness: Different recoil pads add length; failing to account for this can affect the fit.
- Not considering clothing or gear: Measuring without typical shooting gear like jackets or vests might result in a poor fit when fully equipped.
- Relying solely on numbers: Sometimes a measurement might seem correct, but if it doesn’t feel right when shooting, adjustments are needed.
Tips
- Have someone assist you: A partner can help hold the tape measure steady and ensure accuracy.
- Measure multiple times: Take the measurement a few times to confirm consistency.
- Test with live shooting: The best test of fit is actual shooting; slight adjustments may be necessary based on comfort and performance.
- Consider your shooting discipline: Trap, skeet, sporting clays, or hunting can influence ideal length of pull preferences.
- Account for growth in youth shooters: If fitting a younger shooter, consider an adjustable stock or plan for future changes.
- Check for shoulder pocket size: The buttstock should fit snugly into your shoulder pocket to reduce felt recoil and improve control.
Troubleshooting
If your measurements don’t seem to produce a comfortable fit, or if the shotgun feels awkward despite following the steps, consider the following solutions:
- Shotgun feels too long or too short: Try using recoil pad spacers or swapping the recoil pad for one with a different thickness to fine-tune the length.
- Difficulty measuring accurately: If you have trouble holding the shotgun naturally while measuring, enlist a helper or use a mirror to check alignment.
- Stock shape causes discomfort: The length of pull is not the only factor; the drop at comb or heel and the shape of the stock can affect fit. Consult a gunsmith for custom modifications.
- Inconsistent measurements: Ensure you are measuring from the exact middle of the trigger and along the centerline of the stock. Using a rigid ruler instead of a flexible tape measure can help.
- Shotgun fit changes with gear: Measure while wearing typical shooting clothing and gear to get an accurate length of pull for your usual setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the ideal length of pull for most shooters?
- Most adult shooters find a length between 13.5 and 14.5 inches comfortable, but it varies based on arm length, shooting style, and shotgun type.
- Can I adjust the length of pull on my shotgun?
- Many modern shotguns have adjustable stocks or recoil pads that allow for length of pull adjustments. For fixed stocks, a gunsmith can add or remove spacers or modify the stock.
- Why does length of pull matter?
- A proper length of pull improves shooting comfort, helps absorb recoil better, and ensures your eye aligns naturally with the sights or rib for accurate aiming.
- How often should I check the length of pull?
- Check it when buying a new shotgun, after modifications, or if your shooting style or body size changes significantly.
- Does clothing affect length of pull measurement?
- Yes, bulky clothing or shooting vests add space between your shoulder and the gun. Measure while wearing your usual shooting attire for the best fit.
- Is length of pull the same for rifles and shotguns?
- No, rifles typically have a longer length of pull than shotguns, and the fitting considerations differ due to the shooting positions and recoil characteristics.
Measuring your shotgun’s length of pull carefully and accurately is a straightforward process that pays dividends in shooting comfort and accuracy. Taking the time to get this right will make your shooting experience more enjoyable and effective, whether you’re a casual hunter, competitive shooter, or enthusiast. Remember, the goal is to have a shotgun that fits you like an extension of your own body.
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How to Measure Shotgun Length of Pull for a Proper Fit