Measuring the length of pull (LOP) on a shotgun is crucial for comfort, accuracy, and safety, but not everyone has a ruler handy in the field or workshop. This guide covers practical, ruler-free methods to accurately gauge your shotgun’s LOP using everyday objects and body measurements. Whether you’re a hunter, sport shooter, or gun owner looking to customize your fit, these tips will help you get it right without specialized tools.
Use a Standard Dollar Bill
A U.S. dollar bill is exactly 6.14 inches long, making it a surprisingly reliable measuring tool. By placing the dollar bill along the shotgun’s stock from the trigger to the end of the buttpad, you can estimate the length of pull in increments of about six inches. This method is handy because dollar bills are commonly available and portable, allowing quick measurements in the field or at the range.
Measure Using Your Hand Span
Your hand span—from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your pinky when fully extended—averages about 8 to 9 inches for many adults. Use this as a rough gauge by placing your hand along the stock with your trigger finger on the trigger and marking where your pinky reaches. While less precise than a ruler, this method gives a quick, body-relative sense of fit, particularly for those adjusting stocks for personal comfort.
Use a Standard Credit Card Length
A credit card or driver’s license measures about 3.375 inches (85.6 mm) in length. Laying a credit card end-to-end along the stock allows you to count the approximate length of pull by multiples of this length. This method is especially useful if you need to break down the measurement into smaller increments and don’t have a ruler or tape measure handy.
Mark and Measure with String or Shoelace
Take a piece of string or shoelace and stretch it from the center of the trigger to the end of the buttpad. Mark the string ends with a pen or by folding. Then, compare the string length to a known object, such as a dollar bill or credit card, to estimate the LOP. This method is flexible and useful when the shotgun’s contours make direct measurement tricky.
Use Your Forearm Length
Measure your forearm length from the crook of your elbow to the tip of your middle finger using a mirror or assistance. This average length often correlates closely with a comfortable shotgun length of pull, especially for hunting or trap shooting. If your shotgun’s LOP roughly matches your forearm length, it typically offers good ergonomics for recoil management and aim.
Apply the “Trigger to Wrist” Method
Hold the shotgun in a natural shooting position and measure the distance from the trigger to the crease of your wrist on your shooting hand. This distance approximates the ideal length of pull for your arm length and shooting style. It helps ensure the shotgun will fit your reach, allowing a proper cheek weld and better control during firing.
Use a Tape Measured in Steps
If you don’t have a tape measure but can pace out a known step length (typically around 2.5 feet for an average adult), you can use your footstep as a rough unit of measure. Lay the shotgun alongside the ground and count how many steps or fractions of steps match the length of pull. While imprecise, this method can help in a pinch when no other tools are available.
Compare to a Known Shotgun with a Correct Fit
If you have access to a shotgun that fits well, place your shotgun stock alongside it and visually compare the length of pull. You can also use your hand or a piece of string to transfer the length from the known gun to your own. This comparative measurement is practical for shooters upgrading or customizing stocks to replicate a familiar and comfortable fit.
Use a Smartphone App with a Camera Measurement Feature
Several smartphone apps allow you to measure objects using the phone’s camera and augmented reality (AR). By placing your shotgun on a flat surface and using the app to measure from trigger center to buttpad end, you can get a reasonably accurate length of pull estimate. While it requires a smartphone, this method avoids physical measuring tools and can be very convenient.
Employ a Folded Piece of Paper as a Measuring Stick
A standard sheet of printer paper measures 11 inches on the long side and 8.5 inches on the short, so folding it into smaller segments creates a makeshift ruler. Fold the paper into halves or thirds to create increments of about 3 to 5 inches, then use it to measure the shotgun’s length of pull by aligning the folds along the stock. This simple method is easy and accessible wherever paper is available.
How to Choose
When selecting a method to measure shotgun length of pull without a ruler, consider accuracy, convenience, and available tools. For quick field checks, using a dollar bill or credit card is fast and reasonably precise. If you want a more customized fit, body-based measurements like hand span or wrist-to-trigger distance are invaluable because they relate directly to your anatomy. String or paper folding methods add flexibility when physical measuring tools are absent. Smartphone apps can offer precision but require a compatible device and some setup. Ultimately, the goal is to find a method that balances ease and accuracy to ensure your shotgun fits comfortably, enhancing control and shooting performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is length of pull on a shotgun?
Length of pull is the distance from the trigger’s center to the end of the shotgun’s buttstock. It affects how comfortably the shooter can shoulder and aim the gun.
Why is measuring length of pull important?
A proper length of pull ensures better accuracy, reduced recoil impact, and increased shooting comfort, preventing strain or injury.
Can I adjust the length of pull on my shotgun?
Many shotguns allow length of pull adjustments through spacers, recoil pads, or custom stocks, enabling shooters to tailor the fit.
Is there a standard length of pull for all shotguns?
No. Length of pull varies by shotgun model and intended use, but typical values range from 13 to 14.5 inches for adults.
How do I know if my shotgun’s length of pull is too long or short?
If you have to stretch or compress your arm unnaturally to reach the trigger or your cheek weld feels off, your length of pull likely needs adjustment.
Can measuring length of pull without a ruler be accurate enough?
While not as precise as a ruler or tape measure, using common items like dollar bills or credit cards can provide a close estimate sufficient for most practical purposes.
Final Thoughts
Measuring your shotgun’s length of pull without a ruler doesn’t have to be complicated or inaccurate. By using everyday objects like dollar bills, credit cards, string, or even your own body measurements, you can quickly assess whether your shotgun fits you well. Remember that comfort and control are paramount when handling firearms, so take the time to measure and adjust your length of pull as needed. With these practical methods, you can ensure your shotgun suits your build and shooting style—even when tools are limited.
Continued attention to fit will enhance your shooting experience and safety, making these no-ruler measurement techniques a valuable skill for every shotgun owner.
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