how to measure length of pull for shotgun

3 min read 22-12-2024
how to measure length of pull for shotgun

Finding the perfect shotgun fit is crucial for comfort, accuracy, and overall shooting enjoyment. A critical component of this fit is the length of pull (LOP), the distance from the trigger face to the end of the buttstock. An improperly fitted LOP can lead to discomfort, poor recoil management, and ultimately, inconsistent shooting. This guide will walk you through how to accurately measure your LOP and understand why it's so important.

Understanding Length of Pull and its Importance

Length of Pull is the distance from the trigger face to the center of the buttpad when the shotgun is mounted naturally. It's measured in inches. A proper LOP ensures your gun mounts correctly, allowing for a natural point of aim and comfortable shooting posture.

Why is the right LOP so important?

  • Accuracy: An incorrect LOP forces you to adjust your body position to reach the stock, disrupting your natural point of aim and leading to inconsistent shots.
  • Comfort: Too short a LOP can lead to bruising and discomfort on your shoulder and cheek, while too long a LOP can cause you to reach, leading to fatigue and inaccuracy.
  • Recoil Management: The correct LOP helps distribute recoil evenly, making shooting more comfortable and reducing muzzle climb.

Measuring Your Length of Pull: Step-by-Step Guide

Measuring your ideal LOP requires a few simple tools and a bit of patience. Here's how to do it:

What you'll need:

  • A properly fitted shotgun: If you're buying a new gun, you'll measure your LOP first and then select a gun with that spec. If you're adjusting an existing gun, this will be your starting point.
  • A rigid measuring tape or ruler: A flexible tape measure is not ideal for this task due to potential inaccuracies.
  • A mounting surface: This can be a table or a flat surface allowing you to mount the shotgun in a natural position.
  • Assistance (Recommended): Having someone help you with the measurement will ensure accuracy and make the process much easier.

Steps:

  1. Mount the shotgun: Assume your natural shooting stance with the shotgun mounted as if you were at the range. Ensure your posture is relaxed and comfortable. Your eye should naturally align with the rib of the shotgun.
  2. Measure from the trigger: Using your tape measure or ruler, carefully measure the distance from the face of the trigger to the center point of the butt pad. Ensure the tape measure is perpendicular to the stock.
  3. Record your measurement: Note down the measurement in inches. This is your current LOP.

Determining Your Ideal Length of Pull

While the process above gives you your current LOP, it doesn't necessarily indicate your ideal LOP. Many factors influence ideal LOP, including:

  • Body Size and Build: Taller individuals generally require a longer LOP, while shorter individuals usually need a shorter LOP. Body build (e.g., broad shoulders, long arms) also plays a significant role.
  • Shooting Style: Your shooting style and preferences can also impact your ideal LOP.
  • Clothing: The thickness of your clothing can slightly affect the LOP measurement.

Estimating Your Ideal LOP: There's no single formula for determining your ideal LOP, but a commonly used starting point for men is 14.5 inches and for women 13.5 inches. It's crucial to remember that these are just starting points and you may need adjustments based on your individual body type and shooting style.

Adjusting Your Length of Pull

If your current LOP doesn't match your ideal LOP, you have a couple of options:

  • Recoil Pad Adjustment: Some recoil pads are adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the LOP.
  • Replacing the Recoil Pad: Replacing your recoil pad with one of a different thickness is another common solution.
  • Professional Gunsmithing: For more significant adjustments or if you're unsure how to proceed, consulting a qualified gunsmith is always recommended.

Conclusion

Accurately measuring your length of pull is a critical step in ensuring a proper shotgun fit. By following the steps outlined above, and understanding the factors influencing your ideal LOP, you can significantly improve your shooting comfort, accuracy, and overall enjoyment of the sport. Remember, consulting with a knowledgeable professional can provide valuable assistance in finding the perfect fit.

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