The "length of pull" (LOP) on a shotgun is a crucial measurement that significantly impacts shooting comfort, accuracy, and overall performance. It's the distance from the trigger face to the end of the buttstock. Getting the LOP right is essential, whether you're a seasoned hunter, a competitive clays shooter, or a casual enthusiast. A poorly fitted shotgun can lead to discomfort, flinching, and ultimately, missed shots. This guide will help you understand the importance of LOP, how to measure it, and how to find the perfect fit for your individual needs.
Understanding Length of Pull and its Impact
The ideal LOP ensures your gun mounts consistently and naturally, allowing for a proper cheek weld and a straight line of sight. An incorrect LOP can lead to several problems:
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Poor Cheek Weld: Too short a LOP forces you to crane your neck, disrupting your sight picture and causing discomfort. Too long a LOP leaves a gap between your cheek and the stock, resulting in inconsistent mounting and reduced accuracy.
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Inconsistent Mounting: Inconsistency in how you mount your shotgun directly impacts your ability to aim accurately. An improperly fitted LOP contributes to inconsistent mounting, leading to missed targets.
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Shoulder Bruises and Discomfort: A shotgun with an incorrect LOP can cause pain and discomfort in your shoulder, leading to fatigue and hindering your shooting performance. This is especially true during extended shooting sessions.
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Reduced Accuracy: All of the above factors—poor cheek weld, inconsistent mounting, and discomfort—contribute to a decrease in overall accuracy.
Measuring Your Length of Pull
Measuring your ideal LOP requires a few simple steps:
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Stand in your natural shooting stance: Hold your arm extended straight out in front of you.
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Measure from your trigger fingertip: Use a tape measure to determine the distance from the tip of your trigger finger to your shoulder pocket (the area where your shoulder meets your neck).
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Add approximately 1.5 to 2 inches: This addition accounts for the length of your hand and the stock's configuration.
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Consider your shooting style: Different disciplines may require slightly different LOP measurements. For example, some shooters find a slightly shorter LOP beneficial for faster target acquisition in sporting clays.
The resulting measurement is a good starting point for your ideal LOP. However, it's always recommended to try out different shotguns and lengths of pull to find what feels most comfortable and accurate for you.
Adjusting or Changing the Length of Pull
If your current shotgun has an unsuitable LOP, you have a few options:
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Purchase a recoil pad with varying thicknesses: Adding or removing a recoil pad is a relatively inexpensive way to adjust the LOP.
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Use a length of pull adjuster: These devices attach to the buttstock and allow for adjustable LOP.
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Replace the buttstock: In some cases, replacing the entire buttstock with one featuring a different LOP is necessary. This option is often more expensive but provides a more permanent solution.
Finding the Right Shotgun for You
When purchasing a new shotgun, always prioritize trying it out before committing to a purchase. Mount the shotgun and check for a comfortable and consistent cheek weld. If possible, shoot a few rounds to assess the overall feel and accuracy.
Conclusion
Finding the correct length of pull is a critical aspect of shotgun fitting that often gets overlooked. Taking the time to determine your ideal LOP can significantly enhance your shooting experience, improve your accuracy, and increase your overall enjoyment of the sport. Remember, a properly fitted shotgun is an investment in your shooting success.
