How To Measure Length Of Pull Shotgun?
How to Measure Length of Pull on a Shotgun
The length of pull on a shotgun is the distance from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock, measured at the center of the stock. It’s an important measurement to get right, as it affects how the shotgun fits in your shoulder and how you can comfortably shoot it.
If the length of pull is too long, you’ll have to reach further to reach the trigger, which can lead to fatigue and inaccuracy. If the length of pull is too short, you won’t be able to get a good cheek weld on the stock, which can also lead to inaccuracy.
Measuring the length of pull on a shotgun is a simple process. All you need is a tape measure and a friend to help you.
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the shotgun in your shooting hand.
2. Have your friend measure the distance from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock, at the center of the stock.
3. That’s it! You’ve now measured the length of pull on your shotgun.
The length of pull on a shotgun is typically measured in inches. The average length of pull for a shotgun is around 14 inches, but some shotguns have longer or shorter lengths of pull.
If you’re not sure what length of pull is right for you, it’s a good idea to try out different shotguns with different lengths of pull to see what feels most comfortable.
Once you’ve found a shotgun with a length of pull that’s comfortable for you, you can adjust the stock to that length. Most shotguns have adjustable stocks that can be shortened or lengthened to accommodate different shooters.
| Step | Instructions | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Place the shotgun in your shoulder with your dominant hand on the grip and your dominant eye aligned with the sights. |  |
| 2 | Extend your arm out in front of you, keeping the shotgun in the same position. |  |
| 3 | Measure the distance from the front of the trigger to the heel of your hand. This is the length of pull. |  |
1. What is Length of Pull?
Definition of Length of Pull
Length of pull (LOP) is the distance from the center of the trigger to the back of the stock, measured in inches. It is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a shotgun, as it directly affects how the shotgun fits and feels in your hands.
Importance of Length of Pull
The length of pull is important because it determines how much your arms are extended when you shoulder the shotgun. If the LOP is too short, you will have to extend your arms too far, which can lead to fatigue and inaccuracy. If the LOP is too long, you will have to hunch over to reach the trigger, which can also lead to fatigue and inaccuracy.
The ideal LOP will allow you to comfortably reach the trigger without extending your arms or hunching over. To find the ideal LOP for you, you will need to measure your span.
Factors Affecting Length of Pull
The following factors can affect the length of pull that is right for you:
- Height: Taller shooters will typically need a longer LOP than shorter shooters.
- Build: Shooters with long arms will typically need a longer LOP than shooters with shorter arms.
- Shooting style: Shooters who shoot with a high mount will typically need a longer LOP than shooters who shoot with a low mount.
2. How to Measure Length of Pull?
Steps to Measure Length of Pull
To measure your span, you will need a tape measure and a friend to help you.
1. Stand with your arms outstretched in front of you, palms facing down.
2. Have your friend measure the distance between the tips of your middle fingers.
3. This measurement is your span.
Once you know your span, you can use the following formula to calculate your ideal LOP:
LOP = Span – 1.5 inches
For example, if your span is 30 inches, your ideal LOP would be 28.5 inches.
Tools Needed to Measure Length of Pull
To measure the LOP of a shotgun, you will need the following tools:
- A tape measure
- A ruler
- A pencil
- A piece of paper
Common Mistakes When Measuring Length of Pull
There are a few common mistakes that people make when measuring the LOP of a shotgun.
- Not using the correct measurement method. The LOP should be measured from the center of the trigger to the back of the stock, not from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock.
- Not using the correct tools. A tape measure is the best tool for measuring the LOP of a shotgun. A ruler is not accurate enough.
- Not measuring the LOP correctly. Make sure to measure the LOP with the shotgun unloaded and the stock fully extended.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you measure the LOP of your shotgun correctly.
How to Measure Length of Pull Shotgun
The length of pull on a shotgun is the distance from the center of the trigger to the back of the stock. It is important to get the correct length of pull for your shotgun so that you can comfortably and accurately shoot it.
To measure the length of pull on your shotgun, you will need a tape measure.
1. Hold the shotgun in your shooting position.
2. Place the end of the tape measure at the center of the trigger.
3. Extend the tape measure to the back of the stock.
4. Read the measurement at the end of the tape measure.
The length of pull on your shotgun should be approximately equal to the distance from your sternum to your middle finger. If the length of pull is too short, you will have to reach forward to reach the trigger, which can lead to inaccuracy. If the length of pull is too long, you will have to extend your arm to reach the trigger, which can also lead to inaccuracy.
If you need to adjust the length of pull on your shotgun, you can do so by adding or removing spacers from the stock. Spacers are available in a variety of thicknesses, so you can easily find one that will give you the perfect length of pull.
Adjusting Length of Pull
There are a few different methods of adjusting the length of pull on a shotgun.
- Adding spacers: This is the most common method of adjusting length of pull. Spacers are available in a variety of thicknesses, so you can easily find one that will give you the perfect length of pull. To add a spacer, simply remove the stock from the shotgun and insert the spacer between the stock and the action.
- Removing spacers: This method is used to shorten the length of pull. To remove a spacer, simply remove the stock from the shotgun and remove the spacer from between the stock and the action.
- Replacing the stock: This is the most drastic method of adjusting length of pull. If you need to make a significant change to the length of pull, you may need to replace the stock with one that is a different length.
When adjusting the length of pull on your shotgun, it is important to make sure that you do not change the cast or drop of the stock. Cast is the angle of the stock in relation to the bore, and drop is the distance from the top of the stock to the trigger. If you change the cast or drop of the stock, it can affect the accuracy of your shotgun.
When to Adjust Length of Pull
You should adjust the length of pull on your shotgun if you are experiencing any of the following problems:
- You are having trouble reaching the trigger comfortably.
- You are having trouble keeping the shotgun steady while shooting.
- Your shots are consistently off target.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, you should try adjusting the length of pull on your shotgun until the problems are resolved.
Tips for Adjusting Length of Pull
Here are a few tips for adjusting length of pull on your shotgun:
- Make small adjustments at a time. It is better to make a few small adjustments than to make one large adjustment.
- Start with the stock in its original position. This will give you a baseline to compare your other adjustments to.
- Have someone else help you adjust the length of pull. This will help you to make sure that the adjustments are being made correctly.
- Practice shooting with the new length of pull. This will help you to determine if the adjustments have made a positive difference.
Summary of Key Points
- The length of pull on a shotgun is the distance from the center of the trigger to the back of the stock.
- The correct length of pull for your shotgun should be approximately equal to the distance from your sternum to your middle finger.
- You can adjust the length of pull on your shotgun by adding or removing spacers from the stock.
- If you need to make a significant change to the length of pull, you may need to replace the stock.
- You should adjust the length of pull on your shotgun if you are experiencing any of the following problems:
- You are having trouble reaching the trigger comfortably.
- You are having trouble keeping the shotgun steady while shooting.
- Your shots are consistently off target.
- Make small adjustments at a time. It is better to make a few small adjustments than to make one large adjustment.
- Start with the stock in its original position. This will give you a baseline to compare your other adjustments to.
- Have someone else help you adjust the length of pull. This will help you to make sure that the adjustments are being made
How do I measure the length of pull on my shotgun?
To measure the length of pull on your shotgun, you will need a tape measure and a friend to help you.
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the shotgun in your normal shooting position.
2. Have your friend measure the distance from the middle of the trigger to the tip of your middle finger.
3. This measurement is the length of pull for your shotgun.
What is the standard length of pull for a shotgun?
The standard length of pull for a shotgun is 14 inches. However, some shotguns come with adjustable length of pull stocks, which allow you to customize the length of pull to your individual needs.
**What is the difference between a long and short length of pull?
A long length of pull is typically better for shooters with longer arms, while a short length of pull is better for shooters with shorter arms. The length of pull that is best for you will depend on your individual body measurements and shooting preferences.
**How can I adjust the length of pull on my shotgun?
If your shotgun has an adjustable length of pull stock, you can adjust the length of pull by loosening the screws that hold the stock in place and moving the stock forward or backward. Once you have the desired length of pull, tighten the screws to secure the stock in place.
**What are the benefits of having the correct length of pull on your shotgun?
Having the correct length of pull on your shotgun can help you to improve your accuracy and consistency. When the length of pull is correct, you will be able to reach the trigger comfortably without having to extend your arms or hunch over. This will allow you to focus on your shot and make better groupings.
**How can I tell if the length of pull on my shotgun is too long or too short?
If the length of pull on your shotgun is too long, you will have to extend your arms or hunch over to reach the trigger. This can make it difficult to maintain a consistent sight picture and lead to inaccuracy. If the length of pull on your shotgun is too short, you will not be able to reach the trigger comfortably without having to bend your wrist. This can also lead to inaccuracy.
**What should I do if the length of pull on my shotgun is not adjustable?
If your shotgun does not have an adjustable length of pull stock, you can purchase a new stock that is the correct length for you. You can also have a gunsmith shorten or lengthen the stock on your shotgun.
there are a few key things to keep in mind when measuring the length of pull on a shotgun. First, make sure that the stock is in the correct position for you. This means that the comb should be level with your cheek and the butt should be in line with your shoulder. Second, use a tape measure to measure from the middle of the trigger to the back of the stock. Finally, compare your measurement to the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure that the shotgun is the right fit for you.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you have the correct length of pull on your shotgun for optimal performance. With the right length of pull, you will be able to shoot more accurately and comfortably, which will make you a more successful hunter or shooter.