How To Fit A Shotgun To Yourself?
How to Fit a Shotgun to Yourself
A shotgun is a versatile weapon that can be used for hunting, sporting clays, or self-defense. However, in order to get the most out of your shotgun, it’s important to make sure it’s properly fitted to you. A poorly-fitted shotgun can be uncomfortable to shoot, and it may not perform as well as it could.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different factors to consider when fitting a shotgun to yourself, and we’ll provide tips on how to make sure your shotgun is comfortable and accurate.
We’ll cover topics such as:
- The different parts of a shotgun and how they affect fit
- How to measure yourself for a shotgun
- How to adjust the stock and other components of a shotgun to fit your individual needs
By following these tips, you can ensure that your shotgun is properly fitted to you, so you can enjoy shooting it to its fullest potential.
| Step | Instructions | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Determine the length of pull you need. |  |
| 2 | Adjust the stock to the correct length of pull. |  |
| 3 | Check the eye relief. |  |
| 4 | Adjust the comb height to the correct position. |  |
How To Fit A Shotgun To Yourself?
Determine the correct stock length
The length of pull (LOP) is the distance from the middle of the trigger to the back of the stock. It is important to get the correct LOP so that you can comfortably and consistently mount the shotgun to your shoulder.
There are three ways to determine your LOP:
- Measured LOP: This is the most accurate way to determine your LOP. To measure your LOP, you will need a tape measure and a friend to help you.
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed at your sides.
2. Have your friend measure the distance from the middle of your trigger to the back of your shoulder.
3. This measurement is your LOP.
- Drop at comb: The drop at comb is the distance from the top of the stock to the middle of the trigger. You can determine your drop at comb by holding the shotgun in your shoulder and looking down the barrel. The top of the stock should be level with your eye.
- Drop at heel: The drop at heel is the distance from the bottom of the stock to the middle of the trigger. You can determine your drop at heel by holding the shotgun in your shoulder and looking down the barrel. The bottom of the stock should be level with your jaw.
Once you have determined your LOP, drop at comb, and drop at heel, you can start adjusting the stock to fit you.
Adjust the stock
There are a few different ways to adjust the stock of a shotgun.
- Buttstock shims: Buttstock shims are thin pieces of material that can be added or removed from the buttstock to adjust the LOP. To add a shim, simply slide it between the stock and the recoil pad. To remove a shim, simply pry it out with a screwdriver.
- Comb riser: A comb riser is a piece of metal or plastic that can be added to the top of the stock to raise the comb. This can be helpful if you have a long neck or a high cheek weld.
- Length of pull spacers: Length of pull spacers are thin pieces of material that can be added or removed from the stock to adjust the LOP. To add a spacer, simply slide it between the stock and the action. To remove a spacer, simply pry it out with a screwdriver.
Once you have adjusted the stock to fit you, you should be able to comfortably and consistently mount the shotgun to your shoulder. You should also be able to see down the barrel without having to strain your neck or head.
Fitting a shotgun to yourself is essential for achieving consistent accuracy. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure that your shotgun is properly fitted and that you can shoot it to its full potential.
Here are some additional tips for fitting a shotgun to yourself:
- Try out different shotguns before you buy one. Not all shotguns are the same, and what fits one person may not fit another.
- Take your time when adjusting the stock. It is important to get the fit just right.
- Have a qualified gunsmith help you if you are not sure how to adjust the stock.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a shotgun that fits you perfectly and that you can shoot with confidence.
3. Test the fit
Once you have made the initial adjustments to the stock, it is time to test the fit. This will involve pointing the gun at a target, pulling the trigger, and cycling the action.
Point the gun at a target
The first step is to point the gun at a target. This will help you to determine if the stock is too long or too short. If the stock is too long, you will have to reach forward to reach the trigger. If the stock is too short, you will have to extend your arms to reach the trigger.
Pull the trigger
The next step is to pull the trigger. This will help you to determine if the stock is too high or too low. If the stock is too high, you will have to raise your head to see through the sights. If the stock is too low, you will have to lower your head to see through the sights.
Cycle the action
The final step is to cycle the action. This will help you to determine if the stock is too tight or too loose. If the stock is too tight, you will have to struggle to work the action. If the stock is too loose, the action will not cycle smoothly.
4. Make final adjustments
Once you have tested the fit, you can make any final adjustments to the stock. This may involve fine-tuning the length, height, and cast of the stock. You can also make adjustments to the cheekpiece and comb.
Fine-tune the stock until it fits comfortably
The goal is to fine-tune the stock until it fits comfortably. The stock should not be too tight or too loose. It should not be too high or too low. And it should not be too far forward or too far back.
Be sure to shoot the gun before making any final decisions
Once you have made all of the necessary adjustments, it is important to shoot the gun before making any final decisions. This will help you to determine if the gun is comfortable to shoot. It will also help you to determine if the gun is accurate.
Fitting a shotgun to yourself is an important process. It is important to take your time and make sure that the gun fits comfortably. The gun should be comfortable to hold, point, and shoot. It should also be accurate. By following the steps in this guide, you can fit a shotgun to yourself so that you can enjoy shooting it for many years to come.
How do I determine the correct length of pull for my shotgun?
The length of pull is the distance from the center of the trigger to the back of the stock. To determine the correct length of pull for you, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the shotgun in your dominant hand with the buttstock against your shoulder. Your forearm should be parallel to the ground and your elbow should be slightly bent. Have someone measure the distance from the middle of your trigger finger to the back of the stock. This measurement is your correct length of pull.
What if my shotgun doesn’t have an adjustable stock?
If your shotgun doesn’t have an adjustable stock, you can purchase a recoil pad that can be added to the stock to increase the length of pull. You can also purchase a shorter stock if you need to decrease the length of pull.
How do I adjust the comb height on my shotgun?
The comb height is the height of the stock at the rear, where it meets your cheek. To adjust the comb height, you will need to remove the stock from the shotgun. Once the stock is removed, you can use a file or sandpaper to sand down the comb until it is the desired height.
How do I adjust the drop at heel on my shotgun?
The drop at heel is the distance from the center of the bore to the back of the stock. To adjust the drop at heel, you will need to remove the stock from the shotgun. Once the stock is removed, you can use a file or sandpaper to sand down the heel until it is the desired height.
How do I know if my shotgun is properly fitted?
When your shotgun is properly fitted, you should be able to comfortably hold the gun with your arms relaxed. The stock should be in contact with your shoulder and cheek, and you should be able to see through the sights without having to strain your neck. You should also be able to swing the gun smoothly and naturally.
What are the benefits of having a shotgun that is properly fitted?
A shotgun that is properly fitted will be more comfortable to shoot, and you will be more accurate. You will also be less likely to experience fatigue, which can lead to mistakes.
Where can I get my shotgun fitted?
You can have your shotgun fitted by a qualified gunsmith. Many sporting goods stores also offer shotgun fitting services.
In this article, we discussed how to fit a shotgun to yourself. We covered the different factors to consider when choosing a shotgun, as well as the steps involved in properly fitting the gun to your body. We also provided tips on how to adjust the gun for different shooting conditions.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your shotgun fits you properly and that you are able to shoot it comfortably and accurately.
Here are some key takeaways from this article:
- The most important factor to consider when choosing a shotgun is your body size and build.
- The length of the stock, the drop at comb, and the cast are the three main factors that affect how a shotgun fits.
- You can adjust the fit of a shotgun by changing the stock length, adding or removing recoil pads, and changing the comb height.
- You should always practice with your shotgun before hunting or shooting clays to make sure that it is properly fitted and that you are comfortable shooting it.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a comfortable and accurate shooting experience.