Understanding the Significance of Length of Pull
The satisfying thud of a perfectly-shouldered shotgun, the effortless swing that tracks a clay pigeon, the confident placement of the bead on a rising pheasant – these are the hallmarks of a shooter in tune with their equipment. Too often, however, shooters unknowingly handicap themselves with shotguns that don’t fit, leading to missed targets, uncomfortable recoil, and ultimately, a diminished shooting experience. A critical element of a proper shotgun fit is something called Length of Pull, or LOP. Understanding and correctly measuring your LOP is one of the most fundamental steps you can take to elevate your shooting performance, comfort, and safety. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you have the knowledge to measure your shotgun’s LOP and unlock its full potential.
So, what exactly *is* Length of Pull, and why is it so important? Length of Pull refers to the distance from the trigger to the center of the butt plate, or recoil pad, of your shotgun. It’s a seemingly simple measurement, but its impact on your shooting is profound. The correct LOP allows you to comfortably and consistently shoulder the shotgun, achieving the proper eye alignment with the barrel and sight picture. Think of it as the bridge between you and the gun, the crucial connection that allows for seamless performance.
An incorrect LOP, on the other hand, can wreak havoc on your shooting. If your shotgun’s LOP is *too long*, you’ll likely struggle to shoulder the gun properly. You might find yourself leaning forward, straining to reach the trigger, or getting snagged on clothing. This can result in slow target acquisition, inconsistent shooting, and a general feeling of awkwardness.
Conversely, a LOP that is *too short* presents its own set of challenges. A short LOP brings the gun closer to your face, increasing the chance of recoil driving the stock into your cheek or even causing injury. It can also lead to blurred vision, making it difficult to track and hit your target. Recoil feels harsher, comfort suffers, and your shooting accuracy takes a significant hit.
The optimal LOP is not a universal number. Each shooter has unique proportions, stances, and preferences. What works for one person may be completely wrong for another. This underscores the crucial importance of individual assessment and measurement. Don’t assume that the factory LOP of your shotgun is the best fit for you. In fact, the factory LOP is generally designed to fit an “average” sized person, which means few people actually fit it perfectly. Taking the time to measure and adjust your LOP will almost always be an improvement.
Essential Tools for Accurate Measurement
Fortunately, measuring your shotgun’s LOP is a straightforward process that requires only a few readily available tools. You don’t need expensive equipment, just a bit of patience and attention to detail.
First and foremost, you’ll need a measuring tape. A flexible measuring tape is ideal, as it can easily conform to the curve of the butt plate. Make sure the tape is clearly marked with inches and centimeters, as you may find both useful. A sturdy ruler can also work, but it may be slightly more challenging to maneuver.
While not strictly required, having a partner assist you with the measurement is highly recommended, especially when first learning. A second set of eyes can help ensure you’re shouldering the shotgun correctly and obtaining an accurate reading. If you don’t have a partner, don’t worry, measuring LOP solo is possible.
Finally, a pencil or pen can be handy for marking the measurements, especially if you are making multiple measurements. This will help you keep track of your progress and compare different configurations.
That’s all you need! With these simple tools, you’re ready to begin.
Step-by-Step: Unveiling the Secrets of Shotgun LOP Measurement
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to accurately measuring the Length of Pull of your shotgun. We’ll cover two primary methods to get you the best measurement for your shooting.
The Field Measurement Method: The Most Common Approach
This method replicates the actual shooting position and therefore gives the most practical reading. This technique is the foundation for achieving an excellent fit.
Begin by properly shouldering your shotgun. Your stance is critical to a good measurement. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, your weight balanced, and your shooting eye (the eye you use to aim) in line with the barrel. When you mount the shotgun, bring it up smoothly and deliberately, as if you’re about to take a shot. The stock should nestle snugly into the pocket of your shoulder, and your cheek should make firm contact with the comb of the stock.
The next step is crucial: cheek weld. This is where the stock of the shotgun meets your cheek. A consistent and comfortable cheek weld is essential for proper eye alignment with the barrel. Your eye should be looking *down* the barrel. Avoid raising or lowering your head to achieve the sight picture, as this indicates an improper LOP.
Have your partner take a look at your positioning. They should see your arm forming roughly a ninety-degree angle at your elbow and your hand comfortably holding the pistol grip (if applicable). Does your hand appear cramped or extended? This is useful to help adjust for any issues.
The next step is to perform a simple test. With the gun shouldered, check the distance from the tip of your nose to your thumb. You should have roughly a thumb’s width between them. This is an easy check for the ideal length.
If the fit feels off, adjust the gun’s position on your shoulder until it feels natural and comfortable. It should feel like the gun is an extension of your body, not something you’re struggling to hold.
Once you’ve established a comfortable and consistent mount, carefully measure the distance from the center of the trigger to the center of the butt plate, following the line of the stock. Be sure to measure directly along the stock. The measurement you obtain is your LOP.
Alternate Method: When a Partner or Shotgun is Unavailable
While the field measurement is preferred, you can also determine LOP without the presence of a partner. This method is helpful when you cannot shoulder your shotgun due to injury, access, or other issues.
Place the butt of your unloaded shotgun against a flat surface, such as a wall. Make sure the gun is stable and not likely to move. You might need to lean the gun against the wall or use a piece of tape to secure it.
Carefully extend the measuring tape from the face of the trigger, along the stock, to the center of the butt plate. Be mindful of any curves in the stock; follow the path of the stock directly to ensure an accurate measurement.
Note this measurement, ensuring you record it accurately. Remember, even this static measurement can provide insight into the LOP.
Important Considerations and Potential Adjustments
Measuring LOP is just the beginning. Several factors can affect the optimal LOP, and you may need to make adjustments to achieve the perfect fit.
One significant factor is clothing. When measuring your LOP, consider what you typically wear when shooting. If you often wear a thick shooting vest, a bulky jacket, or multiple layers in colder weather, you should take those extra thicknesses into account. Adding a slight amount to the LOP measurement will compensate for the added bulk. You may want to have a separate measurement if the clothing changes drastically, like when transitioning between summer and winter seasons.
Fortunately, there are several methods for making adjustments to your shotgun’s LOP.
If your LOP is too short, you can add a thicker recoil pad. These pads come in various thicknesses and can often be installed easily.
Many modern shotguns have adjustable stocks, which allow you to change the LOP without any modifications. This is the most convenient option.
You can also add stock spacers. These are thin pieces of material that are installed between the butt plate and the stock, effectively lengthening the LOP. You can add or remove these to dial in the perfect fit.
In some cases, you may need to consider professional fitting. A qualified gunsmith or shooting instructor can provide a more comprehensive assessment of your shooting form and offer customized adjustments to your shotgun. They can often identify subtle issues that you might miss on your own.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Measuring
Accurate LOP measurement is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure accurate measurements:
- Measuring Inconsistently: Don’t rush the process. Be sure to maintain a consistent mount, which is critical for repeatability. Varying the positioning even a small amount will change the result.
- Overlooking Clothing: This is critical and often overlooked. Always consider the clothing you’ll wear when shooting, especially when it’s the dominant variable to changes.
- Making Wild Guesses: Don’t rely on generic recommendations. Many online guides offer rough estimations based on height or arm length. These are generally not accurate. Your measurement should be your own.
- Focusing Solely on LOP: LOP is a critical part of the equation, but other factors like comb height and cast (the degree to which the stock curves away from or toward the shooter’s face) also influence fit. Don’t neglect to assess these additional aspects.
Conclusion: Embrace the Perfect Fit for Enhanced Performance
Mastering the art of measuring *length of pull* is a foundational step toward achieving better performance and greater comfort in the world of shotgun shooting. It’s not just about a number; it’s about creating a seamless connection between you and your shotgun. You can improve accuracy and reduce recoil by correctly matching the shotgun’s LOP to your body’s dimensions.
Remember to take the time to measure your LOP accurately. Shoulder your shotgun, maintain a proper cheek weld, and measure the distance from the trigger to the butt plate. Consider clothing and other factors that might impact your fit, and make the appropriate adjustments.
Now, armed with this knowledge, take your shotgun to the range, and experience the difference that a properly-fitted LOP makes. You’ll be amazed at how much more comfortably you can shoulder the gun, how much quicker you can acquire your target, and how much more consistent your shooting becomes. Good luck, and happy shooting!
