Choosing the right shotgun requires careful consideration of several factors, and one often overlooked aspect is the length of pull (LOP). The LOP is the distance from the trigger to the butt of the stock. A poorly fitted LOP can significantly impact your shooting comfort, accuracy, and overall performance. This guide will explore the relationship between height and shotgun LOP, helping you determine the ideal length for your physique.
Understanding Length of Pull and its Impact
The length of pull directly affects your shooting posture and the way you mount the shotgun. An LOP that's too short can lead to:
- Muscular Strain: You'll have to hunch forward, straining your shoulders and neck.
- Poor Cheek Weld: Your cheek won't properly align with the comb (the top of the stock), hindering your sight picture.
- Inconsistent Shooting: The awkward posture will negatively affect your ability to consistently hit your target.
Conversely, an LOP that's too long results in:
- Reaching: You'll have to reach for the trigger, impacting your control and follow-through.
- Uncomfortable Mount: The gun might feel unwieldy and difficult to mount smoothly.
- Reduced Accuracy: Your shots will likely be less precise due to the strained and unnatural position.
Determining the Ideal Length of Pull Based on Height
There's no single formula to precisely determine the perfect LOP based solely on height. However, general guidelines can provide a starting point. These guidelines consider average body proportions and assume a standard shooting posture. Individual preferences and shooting styles may necessitate adjustments.
Here's a general approximation:
| Height (in inches) | Approximate LOP (in inches) |
|---|---|
| Under 5'6" (66") | 13.5 - 14 |
| 5'6" - 5'10" (66"-70") | 14 - 14.5 |
| 5'10" - 6'2" (70"-74") | 14.5 - 15 |
| Over 6'2" (74") | 15+ |
Important Note: This is merely a guideline. The best way to find your ideal LOP is through personal fitting. Visit a reputable gun shop or shooting range that offers gun fitting services. They can help you determine the precise LOP that best suits your body and shooting style.
Factors Beyond Height
While height is a significant factor, other elements also influence the ideal LOP:
- Arm Length: Individuals with longer arms might require a longer LOP.
- Body Build: A larger or more muscular build might necessitate a slightly longer LOP.
- Shooting Style: Different shooting styles (e.g., trap, skeet, sporting clays) might slightly alter the optimal LOP.
- Clothing: The thickness of your clothing can impact your LOP; it's crucial to account for this when getting fitted.
Adjusting the Length of Pull
If your current shotgun's LOP doesn't fit you optimally, you have a few options:
- Adding a recoil pad: This increases the LOP relatively inexpensively.
- Using a spacer: These are inserted between the stock and the buttplate to add length.
- Stock Modification: A gunsmith can shorten or lengthen the stock, which offers a more permanent solution.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect length of pull is crucial for comfortable and accurate shotgun shooting. While the guidelines above provide a starting point, individual fitting is strongly recommended for optimal results. Investing time in proper fitting ensures you'll enjoy a more enjoyable and successful shooting experience. Don't hesitate to seek professional assistance to achieve the perfect fit for your height and build. Remember that safety always comes first, so ensure you handle firearms responsibly and according to all applicable laws and regulations.
