Stock fit?

[bwlacy]

How do you determine the correct length of pull for a person? Also how do they measure LOP on the stock?

How important is correct stock fit really? I am a short guy, 5'8" , and most rifles feel too long to me. Is this why my 300 H & H kicks the crap out of me?

thanks

Matt

[AJ]

Re: Stock fit?

Generally, the LOP is determined by the distance from the inside bend of the elbow (bottom of bicep) to the first joint of the index finger while the arm is bent 90 deg. There are different body shapes, face designs, neck lengths, etc., that affect the necessary LOP. The gun's length LOP is the distance from the trigger to the face of the butt. This measurement is taken in the middle of the recoil pad or butt plate.

LOP is considered a very important measurement for any stock because the length of the buttstock will affect how well you can hold your rifle and how well you will shoot.

If the LOP is too short, you will tend to pull your shots to the right if you are a right-hand shooter. If the LOP is too long, the rifle will tend to ride upward and outward during recoil which will usually make you shoot low and to the left if you are a right-hand shooter. Reverse these directions if you are a left-hand shooter.

Remember to take the measurements while you are wearing the clothing you intend to hunt with. Wearing a thick parka will mean you will need a shorter LOP than when shootng in a T-shirt. You can always add a slip on recoil pad to shoot when its warmer.

When you cut the stock down to get teh best fit, install a new recoil pad. It will need to be ground to fit the new profile of the stock. Pre fit ones will not work once the LOP is changed. Another option is to use a thinner pad in hunting season and swap to a thicker pad in the warmer months. I don't really care for this as its more wear and tear on the stock.