Understanding Gun Fit

A $1,500 gun that fits you will outshoot a $10,000 gun that doesn't. Gun fit is the single most important factor in consistent shotgun shooting, yet it's often overlooked by new shooters.

The fitting advantage: A properly fitted shotgun points where you look. When you mount it, your eye naturally aligns with the rib and the pattern goes where you're focused. A poorly fitted gun requires compensation on every shot.

Why Fit Matters

Unlike rifles with sights, shotguns are pointed, not aimed. Your eye is the rear sight. For this to work:

With Good Fit

• Eye naturally aligns with the rib
• Consistent cheek weld every mount
• Pattern centers where you look
• Comfortable, repeatable mount
• Less fatigue over long sessions

With Poor Fit

• Must adjust head/body to see rib
• Inconsistent cheek position
• Pattern shoots high, low, or to side
• Uncomfortable mount, bruising
• Compensation creates bad habits

Key Fit Measurements

Length of Pull (LOP)

Distance from trigger to the center of the recoil pad. Standard is around 14.5", but ideal length depends on your arm length and shooting style. Too long restricts mounting; too short causes face slap.

Drop at Comb

Vertical distance from the rib line to the top of the comb where your cheek rests. Controls vertical point of impact. More drop shoots lower; less drop shoots higher.

Drop at Heel

Vertical distance from rib to the heel (top back) of the stock. Works with comb drop to determine how the gun sits in your shoulder pocket.

Cast

Lateral offset of the stock. "Cast off" bends the stock away from a right-handed shooter's face; "cast on" is the opposite. Aligns your eye with the rib without tilting your head.

Pitch

Angle of the recoil pad relative to the bore. Affects how the gun sits against your shoulder and chest. Proper pitch distributes recoil evenly.

Signs Your Gun Doesn't Fit

Bruising on cheek or shoulder: Pain indicates the gun isn't sitting correctly. Fit issues cause concentrated impact in wrong areas.

Seeing too much or too little rib: With proper fit, you should see a consistent amount of rib—usually a flat ribbon or slight figure-8.

Moving your head to the gun: You should bring the gun to your face, not your face to the gun. If you're craning or tilting, fit is wrong.

Consistently missing to one side: If you consistently miss left or right despite good fundamentals, cast may be incorrect.

Difficulty mounting smoothly: A well-fitted gun comes up naturally. Wrestling with the mount suggests length issues.

The Professional Fitting Process

A professional gun fitting typically involves:

Initial Assessment

The fitter takes body measurements, discusses your shooting style, and evaluates your natural mount. They note physical characteristics like arm length, face shape, and shoulder build.

Try Gun Setup

Using an adjustable "try gun" or multiple stock options, the fitter adjusts dimensions while you mount and shoot. This iterative process finds your optimal measurements.

Pattern Testing

Shooting at pattern boards verifies point of impact. The fitter checks that the gun shoots where you look—typically 50/50 or slightly high (60/40) for clay shooting.

Live Fire Confirmation

Shooting targets confirms the measurements work in real conditions. The fitter may make minor adjustments based on performance.

Documentation

You receive your measurements to use when ordering or modifying stocks. These numbers are yours for life (though they may need checking as your technique develops).

Fitting Options & Costs

Option	Typical Cost	What You Get
Basic Fitting	$75-150	Measurements and recommendations
Full Fitting Session	$150-300	Try gun, pattern board, live fire
Adjustable Comb Installation	$200-400	Retrofit adjustability to existing stock
Stock Bending	$75-200	Permanent adjustment for cast/drop
Custom Stock	$1,000-3,000+	Built to your exact specifications

DIY Fit Checks

While professional fitting is ideal, you can do basic checks yourself:

Mount Test

Close your eyes, mount the gun, then open them. Your eye should be looking straight down the rib with consistent sight picture. Repeat 10 times.

Mirror Check

Mount facing a mirror. Your head should be upright (not tilted), stock firmly in shoulder pocket, and eye centered over the rib.

Length Check

With trigger finger on the trigger, there should be 1-2 finger widths between your thumb and nose. Too close risks face slap; too far hinders mounting.

Pattern Board Test

Mount and shoot at a pattern board from 16 yards. The pattern center should be where you were looking, not consistently high, low, or to one side.

When to Get Fitted

Get Fitted Now If...

• Buying a new competition shotgun
• Experiencing unexplained misses
• Bruising or discomfort when shooting
• You've never been properly fitted
• Your scores have plateaued

Consider Waiting If...

• You're a complete beginner (technique evolves)
• You're still developing your mount
• Physical changes expected (weight, strength)
• You're using a borrowed/rental gun

Fit before features: An adjustable comb on a quality gun is worth more than engraving on one that doesn't fit. Prioritize fit in your budget, especially for your first serious shotgun.