Cruck of arm to trigger guard front.
How do you do this? I am suprised with custom stocks they just hoof them out with an average length, how do you get it spot on like a Top London Gunmaker?
Cruck of arm to trigger guard front.
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Was always told 'rule of thumb' to hold rifle with trigger hand in normal placement and butt end in elbow joint. Forearm, bicep at 90 degrees.
The length of pull applies to the gun, not the shooter. It's measured from the centre of the butt plate to the front edge of the trigger.
The rule of thumb says that if you put the gun into the crook of your elbow and you can comfortably reach the trigger then that's fine????? Problem is I've NEVER seen anyone shoot successfully in that position. Much better idea to put the gun in your shoulder.
It just isn't that simple. Gun fitting is a combination of lots of different measurements. and depends on all the different shapes/sizes people come in. If you have a proper fitting they will use a "Try gun" which is adjustable every which way and loose.
The other important factor is YOUR opinion of what feels right. I've said before if you go to Burtons for a suit the salesman will say "Fits you a treat sir". If you got to Saville Row, the Tailor will ask "How do you want the suit to fit sir".
I did 6-7 trips to the Perazzi factory and on more than one occasion have seen Danielle Perazzi tearing his hair out because he's trying to fit "Barry Big Bucks". Barry has been shooting all of 2 weeks and has decided to buy some "Shootstraight". It can't be done like that.
Buy a decent starter gun, learn to mount it correctly AND consistently. Make adjustments as you learn. lengthen/shorten the stock. If you're shooting low raise the comb.... try stick on neoprene to start with.
I confess I'm wondering why this is under general airgun but the O/P asked how top London gunmakers do it. Thay implies he's talking more about them "Scattergun thingies".
LoP has been described above. Traditionally, rifle stocks have a shorter LoP than shotgun stocks, and rifles are generally mounted in a more ‘considered’ way. Obviously there are exceptions, like when snap shooting rifles.
With shotgun fitting it is considered more important, as as well as for comfort with (usually) many more shots, mounting is more instinctive. LoP is a major factor in the general fit of the shotgun - and considering a shotgun isn't ‘sighted’ as such, the fit needs to be good to mean that everything naturally lines up and become an extension of your arm. That way the gun will always point where you are looking, without being aimed (or even thought about) as such. You might be Mr Average and a ‘standard’ stock dimension fits fine, but the gun should ideally be made to fit you and not vice-versa.
Most, but not all, rifle shooting is taken at static targets. Most shotgun shooting is done at moving ones.
With rifles we have the luxury of proper sights, whether iron or telescopic, which mean that we can correct our hold and take a considered shot. Normally we have a bit more time to take the shot.
That said, of course some rifle stocks (and most true target ones) have an adjustable length of pull - either by means of extension or a moveable frame and butt pad.
Rightly or wrongly, LoP on rifles is seen as less of an issue, as it of less consequence if it’s slightly out. Of course Rigby, H&H etc will build a rifle to your exact measurements…for a price.
And of course the other point is that (depending on the discipline) rifle shooting may be multi positional. You could be shooting prone, kneeling, perhaps bent over slightly (to take advantage of a rest in the field), or indeed stood up on your back legs. The ideal length of pull would be different for each.
Still wondering why it's under general airgun. I wonder if Rigbys' would build me an Airsporter? Perhaps they could do in in .25!!!
Indeed.
I think the OP alluded to Custom Stocks (as opposed to generically-speaking custom stocks), so guess it was aimed at airguns originally. I’m sure we’ll be enlightened shortly![]()
It’s for air-rifle. I mentioned the London gunmakers who fit shotguns because they’re the ones who take greatest care over this parameter. While LoP is nowhere near as critical with a rifle, having a good fit is going to make a small but real difference particularly with a springer in terms of consistency.
Just seems to be a matter of trial and error so I’m none the wiser.![]()
All good information in those earlier posts and that's how I've understood it for years.
Yes, much more critical for shotguns with the instinctive demands (and recoil considerations).
As has been said up above, even for airguns it can be down to personal preference a little and different shooting positions would dictate different ideal length of pull measurements methinks.
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I find too long a LOP stops me getting my trigger hand palm tucked in behind the pistol grip, and it is forced into a less vertical (rotationally - "rolling" if it was a plane) position, meaning the trigger pull has more tendency to pull the gun off to the right (for RH shooter), and just feels less comfortable.
The excessive trigger reach on many HWs (hence the popularity of set back trigger blades) also causes this (but I have smallish hands).
Always looking for any cheap, interesting, knackered "project" guns. But not lathes. I have too many lathes. Thanks, JB.
I guess if you tried a Custom Stock and found it too long, they could shorten it for you. Likewise, butt pad spacers could increase it relatively simply. It’d probably get a bit complicated (and expensive) for CS and the likes to offer a fitting service.