Rifle Fit

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Leavenworth

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Lowermainland B.C.
Hi Fellas

Okay I own a handful of rifles but I'm wanting to know exactly what to look for when purchasing a new rifle . Besides caliber . I know some may say, well when you shoulder it up it just has to feel right (agreed) . Can we take it a bit beyond that though . Is there a rule of thumb to the size / length of the stock ? . Your arm length perhaps ? Let's start here and see what you fellas have to say . If there's another thread on this topic please let me know where to find it or if there's a good link to something on the web I would appreciate it !
Thanks !
Leavenworth
 
Your body mass has as much to do with fit as arm length or body height. Back when I was running all the time, I was reasonably slim and I needed a fairly long length of pull. Now, I'm a lot heavier, with more mass in my shoulders, and a shorter stock feels better. Drop at comb and heel and pitch are more important than length, but it's seldom discussed because it's harder to change. The big muscular types would find a short stock better suited than would a tall rangy guy.

For length, the stock should keep your thumb out of your nose when the rifle recoils. You shouldn't have to reach overly far to manipulate the bolt ( from the shoulder ), and you shouldn't feel like you're running out of room when the bolt reaches the end of it's travel.

Drop and pitch differ depending on whether you're using irons or a scope. Typically, a rifle set up primarily for irons will have more drop at both comb and heel. The pitch should be such that the barrel is aligned with your line of sight when the butt hits your shoulder. The old English express rifles were renowned for their natural pointing qualities, but this is largely due to the fact that they had a lot of drop, so the sights lined up naturally.

A rifle set up primarily for scope use will have a straighter comb with less drop at both comb and heel. When the butt settles into your shoulder you should be looking straight through the glass.
 
9.3mauser said:
Your body mass has as much to do with fit as arm length or body height. Back when I was running all the time, I was reasonably slim and I needed a fairly long length of pull. Now, I'm a lot heavier, with more mass in my shoulders, and a shorter stock feels better. Drop at comb and heel and pitch are more important than length, but it's seldom discussed because it's harder to change. The big muscular types would find a short stock better suited than would a tall rangy guy.

For length, the stock should keep your thumb out of your nose when the rifle recoils. You shouldn't have to reach overly far to manipulate the bolt ( from the shoulder ), and you shouldn't feel like you're running out of room when the bolt reaches the end of it's travel.

Drop and pitch differ depending on whether you're using irons or a scope. Typically, a rifle set up primarily for irons will have more drop at both comb and heel. The pitch should be such that the barrel is aligned with your line of sight when the butt hits your shoulder. The old English express rifles were renowned for their natural pointing qualities, but this is largely due to the fact that they had a lot of drop, so the sights lined up naturally.

A rifle set up primarily for scope use will have a straighter comb with less drop at both comb and heel. When the butt settles into your shoulder you should be looking straight through the glass.
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9.3 Mauser Very informative Thank You for taking the time to reply to my post !
Leavenworth
 
Good post by 9.3mauser, I would only add that its much easier to shoot a rifle with a stock that's a bit short than one that's too long. If your rifle is chambered for a cartridge with enthusiastic recoil, a long stock will cause it to really hammer you, where it will be quite manageable with a stock that fits you, or even one that's a tad short. You probably shouldn't measure your stock length when you're wearing a T-shirt, bulky cold weather clothing reduces your required length of pull. There are a few rifles available now with spacer systems to adjust the LOP, and these will allow the rifle to fit you correctly year round. I prefer short stocked rifles, but their downside is having sufficient eye relief for the scope, and the need to develop a technique where the rifle is held with the thumb of the shooting hand pointed forward on the same side of the rifle as your palm. Some folks find this hold less intuitive than wrapping their thumb over the top of the small of the stock. A major consideration with bolt guns is the ability to work the action quickly and vigorously with the rifle held at the shoulder. If the stock is too long, you won't manage it. A quick check of rifle fit, is whether your shooting arm is bent 90 degrees when in the shooting position. A bit less than 90 degrees is acceptable, but it doesn't take much more for the piece to feel cumbersome and slow.
 
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