Understanding the Significance of Proper Length of Pull
Impact on Accuracy
The quest for pinpoint accuracy and comfortable shooting often leads us to a critical aspect of firearm fit: the length of pull, or LOP. This is a pivotal measurement in the world of shooting, yet sometimes, access to a firearm isn’t immediately available. Whether you’re purchasing a firearm online, fitting multiple shooters, or simply wanting to refine your shooting setup, knowing how to measure LOP without a gun is a valuable skill. This guide dives into the methods for achieving just that, ensuring a comfortable and accurate shooting experience.
Impact on Comfort
Before we explore the techniques, it’s essential to grasp why LOP matters so profoundly. Imagine trying to drive a car with the seat too close or too far away; the shooting experience is similar when the LOP is incorrect.
Impact on Control
One of the core benefits of a well-adjusted LOP is significantly improved accuracy. A correctly sized LOP allows for proper sight alignment. The shooter’s eye is ideally positioned relative to the sights, leading to more consistent target acquisition and shot placement. This alignment helps establish a consistent cheek weld – the contact point between the cheek and the stock. This consistent cheek weld is a cornerstone of accuracy because it anchors the shooter’s head, minimizing movement and allowing for more predictable shots. Without this consistent anchor, achieving precision becomes a challenging game of guesswork.
Beyond the mechanical aspect, comfort is a crucial factor in shooting performance. An incorrect LOP can lead to strain in the neck, shoulder, and back. If the stock is too long, the shooter will be reaching, which can strain muscles. Conversely, a too-short LOP may lead to a cramped shooting position and potential for the scope to strike the shooter during recoil. A comfortable shooting stance allows a shooter to concentrate on their target, not the discomfort. The lack of strain will help improve focus and concentration on the task at hand.
Moreover, proper LOP significantly contributes to better recoil management. The stock transmits recoil energy to the shooter’s body. A well-fitted LOP ensures this force is distributed evenly, reducing felt recoil and allowing for faster follow-up shots. Conversely, a poorly fitted LOP can lead to the gun kicking inappropriately, which can develop poor shooting habits. A shooter might develop a flinch, anticipating the recoil and negatively impacting accuracy.
It is critical to understand that when selecting a firearm for someone or for yourself, that the incorrect LOP can foster some terrible shooting habits and degrade shooting ability.
Methods for Determining Length of Pull Without a Firearm
The Arm Span Approach: A Quick Estimation
Fortunately, you can still accurately determine LOP without immediate access to a firearm. Several methods provide effective ways to find the right fit.
This method is the most accessible, serving as a quick initial estimate, and is usually only employed to roughly determine the appropriate size for a gun before more accurate measurements. It’s great for getting a preliminary idea, but it is not the most precise technique.
To perform this simple measurement, you’ll measure from the bend of your elbow to the tip of your index finger. To get a consistent measurement, you will want to make a fist, allowing for a more stable platform. Once you find this measurement, it will correspond, generally, to your approximate LOP. You can use a simple measuring tape to easily accomplish this task.
The simplicity is a strong suit, as it requires no specialized equipment. However, be aware that this is a rough estimate. People’s proportions vary, and therefore, the arm-span method is a starting point for your consideration, not a final measurement.
Measuring Against a Wall: A More Precise Approach
This method is a step up in precision from the arm span technique. While still lacking the ultimate accuracy of a direct measurement against a firearm, it offers a more reliable result.
Gather your materials. You’ll need a measuring tape or a rigid ruler and a clear wall.
Begin by standing with your back completely flat against the wall. Your spine and head should touch the surface. Next, position your trigger finger as if it is resting on the trigger and, keeping your arm extended naturally, bring your finger in line with your jaw or neck. Your trigger finger will be where the trigger would be if you were holding a gun. Using the measuring tape or ruler, measure from the wall directly to the center of your finger. This measurement provides a reasonable estimate of your LOP.
This approach eliminates the guesswork that can arise from the arm span method. While the lack of a real firearm might introduce slight discrepancies, measuring from a fixed point to your finger provides a considerably more objective measurement.
Utilizing a Length of Pull Gauge or Fit Kit: Near-Perfect Precision
For the highest accuracy outside of using a firearm directly, a Length of Pull Gauge (LOP gauge) or a fit kit is the way to go. These tools are designed specifically for this purpose.
An LOP gauge is an adjustable device that mimics the shape and form of a firearm’s stock. A fit kit is a variation of the gauge that can include multiple stock components to try different combinations. The gauge is designed to be placed against your shoulder and trigger finger, providing an accurate measurement.
To use the gauge, you’ll hold it against your shoulder. Then, place your trigger finger on the point where the trigger would be on a firearm. The gauge will extend to the length of your ideal LOP. Carefully adjust the gauge until you achieve a comfortable and natural position, mimicking your typical shooting stance. Read the resulting measurement directly from the gauge.
These tools are readily available from most online retailers that sell shooting accessories, and many gun stores also carry them. The advantage is that these tools are designed to accurately measure LOP. If you take the time to look around and choose the right tool, the result can be a nearly perfect measurement. The primary drawback is the cost of purchasing the tool.
Seeking Professional Assistance: The Gold Standard
Perhaps the most accurate method available to determine the right LOP is to seek assistance from a gunsmith or a professional firearms fitter. These experts have extensive experience and specialized knowledge.
They will often use gauges or measure directly on firearms and have a deep understanding of how LOP affects shooting dynamics. This will help you to have the most accurate fit possible. They can take into consideration all the nuances of your body shape, shooting style, and the specific type of firearm you intend to use. The added experience and perspective that a professional provides can go a long way toward fine-tuning your LOP.
Gun shops, shooting ranges, and specialized firearms stores are good places to start.
However, it will cost extra money to obtain this service, which can be a deciding factor for some people.
Additional Insights and Factors to Consider
Clothing and Gear
Beyond the measurement itself, some additional considerations can influence your ideal LOP.
Shooting apparel can make a difference. Bulky clothing, vests, or even body armor will alter the distance from your shoulder to the trigger. Always measure with the gear you’ll typically wear while shooting. If you wear a shooting vest, measure with the vest on.
Shooting Style
Similarly, your shooting style impacts the most comfortable LOP. Your stance, grip, and cheek weld will all influence how your body interacts with the firearm. Consider how these elements affect your natural posture, and adjust the measurement accordingly.
Individual Differences
Remember that LOP is a personal preference. Factors such as body build, the length of the arms, and overall proportions contribute to each person’s unique requirements. Experiment with different lengths, and observe how they feel in practice.
Adjusting Stock Length
Also, if you have a firearm with an adjustable stock, you can fine-tune the LOP to match the best fit for your specific shooting needs.
Double-Check the Measurement
It’s also important to double-check your measurements to verify the correct LOP. Verify the final LOP by shooting. If the shot is not as intended, you can try adjusting the LOP again.
Conclusion
Proper length of pull is a cornerstone of comfortable and accurate shooting. Whether you’re setting up a new firearm, fitting a gun for multiple users, or simply optimizing your shooting setup, the ability to measure LOP without a gun is a valuable skill.
By understanding how to use the different methods, you can find a comfortable and practical length of pull. While the arm span approach can offer a quick estimate, more accurate methods, such as measuring against a wall, utilizing an LOP gauge, or seeking professional guidance, provide greater precision.
So, take the time to measure, and adjust your gear to maximize your shooting experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Consider which method will provide you with the accuracy you need to get the best results. With careful measurement, you will ensure that every shot you take will be as accurate as possible.
