How to Accurately Measure Your Rifle’s Length of Pull: A Comprehensive Guide

The length of pull (LOP) on a rifle is a critical dimension that significantly impacts comfort, accuracy, and overall shooting experience. It refers to the distance from the trigger to the midpoint of the buttstock. A properly fitted LOP allows for a natural and comfortable shooting posture, enabling better control, reduced recoil discomfort, and improved target acquisition. Conversely, an incorrect LOP can lead to a variety of issues, including strained neck and shoulder muscles, difficulty controlling recoil, and inconsistent accuracy. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of accurately measuring your rifle’s length of pull and understanding its importance.

Why is Length of Pull Important?

Understanding the significance of LOP is the first step in optimizing your shooting. Here’s a breakdown of why it matters:

• Comfort and Ergonomics: A correct LOP allows you to shoulder the rifle comfortably without straining your neck or shoulder. It promotes a natural and balanced shooting stance.
• Recoil Management: A well-fitted stock helps distribute recoil energy more evenly across your shoulder, minimizing discomfort and allowing for faster follow-up shots.
• Accuracy: Proper LOP facilitates consistent cheek weld and eye relief, which are crucial for accurate aiming and repeatable shooting.
• Speed and Efficiency: With a comfortable and properly fitted rifle, you can shoulder the weapon quickly and efficiently, allowing for faster target acquisition and engagement.
• Safety: An improperly fitted rifle can lead to awkward and unsafe handling, increasing the risk of accidents.

Determining Your Ideal Length of Pull

Finding the ideal LOP is a personalized process. Several factors influence the optimal length, including your body size, arm length, shooting stance, and the type of clothing you typically wear while shooting. While professional gun fitters can provide customized measurements, you can often determine a suitable LOP using a few simple methods.

Method 1: The Elbow Bend Test

This is a common and relatively simple method for estimating your ideal LOP. Here’s how to perform it:

1. Stance: Stand facing a wall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Maintain a natural and comfortable posture.
2. Arm Position: Raise your shooting arm (the arm that pulls the trigger) parallel to the ground, bending your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Your upper arm should be perpendicular to your body.
3. Measure: Have a helper measure the distance from the tip of your middle finger to the inside of your elbow (the crease). This measurement, in inches, is a good starting point for your LOP.

Important Considerations:

• This method provides an approximate LOP. Fine-tuning may be necessary based on your specific rifle and shooting style.
• Clothing can affect the measurement. If you typically wear bulky clothing while shooting, consider adding an inch to the measurement.

Method 2: The Mount and Check Method

This method involves actually shouldering a rifle (unloaded, of course!) and observing your arm position.

1. Ensure the Rifle is Unloaded: Double-check that the rifle is completely unloaded and safe before proceeding. Remove any ammunition from the chamber and magazine.
2. Mount the Rifle: Bring the rifle up to your shoulder as if you were aiming at a target. Maintain a natural and comfortable shooting stance.
3. Check Your Arm Position: Observe the position of your shooting arm elbow. It should be slightly bent, not fully extended or excessively cramped.
4. Assess Reach to Trigger: Your finger should comfortably reach the trigger without requiring you to stretch or strain.
5. Observe Cheek Weld: Check your cheek weld on the stock. Your eye should align naturally with the sights or scope without needing to crane your neck.

Interpreting the Results:

• If your elbow is fully extended: The LOP is likely too long. You’ll experience difficulty controlling recoil and may have a strained shooting posture.
• If your elbow is excessively cramped: The LOP is likely too short. You may feel cramped and uncomfortable, and your cheek weld may be inconsistent.
• If you have to stretch to reach the trigger: The LOP is too long.
• If your cheek weld is inconsistent or requires you to crane your neck: The LOP may be incorrect.

Method 3: The Cardboard Test (Advanced)

This method is more involved but can provide a more precise LOP measurement. It requires a piece of cardboard and a helper.

1. Prepare the Cardboard: Cut a piece of cardboard large enough to cover the buttstock of the rifle.
2. Mount the Rifle: Have the shooter mount the rifle (unloaded!) in a comfortable shooting position.
3. Cardboard Placement: Place the cardboard against the shooter’s shoulder, ensuring it’s flat and perpendicular to the rifle’s bore.
4. Mark the Position: With the shooter still holding the rifle, carefully mark the point on the cardboard where the trigger finger would naturally rest.
5. Measure: Remove the rifle and measure the distance from the center of the buttstock (where it contacts the shoulder) to the marked point on the cardboard. This measurement is your approximate LOP.

Benefits of this method:

• Provides a visual representation of the ideal trigger finger placement.
• Accounts for individual shooting posture and grip.

Measuring the Existing Length of Pull on Your Rifle

Now that you understand how to determine your ideal LOP, you need to know how to measure the existing LOP on your rifle. This will help you determine if adjustments are needed.

Tools Required:

• Measuring tape or ruler (preferably with markings in inches)

Steps:

1. Identify the Trigger: Locate the trigger on your rifle.
2. Identify the Buttstock: Locate the buttstock, which is the part of the rifle that rests against your shoulder.
3. Measure the Distance: Place the end of the measuring tape or ruler against the center of the trigger. Extend the tape measure straight back to the midpoint of the buttstock (the point that contacts your shoulder when the rifle is shouldered).
4. Record the Measurement: Note the measurement in inches. This is your rifle’s current length of pull.

Tips for Accurate Measurement:

• Ensure the measuring tape is straight and taut.
• Measure from the center of the trigger to the center of the buttstock.
• Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy.

Adjusting Your Rifle’s Length of Pull

If the measured LOP of your rifle doesn’t match your ideal LOP, you’ll need to make adjustments. The method of adjustment depends on the type of stock your rifle has.

Adjustable Stocks

Many modern rifles come equipped with adjustable stocks, which make LOP adjustments relatively easy. These stocks typically have a mechanism for extending or retracting the buttstock.

Types of Adjustable Stocks:

• Collapsible Stocks: These stocks have multiple preset positions, allowing you to adjust the LOP in discrete increments.
• Adjustable Comb Stocks: These stocks allow you to adjust the height of the cheek rest (comb) for optimal eye alignment.
• Adjustable Butt Plates: Some stocks have adjustable butt plates that can be moved up, down, left, or right to fine-tune the fit.

Adjusting a Collapsible Stock:

1. Locate the Adjustment Lever: Find the lever or button that releases the stock’s locking mechanism.
2. Adjust the Stock: Press the lever or button and slide the stock forward or backward to the desired position.
3. Lock the Stock: Release the lever or button to lock the stock in place.
4. Test the Fit: Shoulder the rifle and check the fit. Make further adjustments as needed.

Adding or Removing Stock Spacers

Some rifles use stock spacers to adjust the LOP. These spacers are placed between the buttstock and the receiver.

Steps:

1. Remove the Buttstock: Consult your rifle’s manual for instructions on removing the buttstock. This usually involves unscrewing or loosening a few fasteners.
2. Add or Remove Spacers: Add or remove spacers as needed to achieve the desired LOP.
3. Reinstall the Buttstock: Reattach the buttstock, ensuring all fasteners are properly tightened.
4. Test the Fit: Shoulder the rifle and check the fit.

Using a Slip-On Recoil Pad

A slip-on recoil pad can be a quick and easy way to increase the LOP. These pads simply slide over the buttstock, adding thickness and length.

Benefits:

• Easy to install and remove.
• Relatively inexpensive.
• Can also help reduce recoil.

Considerations:

• Slip-on pads may not provide the most secure or precise fit.
• Choose a pad that is the correct size for your rifle’s buttstock.

Professional Gun Fitting

If you’re struggling to achieve a proper fit on your own, consider consulting a professional gun fitter. A gun fitter has the expertise and tools to accurately measure your dimensions and make precise adjustments to your rifle.

Benefits of Professional Gun Fitting:

• Precise and customized fit.
• Improved comfort and accuracy.
• Reduced risk of injury.

Troubleshooting Common Length of Pull Issues

Even after adjusting your LOP, you might encounter some common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

• Inconsistent Cheek Weld: If you’re struggling to maintain a consistent cheek weld, try adjusting the height of the cheek rest (if your stock has one). You may also need to adjust the LOP slightly.
• Difficulty Reaching the Trigger: If you have to stretch to reach the trigger, the LOP is likely too long. Shorten the LOP by removing spacers or adjusting the stock.
• Shoulder Discomfort: If you experience shoulder discomfort after shooting, the LOP may be incorrect, or you may need a more effective recoil pad.
• Inaccurate Shooting: An incorrect LOP can contribute to inaccurate shooting. Ensure your LOP is properly adjusted and that you have a consistent cheek weld and eye relief.

Factors Affecting Length of Pull Preference

It’s important to remember that LOP is not a one-size-fits-all measurement. Several factors can influence your ideal LOP preference, including:

• Body Type: Taller individuals generally require a longer LOP, while shorter individuals require a shorter LOP.
• Arm Length: Individuals with longer arms may prefer a longer LOP, while those with shorter arms may prefer a shorter LOP.
• Shooting Stance: Different shooting stances can affect the optimal LOP. For example, a more bladed stance may require a slightly shorter LOP.
• Clothing: Bulky clothing can effectively shorten the LOP. Consider this when measuring and adjusting your rifle.
• Type of Shooting: The type of shooting you’re doing can also influence your LOP preference. For example, tactical shooting may require a shorter LOP for faster maneuverability.

Conclusion

Finding the right length of pull for your rifle is an essential aspect of shooting comfort, accuracy, and safety. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can accurately measure your rifle’s LOP and make necessary adjustments to achieve a proper fit. Remember to consider your individual body type, shooting style, and clothing when determining your ideal LOP. Whether you adjust the stock yourself or consult a professional gun fitter, taking the time to optimize your rifle’s LOP will significantly enhance your shooting experience.