Length of pull
 

How do I determine the correct length of pull for me?
And part B
Opinions on altering a decent 12g Trojan so it might fit a little better.
Thanks
Clark

Clark,
There are a lot variables for proper gun fit beyond LOP. Might be worth doing something like this before having a stock altered or made.

https://www.woodcockhill.com/gunfitting

I’ve been shooting a variety of off the rack guns for 45 years, most of which have LOP of around 14.25-14.50”; when I got into double guns I
had many outfitted with recoil pads and brought the LOP to 14 7/8”-15”. I’d say I shoot the universe of guns I have relatively well, regardless of LOP…I think other aspects of proper gun fit are equally important. I’ve never been fitted, probably should…I guess I gravitate to the guns I shoot best. I probably carry my benelli ultralight 12 more than any other, partly because I pheasant hunt a lot, and I like 3 shots…that gun is very lethal for me, it’s around 14 3/8” LOP, but of course I’ve got more clothing on now vs early September hunting prairie grouse with a double with 15” LOP. I’d look at guns you’ve shot decently in the past as a starting point.

Get fitted by someone who knows how…and realize those measurements will change as you age.

I had a gun fit done at Michael Murphy and Sons about 15 yers ago. I used these basic measurements to have a number of guns I owned adjusted, as well as stocks bent or altered.
I also had several stocks made to these specs.
It was money well spent.
For me having a professional gun fit definitely was the single best thing I did to make me a better wing shot.

There are many factors in proper gun fit. LOP, Drop, Cast and Pitch all play a part. And then you need to consider what game you are playing, ie pre-mounted or low gun. Interestingly enough, I went over to the trap field this afternoon for a couple rounds of practice and a large part of my practice is making sure I have the same mount every time I put the gun to my shoulder. The Parker SBT I shoot singles with has a 14 3/8 inch LOP. Shot my first 25 with a sweater on and dropped 2 targets. The gun mount just didn't feel quite right. Pulled off the sweater and ran the next 25. I really don't like shooting in cold weather and my averages always go down this time of year. Extra layers change the fit of the gun and cost me targets.

Fit is important, but I had a friend who was fitted by a knowledgeable person, and he became obsessed that he could never shoot a gun that was even 1/16" off "The real numbers".

Phil, Michael did my fitting also. I had two guns made to my measurements and shot them well. To John Dallas’ point, I found that I could shoot guns that were close, but not perfect. I’d rather shoot a vintage gun that is close than one spot on. If I was a competitive shooter, I’d probably feel differently, but my limiting myself to shorter, high percentage hunting shots makes a close fit close enough…for me.

Garry Im with you Im not a competitive shooter. I can shoot most guns that are between 13 3/4 to 14 1/2”. I like guns with some cast on as I shoot left handed. The drop and pitch are the most important to me.
Im not a trap or skeet shooter. I maybe go to the range a few times a year. If I ever shoot a 25 I will be celebrating.
Shooting dove and quail are my passion and will normally take 3 to 5 guns with me to shoot. May start with a 410 and have even been known to finish up with my 8 gauge on Eurasian dove and Pigeons.
I do like shooting the guns that fit, as they naturally point and kill well for me. Once I get my lead figured out.
On flushing quail over my dogs the fitted guns just flat shoot where Im looking.

Drop and pitch are as important, if not more so, than LOP. My dad was a beefier guy than I am, but his favorite gun was his first gun; a VH 16 which he bought at the Cherry Street office of Parker Brothers, on his 16th birthday. that gun has a 13 3/4" LOP and 2 3/4" DAH. He was a firm believer that if your nose didn't hit your thumb, it wasn't too short.