Length of pull

[Clark McCombe]

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

[Don Mills]

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

[mikeschneider]

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.

[mobirdhunter]

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

[Phil C]

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.

[John Davis]

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.

[Big D]

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".

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Phillip Carr

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.

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.

[Phil C]

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.

[edgarspencer]

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.