Summer 2006

Proper Gun Fit Is Critical To Shooting

By JOHN KASUN

Average is an interesting word. Webster's dictionary defines it as ''about midway between two extremes.'' Basically that means ''average'' isn't really anything. It's just something that is close to being in the middle of whatever you happen to be measuring. Under normal conditions you could say, ''Who cares?'' The problem is most rifles and shotguns are designed and manufactured to fit the ''average'' person which means if you aren't ''average'' your gun may need some modification to fit properly. Fortunately these problems are easily rectified if you are willing to make the necessary changes.

When mounting a gun to the shoulder the shooter should reach the trigger comfortably and see a clear full scope. If this does not occur the gun, scope or both need to be adjusted to fit. An ill fitting rifle or shotgun will not perform well in the field and can lead to misses or worse a bad hit. The time to check out the proper fit is at the time of purchase as this potential buyer is doing.

When selecting a rifle or shotgun the first decision that must be made is the intent of the weapon, hunting or target and the gauge or caliber. Obviously there are many choices, but keep in mind that comfort and the proper fit aids greatly to both accuracy and enjoyment.
Once the basic weapon is selected, next consider style and fit. Selecting a weapon with a short barrel length centers the weight between the hands of the shooter making it easier to handle. Normally the one dimension on a gun that will prove long for many people is the trigger pull. The trigger pull dimension is the distance from the butt of the gun to the trigger. If the gun is fitted with a recoil pad, trigger pull can be reduced by installing a thinner pad. The opposite is true if the gun is to short. The trigger pull can be increased by adding a thicker recoil pad or a spacer. However, more often then not if a gun does not fit the shooter properly it will normally be to long.
If more adjustment is required then can be obtained by reducing the recoil pads thickness there is only one answer; the stock must be cut off. Don't panic, it's just a piece of wood. Most people would rather have their fingernails pulled out than cut the stock of a rifle. The point is to have a gun that fits. In the event of a growing youth the rifle can be extended, up to a point, at a later date by the addition of a larger recoil pad or butt plate. In the event the gun is for an adult who is simply short in the arms, cut the stock off.
A gun that doesn't fit may look nice and have a higher resale value but it is worthless in the field.
In order to be used under hunting conditions a gun must come up to the shoulder in one smooth easy motion. Any gun with a trigger pull that is to long will hang up under the arm of the shooter sending the shot wild. When altering the trigger pull of a gun remember to keep in mind its end use. If it is to be used in cold weather, such as a deer rifle, take the measurements while wearing the clothing that would be normally worn in season.
My wife's deer rifle is a Remington Mohawk 243. The stock was cut to provide her with a trigger pull of just 12 inches. The rifle looks like an oversize handgun. But wow, can she shoot it and after all that's what counts. The shotguns she uses for bird hunting have been altered the same way. By ensuring the gun fits properly she can get on target with one smooth motion.
The mounting and positioning of rifle scopes is another critical area. A rifle scope must be properly positioned to allow the shooter a full view when the gun comes up to the shooting position. Most scopes are mounted to far forward, requiring the shooter to move their head forward and back to get the proper ''sight picture.'' Once the trigger pull of the gun has been fitted properly have the shooter shoulder the gun to find the natural position of their head on the stock. Next move the scope forward or back as required so they get the full view through the scope without moving their head. The eye relief of the scope should position the scope far enough forward to ensure the scope does not contact the shooter on the shot. A word of caution, when moving the scope rearward on a lever action rifle with top ejection; be careful. If the scope is moved to far rearward the ejected shell may strike the windage knob on the side of the scope and fall back into the chamber causing a jam. I learned this the hard way.
Good shooting requires proper fitting equipment for men, women and youths. Select the proper weapon and take whatever steps necessary to ensure it fits properly. If you can't stand the thought of having that stock cut off, just pull out a fingernail while the gunsmith does the work.
Trust me, after one or two fingernails your will forget about the stock.