Length of Pull, Drop, etc.

[Tim Clark]

Looking for ideas on designs for some stocks I want to make for some of my BP guns. I am not too concerned about PC. What I would like to hear from you builders are ideas about length of pull, drop at comb and heel, anything else you would care to share.

I just don't like the way the more modern stocks fit me. I'm 6'2", about 225#s, wingspan (tip-to-tip, arms outstretched) of 78". I've read just about all the old posts I could find using the appropriate search words, but still have a few questions. Using the "inside of elbow to fingertip" method, LOP would be just over 17" which is obviously ridiculous to even consider, so what would be good? I haven't really got anyone or any shops close enough by me to try out various types. Using heavy cardboard and thin plywood cutouts isn't quite the same, I've found, as when shouldering the real McCoy. In fact, doing it that way, I consistently come up with a lenght of pull of 15-1/2", and a drop at heel of 4". See what I mean? Doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Felt fine, but that's just a thin plywood mockup. Some serious angle at the wrist.

I have some nice wood to start working but not much in the way of time, so I'm hoping to condense the process just a bit with any help from your experience. It's like I tell the kids all the time: "The best experience in the world is -- SOMEONE ELSE'S. They went through the pain and paid the price so you don't have to." Not 100% on the money, but it gets them thinking.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Vaino]

You don't own a gun that fits? If that's the case, go to a gundealer and shoulder some.....Fred

 

[Jarikeen]

Gun fit is a very personal thing. Generally the modern arm is about 13.5" pull. In standing shooting this is often actually too long for the 'average shooter'. 12 to 12.5" is often better. This brings the centre of gravity closer to the body, allowing less physical strain. I have a custom made target crossbow which has a pull length of only 11.5", yet I am 6' tall (mind you, it also has a palm rest, stabilizers etc), and has recorded state and country records several years ago.

Drop has more to do with the length of your neck and face, and what type of sights you are using. Having said that, balance between drop and length of pull, plays a part, including the comb.

The last post is a good suggestion. Find a rifle that sits comfortably, with least amount of strain, and measure the said dimensions.

 

[MSW]

what flehto said.

you might also want to check out the excellent books by Shumway or Alexander (of both, if you can afford them- they're well worth having). I was lucky enough to buy an el-cheapo s/s dbl bbl 12 guage long ago, which fits very well, but has no cast off. i used this to make a pattern for my first stock from a blank and added 3/8 inch of cast off, which made an amazing improvement in the way the rifle feels to me, so there's my 'plug' for cast off. if you're going to the trouble of carving a stock from a blank, you might as well throw some in.

you should also give a thought to the way the rifle will balance. according to Alexander, your balance point should be just where the left hand (assuming a right handed shooter) grips the forestock, which should also be about where the ramrod comes out of the forestock, and the left forearm is supposed to be more or less perpendicular to the rifle. to make all these things happen in one place at one time can be a bit daunting, especially if you consider that a barrel over 36 inches or so will pretty much have to be swamped, and it's a challenge to cut the inlet for one of these.

i found that the work was all well worth the effort. good luck!

msw