How to Adjust the Length of Pull on a Shotgun Stock
Length of pull is the distance from the trigger to the centre of the butt or recoil pad. It affects how naturally a shotgun mounts, where your face meets the comb, and whether your trigger hand and shoulder stay relaxed. A stock that is too long can feel slow and awkward, while one that is too short may crowd the hand and increase felt recoil.
Australian shooters encounter different stock-fitting needs in clay target clubs, field shooting areas and rural properties. Body shape, winter clothing, a thick recoil pad and the type of shooting all matter, so the best adjustment is a measured fitting exercise rather than a guess based only on overall height.
What length of pull changes
A correct length of pull lets the shotgun come to the shoulder without forcing the elbow outward or pulling the head away from the comb. With the butt seated properly, the trigger finger should reach the trigger comfortably while the remaining fingers maintain a secure grip.
A stock that is too long may catch on a vest or jacket during a quick mount, especially when shooting clays at a club near Melbourne or Brisbane. A stock that is too short can place the thumb close to the nose, compress the shooting hand and make recoil feel sharper.
Check the fit before altering anything
Unload the shotgun completely, remove ammunition from the work area and confirm the chamber and magazine are clear. Work in a stable, well-lit space, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If the firearm has any unusual mechanism, adjustable hardware or aftermarket parts, have a qualified gunsmith inspect it before changes are made.
Mount the shotgun several times in a normal shooting stance. Your eyes should settle naturally along the rib, the cheek should contact the comb without stretching, and the trigger finger should rest on the trigger face without reaching or crowding. Try the same process while wearing the clothing normally used at a chilly Tasmanian range or during a winter hunt.
Measure your current stock
Measure from the centre of the trigger to the middle of the recoil pad, following the stock rather than measuring through empty space. Record the measurement before removing any components. It is also useful to photograph the original pad orientation and note the position of any spacers.
A simple practical test is to mount the unloaded shotgun with the butt seated in the shoulder pocket. There should be enough room for the thumb and nose, the wrist should remain reasonably straight, and the elbow should not be forced into an uncomfortable position. Measurements from another shotgun can provide a reference, but they should not replace a live fit check.
Use spacers and recoil pads first
The least permanent adjustment is usually a replacement recoil pad or one or more stock spacers. Adding a spacer increases length of pull, while a thinner pad or removed spacer reduces it. This approach is useful when sharing a shotgun, changing between light summer clothing and a heavy jacket, or testing a fit before cutting wood or synthetic material.
After fitting a spacer or pad, check that screws are the correct length and do not bottom out inside the stock. The pad should sit flush, remain secure and present a smooth surface to the shoulder. A gunsmith can grind a replacement pad to match the stock and preserve the correct pitch, which is particularly valuable on a wooden sporting shotgun.
When shortening the stock is appropriate
If the stock remains too long after trying suitable pads and spacers, a gunsmith may shorten the stock at the rear. The cut must be square and accurately finished so the recoil pad sits correctly. Removing material can also change the balance, appearance and resale value of the shotgun.
Shortening is not the same as simply cutting off a fixed amount. The gunsmith should consider cast, drop, toe position, pitch and the shooter’s mounting style. Adjustable stocks may offer a better solution for competition use, but their hardware adds weight and can alter how the shotgun carries in the field.
Recheck safety and Australian requirements
Any stock work should leave the safety, trigger, action and recoil system unaffected. After an adjustment, inspect the stock for cracks, loose screws or movement, then have the shotgun checked by a competent professional before live firing. Start with a controlled session using appropriate eye and hearing protection.
Australian firearm rules vary by state and territory. A stock alteration normally does not make a firearm transfer, but buying, selling, importing or moving a firearm can involve licensing, permits, storage and dealer requirements. NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia can apply different processes, so confirm details with the relevant registry and your licensed firearms dealer. Guidance written for the United States, such as this overview of legal firearm transfers, should not be treated as Australian legal advice.
Compare adjustment options
The right method depends on how much change is needed, whether the shotgun is shared and how permanent the modification should be. A small adjustment is often enough to improve mounting comfort without changing the stock itself.
| Adjustment method | Best use | Main benefit | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thicker recoil pad | Adding a small amount | Quick and reversible | Pad must be fitted squarely |
| Stock spacer | Testing a moderate increase | Low cost and simple | May leave an untidy edge |
| Thinner pad | Reducing length slightly | Preserves most of the stock | Can change recoil feel |
| Stock shortening | Permanent reduction | Clean, tailored result | Requires skilled gunsmith work |
| Adjustable stock | Frequent fine-tuning | Flexible for sport or shared use | Adds cost, weight and complexity |
Once the fit feels consistent, record the final measurement and pad type for future reference. Customers managing purchases or product details through their Guns and Magz account should still arrange any firearm transfer through the required licensed dealer and follow Australian state procedures.
Take your unloaded shotgun to a qualified gunsmith or experienced stock fitter before making permanent cuts. A careful measurement, a suitable recoil pad and a supervised test at an authorised range can produce a more comfortable, repeatable mount while keeping safety and local compliance at the centre of the job.