Length of Pull: What It Is and How to Measure It

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Ethan Smith
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Achieving proper ergonomics and comfort when shooting a rifle is crucial for accuracy and overall shooting experience. One important measurement to consider is the rifle length of pull. Determining the correct length of pull ensures that the rifle fits your body size and shooting style. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step by step process of measuring the rifle length of pull accurately. Whether you are an advanced shooter or a beginner, understanding this measurement will help you achieve optimal shooting posture and control. So, let’s dive in and learn how to measure the rifle length of pull effectively.

Understanding Rifle Length of Pull

Understanding the concept of the rifle length of pull is important for every shooter. The length of pull refers to the distance from the trigger to the butt plate or end of the stock, and it plays a crucial role in achieving proper shooting mechanics and ergonomics.

One of the primary reasons why the length of pull is important is its impact on maintaining a consistent sight picture. When the length of pull is too long or too short, it can affect the alignment of your eye with the rifle’s sights or scope. A proper length of pull allows you to position your eye comfortably and consistently behind the sights. Ensuring proper sight alignment and improved accuracy.

Additionally, the length of pull influences your ability to control recoil effectively. When the length of pull is too long, it can cause the rifle to kick back forcefully into your shoulder, leading to discomfort and potential loss of control. On the other hand, if the length of pull is too short, you may experience excessive muzzle rise, making it difficult to recover quickly for follow up shots. By determining the correct length of pull, you can achieve better recoil management, enabling faster target reacquisition and improved shooting performance.

Achieving a Comfortable Shooting Position with Length of Pull

Moreover, achieving a comfortable shooting position is vital for maintaining stability and accuracy. A proper length of pull allows you to position your body in a natural and balanced posture, reducing muscle tension and fatigue during extended shooting sessions. When the rifle fits you correctly, it enhances your ability to hold the firearm steady and execute smooth trigger pulls. This, in turn, improves your shooting consistency and overall accuracy.

Understanding the significance of the rifle length of pull highlights its impact on your shooting experience. A well fitted rifle ensures better alignment of your eye with the sights or scope, improved recoil control, and enhanced shooting comfort. To achieve the optimal length of pull for your rifle, it is important to consider factors such as your body size, shooting style, and personal preferences. By measuring and adjusting the length of pull, you can customize your rifle to fit your individual needs, leading to improved shooting mechanics and increased shooting satisfaction.

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Tools and Materials Needed to Measure Length of Pull

Before starting on the process of measuring the rifle length of pull, it’s important to gather the required tools and materials. Having these items at hand will ensure accurate measurements and enable you to make any necessary adjustments for optimal fit and comfort. Here are the tools you will need:

  • Measuring Tape:

A measuring tape with both metric and imperial units is ideal for precise measurements. Choose a tape that is long enough to span the distance from the trigger to the butt plate or end of the stock.

  • Non-Stretchable String or Cable:

This is an alternative to a measuring tape and can be used to measure the length of pull. Ensure that the string or cable is strong and doesn’t stretch when tension is applied.

  • Marker or Tape:

You will need a marker or tape to mark the reference point on the rifle. This will serve as a consistent starting point for accurate measurements.

By having these tools ready, you will be fully prepared to measure the length of pull on your rifle accurately. As well as proceed with any necessary adjustments to achieve the ideal fit and comfort for your shooting needs.

Measuring the Rifle Length of Pull

Now that you have gathered the necessary tools and materials, it’s time to dive into the step by step process of measuring the rifle length of pull. Each stage will be explained in detail to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. Let’s begin:

  • Preparing the Rifle:

Before starting the measurement process, it is crucial to ensure that the rifle is unloaded and in a safe condition. Remove any ammunition from the chamber and magazine, and confirm that the firearm is completely empty. Treat every firearm with the utmost respect for safety.

  • Establishing a Reference Point:

Identify a reference point on the rifle that will serve as a consistent starting point for your measurements. The center of the trigger is a commonly used reference point. Using a marker or tape, mark this reference point clearly for future reference.

  • Positioning the Rifle:

To maintain consistency throughout the measurement process, it is important to adopt the correct shooting posture and positioning. Assume a comfortable shooting stance with proper grip and shoulder placement. Ensure that the rifle is shouldered firmly and consistently for accurate measurements.

  • Measuring the Length of Pull:

Using either the measuring tape or non stretchable string, proceed to measure the distance from the reference point (center of the trigger) to the butt plate or the end of the stock. Make sure to keep the measuring tape or string taut for precise measurements. Take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters, depending on the units used by your measuring tool.

  • Analyzing the Measurement:

Once you have obtained the measurement, it is important to interpret its implications for your shooting comfort and ergonomics. A length of pull that is too short may result in a cramped shooting position and limited control. While a length of pull that is too long may lead to a stretched out posture and decreased stability. Analyze the measurement in the context of your body size, shooting style, and personal preferences. This is to determine if any adjustments are necessary.

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By following these steps, you will be able to accurately measure the rifle length of pull. Remember that achieving the proper length of pull is crucial for optimal shooting comfort, control, and accuracy.

Making Adjustments to the Length of Pull

After measuring the rifle length of pull, you may find that adjustments are necessary to achieve the ideal fit for your body size and shooting style. In this section, we will explore various techniques that can be employed to modify the length of pull. It is important to note that these adjustments should be done with caution. And when in doubt, it is recommended to seek professional help or consult with experienced shooters or gunsmiths to ensure proper adjustments without compromising safety or functionality. Here are some common techniques:

  • Adding or Removing Spacers:

Many rifles have adjustable stocks that allow the addition or removal of spacers between the stock and the butt plate. Adding spacers increases the length of pull, while taking them off reduces it. By adjusting the number of spacers, you can fine tune the length of pull to suit your preferences.

  • Adjusting the Buttplate:

Adjustable butt plates on certain rifles allow you to move them horizontally or vertically. These features enable you to change the length of pull. These adjustments can be made using screws or other mechanisms provided by the manufacturer. It is important to refer to the rifle’s user manual. Or consult with a professional to understand how to make these adjustments properly.

  • Considering Aftermarket Stocks:

If the existing stock does not allow for sufficient adjustment or if you prefer a different stock design, consider investing in an aftermarket stock. Aftermarket stocks offer a wider range of customization options, including adjustable length of pull, ergonomic features, and different materials. Research and choose a manufacturer that offers stocks compatible with your rifle model.

When making adjustments to the length of pull, it is essential to prioritize safety and functionality. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when making modifications. Always ensure that the rifle remains in a safe and working condition. Additionally, seek the advice of professionals or experienced shooters who can provide valuable insights based on their expertise.

Remember, the goal of adjusting the length of pull is to achieve a comfortable and natural shooting position. This allows for proper sight alignment, recoil control, and overall shooting performance. Experiment with different adjustments and configurations while considering your individual preferences and shooting needs.

Additional Considerations for Length of Pull

When it comes to the rifle length of pull, there are several more considerations that should be taken into account. These factors can greatly influence the ideal length of pull for an individual shooter. Let’s explore these considerations in more detail:

  • Shooting Applications:

Different shooting applications, such as hunting, target shooting, or competitive shooting, may require varying lengths of pull. For example, hunters who frequently shoot from different positions or in dense brush may prefer a shorter length of pull for better maneuverability. Target shooters, on the other hand, may prioritize a longer length of pull to achieve a more stable shooting platform. Consider the specific shooting application and how it may impact your length of pull preference.

  • Personal Preferences:

Each shooter has unique preferences when it comes to rifle fit and comfort. Some individuals may feel more comfortable with a slightly shorter length of pull, while others may prefer a longer length. It’s important to take personal preferences into account when determining the ideal length of pull for yourself. Experiment with different lengths and observe how they affect your shooting experience and overall comfort.

  • Physical Limitations:

Individuals with physical limitations, such as limited mobility, arm length, or shoulder issues, may require specific adjustments to the length of pull. It’s essential to consider any physical limitations you may have and how they might impact your shooting mechanics and comfort. Making appropriate modifications to the length of pull can help accommodate these limitations and ensure a more enjoyable shooting experience.

  • Ergonomics and Body Size:

The ergonomics of the rifle and the shooter’s body size are crucial factors in determining the ideal length of pull. A shooter with a larger frame may require a longer length of pull to achieve proper alignment and stability, while a shooter with a smaller frame may need a shorter length. Consider your body size, including your arm length and shoulder width, when determining the ideal length of pull for your rifle.

See also  The Dark Side… Night Fishing for Big Brown Trout Let’s Face It, in Most Cases Those Big Brown Trout in Your Local River Aren’t Falling Victim To a Size 10 Woolly Bugger or a 16 Prince NymphTo be honest, you’re probably unaware of what lies beneath the surface tucked against a log jam or wedged under that giant boulder mid-river that you’ve fished countless times. In most cases in my night fishing experience, there’s almost always a much bigger fish that shows itself at night than any other previous fish you’ve might have seen during the daylight hours.The majority of the largest trout I have ever seen were at night in less than 24” of water. Some of the most dominant predators on the planet feed at night… and brown trout are no different.Before we go further into tips, tactics, and tackle, I’d like to preface that night fishing obviously has its additional challenges and even dangers. Safety is by far the utmost importance when fishing, especially night fishing. Understanding every inch of the river you plan on night fishing is extremely important. Knowing every boulder, drop off/ledge, and casting obstruction can prevent you from going for an unexpected swim, broken rod, or even a hook to the face (speaking from experience). Always wear eye protection (clear or light illuminating lenses), two headlamps (you’ll drop one in the river), and try to take a fishing buddy with you just for peace of mind.Where I live in Pennsylvania as well as many places in the country, night fishing is more of a seasonal approach. By all means, you can night fish every month of the year and find some success, but there is definitely a “prime time” to be on the water. Typically, I personally begin my night fishing season during the “post hatch” season. After the majority of the caddis and mayflies hatch in May, and the water becomes skinny and shallow, this is when I find brown trout to be starved and more eager to eat larger meals.This Will Change the Way You Fly Fish Pressured WatersNight fishing in May, June, and even early July definitely produces plenty of fish, but not THE fish we’re all looking for. Once August rolls around and water temps begin to drop into safe fishing temperatures, that’s when you need to fish until the wheels fall off. Sleep becomes a thing of the past and coffee becomes your best friend. Your best shot at consistently catching brown trout 20”+ and even 24”+ is between August and October.The worst conditions for daytime fishing are your best conditions for night fishing. Low and clear water is by far the best water conditions to target big brown trout at night. Dominant brown trout adapt and hide so well during these conditions during the daytime which make them almost impossible to target. Once the sun begins to fade, the fish will migrate out of structure and move into feeding areas for the night.Swing It! Spey Streamer Fly Fishing TipsA mistake anglers often make is fishing the same deep hole they typically would fish during daytime. Brown trout will move into shallow sandy tail-outs, or push into the head of a run where the water might be less than 24” in depth. The inside seam of a deep pool also offers a great ambush point for a large brown trout.Tackle used when night fishing is very similar to fishing big streamers. Any 6wt, 7wt, or 8wt will suffice. On larger rivers, a trout spey or switch rod works great for swinging streamers or skating rodent patterns across the surface. A floating fly line is the most versatile line for night fishing in my opinion. You can fish surface flies, “pushers” that sit barely subsurface in the surface film, or even a streamer if you want to swing a baitfish into deeper pools. Your leader is extremely important when night fishing as well. Typically when fishing a surface style fly, keeping the leader short and stout is critical. Two feet of 20lb tippet to a blood knot, followed by three feet of 15lb tippet is typical when fishing surface style flies. Your leader needs to be strong and abrasion resistant. It’s not “if," it’s “when” you toss your flies into a tree.I have personally witnessed brown trout eat mice, rats, bats, baby birds, and even water snakes. A large brown trout over 24” is not much different than a musky. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when night fishing. The biggest brown trout I’ve hooked at night was on a 6” rat pattern. The most important aspect of fly design for night fishing in my opinion is how much vibration, water displacement, or surface disruption you can create while not sacrificing your hook gap. Thin, but wide profile deer or foam body mouse flies work great. If using streamers, a pusher style fly that rides high in the water column seems to be extremely effective as well.Tied with a Surface Seducer Double Barrel Popper & Slider Body.How to fish you fly is totally dependent upon on moon phases, cloud coverage/ambient light, and speed of the current. A mouse is not going to swim upstream against the current.The two most effective retrieves are: Down and across just like you would swing a wet fly Casting upstream and working the fly back to youIf the current is a classic soft dry fly drift, I almost always work the fly down and across. Your rod tip height as well as your casting angle will dictate the speed of the fly. While fishing short and soft inside seams of a faster run/pool, orienting yourself downstream or below the fish will enable you to cast directly upstream and work the fly right to your feet. This is also a fantastic approach to work upstream along parallel with a heavily wooded bank. I have seen countless times where a fish will strike multiple times with this approach and ultimately eat the fly at your feet after missing 3-4 times in one drift.Be sure to always start your casts short, most fish are sitting right at your feet!At the end of a long night as the sun begins to rise; rest assure, that legendary fish most likely got away. More times than not, they have to make a series of mistakes in order for you to land them. Whether it ran you into a long jam, bent a 1/0 hook, or it came off just short of the net; the giants of the dark will keep you coming back for more. Tip your cap, swig some spiked coffee and keep after it. More often than not, they’ll leave you with a memory rather than a photo that you will never forget. Some nights, all you’ll have left is a fly patch full of chewed up foam. Want More Content Like This? Join the Flymen Mailing List at the bottom of the page!About Stephen Nymick:Stephen Nymick is owner of Stephen Nymick Fly Fishing LLC, and a Guide for Steelhead Alley Outfitters. He began fly fishing at just 5 years old on his local streams in Western Pennsylvania. The day his father took him out to get his first fly rod, he also came home with his first fly tying kit. Stephen has been fly fishing exclusively for over 20 years and has guided for 7 years. Throwing big streamers or mice for brown trout and swinging flies for Steelhead are Stephen’s true passions. You can follow Stephen on Instagram @stephennymick. For further questions, email Stephen at paflyco@gmail.com. To book a trip, contact Steelhead Alley Outfitters at 888-453-5899. Written by Stephen Nymick Filed under brown trout,  fly fishing,  fly fishing tips,  fly tying,  freshwater Tweet Comments on this post (8) Feb 26, 2024 Hi Sir/ We are manufacturers of fishing flies based in Uganda. We have qualified tiers who can maintain the best quality that a customer needs, we strictly deliver on time and use the right size of hooks.We tie all types of flies according to the customers orders.We are now looking for someone whom we can partner with for progress in both parties. Thank you as we wait to hear from you soon. under management by Fred— Fred luyali Apr 21, 2022 Hi,Re night time fishing for trout article.Thank you for a thoroughly informative article.Could you let me know what the chewed up flies in the picture are called and do you have any tying instructions you could send me?Kind RegardsDerek Coles— Derek Coles Oct 31, 2021 Dear Sir, I am Betty, a professional custom fly tier and the owner of a tube fishing flies fly group in business. With an experience of 20 years in fly tying in fulling mill company, I do produce all categories of fly patterns etc,Nymphs,Dries,Wets,Salmons,Saltwater, Pikes,Terrestrials etc. The quality of flies lies within my finger tips. I am always impressed with each and every fly that comes out of my vice.I have 20 good fly tiers who have experience in producing quality flies for the fly market globally. I will be glad if you would test my flies sample to match the quality of the same. I can assure you that with my flies you will emerge the best in the flies industry. If you are ready to foster flies business with me, I will be supplying you with a lower price per 1 dozen.I am eagerly waiting to hear from you. Best regards— Fred luyali May 04, 2021 This piece really got me thinking about my terminal obsession with netting three footers out of the Colorado where I live. I’ve actually landed a couple of those ghost browns @ zero-dark-thirty, and broke off even more. Your piece has me plotting already for some unconventional post-hatch, stealthy Ninja type spey missions.— Matthew Fullenwider Mar 18, 2021 I’m gonna be that guy and say that my biggest after dark brown came at 11:55 pm in mid-March…but overall I agree that late summer is the best time to raise fish in the late hours of the night. I would also add that a full moon is bad for mousing but great for streamers.— Patrick Houlton Mar 17, 2021 Nice article. Exactly what areas do you guide ?— John Kersting Mar 17, 2021 Great article, very insightful.— David Mar 17, 2021 Excellent article. I just started drifting my big tailwater after sunset last September to get the feel of casting streamers and catching fish after dark in big flows. Managing the boat and maintaining situational awareness is not for the faint of heart. One thing I wish the article had mentioned was technical specs on headlamps for night fishing— Drew Gilchrist Leave a comment Name Email Message

By taking these considerations into account, you can better understand the broader context and individual nuances associated with measuring and adjusting the rifle length of pull. Remember, the goal is to find a length of pull that maximizes comfort, stability, and shooting performance for your specific needs.

Wrap Up

Throughout this guide, we have explored the concept of rifle length of pull and its importance in shooting mechanics. We have discussed the step by step process of measuring the length of pull, including preparing the rifle, establishing a reference point, positioning the rifle, and accurately measuring the distance. We have also delved into the potential need for adjustments based on the measurement results, covering techniques such as adding or removing spacers, adjusting the butt plate, or considering aftermarket stocks. Additionally, we have highlighted the significance of considering shooting applications, personal preferences, and physical limitations when determining the ideal length of pull.

By achieving the correct length of pull, you can experience enhanced shooting comfort, improved control over the firearm, and increased shooting accuracy. A proper length of pull allows you to maintain a consistent sight picture, effectively manage recoil, and achieve a comfortable shooting position. It is a fundamental aspect of rifle fit that should not be overlooked.

However, it’s important to remember that each shooter is unique, and personal preferences may vary. What works for one individual may not necessarily work for another. It is essential to experiment, seek professional guidance when needed, and ultimately find the length of pull that feels most comfortable and natural for you.

In conclusion, understanding and measuring the rifle length of pull is an essential step in optimizing your shooting experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide and considering the various factors discussed, you can achieve a well fitted rifle that promotes better shooting mechanics, comfort, and overall accuracy.

Happy shooting!

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Ethan Smith
Ethan Smith
Ethan Smith is a seasoned marine veteran, professional blogger, witty and edgy writer, and an avid hunter. He spent a great deal of his childhood years around the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona. Watching active hunters practise their craft initiated him into the world of hunting and rubrics of outdoor life. He also honed his writing skills by sharing his outdoor experiences with fellow schoolmates through their high school’s magazine. Further along the way, the US Marine Corps got wind of his excellent combination of skills and sought to put them into good use by employing him as a combat correspondent. He now shares his income from this prestigious job with his wife and one kid. Read more >>

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