When you shoot a rifle, you line up sights carefully. When you shoot a flying bird with a shotgun, you look at the bird and your eye becomes the rear sight. That’s why fit matters so much. If the gun doesn’t fit, it shoots where your body points it, not where your eye is looking.
The three measurements that matter
Length of pull is the distance from the trigger to the end of the butt pad. Too long, and the gun catches on your clothes as you mount it. Too short, and your thumb may hit your nose under recoil.
Comb height decides how high your eye sits above the rib. Too low, and you shoot under birds. Too high, and you shoot over them.
Cast is a slight bend in the stock left or right to line your eye up with the rib. Most factory guns have little or none.
The simple fit test
1. Make sure the gun is unloaded and the action is open. Verify it twice. 2. Pick a small spot on a wall. 3. With both eyes open, look at the spot and mount the gun smoothly to your face and shoulder. 4. Check where the rib points. You should see a little of the rib with the bead sitting on it, aligned with your spot.
If you see a lot of rib, the comb may be too high. If you see the back of the receiver, it’s too low. If the gun points to one side, cast or eye dominance may be the issue.
The mirror test
Have a friend stand in front of you, or use a mirror. With an empty gun, mount it at your eye. Your friend should see your aiming eye centered over the rib.
Easy fixes
- Spacers can lengthen or shorten length of pull. Many new shotguns, like several in American Rifleman’s 2026 list, include shim kits or adjustable stocks.
- Comb risers or pads raise your eye.
- Stock shims in many semi-autos adjust drop and cast.
- A fitting session with an experienced coach or stock fitter is worth it if you shoot a lot.
Eye dominance
If you’re right-handed but left-eye dominant, your left eye may take over and point the shot off to the side. Test it: make a small triangle with your hands, look at a distant object through it, then bring your hands to your face. The eye you end up at is dominant. Cross-dominant shooters can learn to close or dim one eye or use a small piece of tape on their glasses.
Then practice the mount
Fit only helps if you mount the gun the same way every time. Practice smooth, consistent mounts at home with a verified-empty gun, then confirm on the clays range.
