Shotguns Part I ~ The Shotgun and How to Select (fit) yours!

Published on December 14, 2017
Duration: 54:58

This guide, presented by an experienced firearms instructor, details how to select and properly fit a shotgun. Key aspects covered include understanding the shotgun's stock as its sighting system, the importance of the comb and bead alignment for accurate pointing, and how to test for proper fit through repeated mounting. It also touches on choke systems, barrel length considerations for different hunting scenarios, and the critical role of length of pull in achieving a natural and effective shooting platform. The emphasis is on the shotgun conforming to the shooter, not the other way around, to ensure consistent accuracy.

Quick Summary

To ensure a proper shotgun fit, repeatedly mount the firearm with your eyes closed, then open them to check bead alignment. The bead should consistently appear perfectly centered on the receiver. If the bead is too high, too low, or off to the side, the shotgun does not fit your anatomy and will hinder accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction to Shotguns
  2. 00:35Shotgun Versatility
  3. 01:50Understanding Shotgun Mechanics
  4. 02:35Shotgun Stock as a Sight
  5. 04:54Front Bead and Rib
  6. 06:26Receiver Types
  7. 07:05Stock's Primary Function
  8. 07:37How to Tell if a Shotgun Fits
  9. 08:50What Makes a Shotgun Stock Work
  10. 09:41Understanding Cast Off
  11. 11:12Determining Shotgun Fit
  12. 11:44What to Look For in Fit
  13. 12:35Common Fitting Issues
  14. 13:06Eye Following the Bird
  15. 13:52Stock Configuration Factors
  16. 14:42Shotgun Movement and Elbow Position
  17. 16:19Testing Shotgun Fit in Store
  18. 17:00Southpaw Considerations
  19. 17:45Comb Fit Importance
  20. 19:30Length of Pull Importance
  21. 20:34Standard Length of Pull Measurement
  22. 21:14Adjusting Length of Pull
  23. 21:51Fitting with Clothing
  24. 22:15Understanding Chokes
  25. 23:00Common Choke Types
  26. 24:03Choke Dispersion Explained
  27. 25:20Choke Selection for Hunting Ranges
  28. 27:29Shotgun as a Short-Range Firearm
  29. 28:02Pellet Size and Count
  30. 28:38Evolution of Chokes
  31. 30:42Choke Systems Through the Years
  32. 32:13Cutts Compensator
  33. 32:38Poly Choke
  34. 34:10Personal Shotgun History
  35. 35:24Shell Catcher
  36. 36:29Screw-in Chokes Today
  37. 37:22Barrel Length Considerations
  38. 38:01Significance of Barrel Length
  39. 39:33Barrel Length for Different Shooting Styles
  40. 40:04Woods Hunting Barrel Length
  41. 41:19Difficulty of Ruffed Grouse Hunting
  42. 42:05Ideal Barrel Lengths for Game
  43. 43:31Choke Tubes and Fit
  44. 44:28Shotgun Usage Overview
  45. 44:38Woodland Hunter Barrel Length
  46. 44:52Pistol Grip Shotguns
  47. 45:23Straight Grip Shotguns
  48. 46:00Pistol Grip Comfort
  49. 46:17Shotgun Conformance to Shooter
  50. 46:30Point vs. Aim
  51. 47:28Selecting a Shotgun Based on Use
  52. 49:54Over/Under and Side-by-Side Barrel Lengths
  53. 50:25Chamber Length Considerations
  54. 50:53Cycling Target Loads
  55. 51:43Practice with Clay Pigeons
  56. 53:27Summary of Shotgun Basics
  57. 53:40Importance of Fit
  58. 53:45Conclusion and Future Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a shotgun fits me correctly?

To determine if a shotgun fits, repeatedly mount it with your eyes closed, then open them. The front bead should consistently appear perfectly centered on the receiver. If the bead is too high, too low, or off to the side, the shotgun does not fit your specific anatomy.

What is the role of the shotgun's comb in fitting?

The comb of a shotgun stock acts as its rear sight. Its thickness, angle, and height are crucial for aligning your eye properly with the barrel and front bead. A correctly fitted comb ensures your cheek rests naturally, allowing for accurate pointing without having to adjust your head position.

Why is the length of pull important for shotgun fit?

The length of pull is the distance from the trigger to the buttstock. An incorrect length of pull can force you to stretch or crowd the stock, compromising your shooting position and ability to track targets. It should allow your finger to rest comfortably on the trigger with a natural grip.

How does barrel length affect shotgun performance?

Barrel length influences a shotgun's balance and swing. Longer barrels (28-32 inches) are favored for trap shooting for a slower, more controlled swing and longer sight plane. Shorter barrels (26 inches) are better for woodland hunting, offering quicker handling and maneuverability in dense environments.

What is 'cast off' on a shotgun stock?

Cast off is a bend in the shotgun stock, typically away from the shooter's face for a right-handed person. This bend ensures the barrel aligns correctly with the shooter's eye when the gun is mounted, which is vital for accurate aiming, especially at moving targets.

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