A fitted stock lets you hold the rifle without strain: head and shoulder sit naturally, and your eye lines up with the sights on its own. Fit the stock in the clothing you shoot in, ideally with a coach.
What you need
- An unloaded rifle and hex keys for the stock.
- The jacket and sling you shoot in.
- A coach or partner to watch from the side.
- A notebook: write down every change.
Steps
Safety first
Make sure the rifle is unloaded and the barrel points in a safe direction. Fit the stock only with an empty rifle.
- Take your position as at the start and raise the rifle without aiming. Close your eyes, relax, and open them: the sights should be in front of your eye.
- Check the butt length. If you have to reach, the butt is too long. If your arm is cramped and your head tilts back, it is too short.
- Adjust the cheek height. Your head should rest naturally, without leaning forward or lifting your chin.
- Check the butt position on the shoulder: the butt plate sits firmly, without tilt.
- Check your hand position on the forend and grip. The hand should not strain.
- Change one parameter at a time and repeat step 1 after each change.
- Write down the final values and dry fire several times to settle the setup.
After fitting, check the result on the range: your zeroing may shift.