length of pull newbie question

[psychophd]

Hi all,

I've been in the market for a new Mossy 590, but I've realized that I don't know what a reasonable LOP should be. I'm 5'8", and for dress shirts my sleeve length is 32.5". In other words, I'm shortish and have shortish arms. Is there a formula to know what LOP I should have? I'm thinking a shorter stock as I'd like to tuck in a bit, plus want to make sure I can fully actuate the pump.

Any thoughts/suggestions? I'm not opposed to a 6 position stock for more options, but am thinking I don't necessarily want a pistol grip (I'd be ok with it too, I suppose), and am trying to minimize recoil.

[Captain Dick]

I suggest you take one of the clinics offered at the top of this section if you want to learn about gun mount, LOP, and various other factors involved in shotgun shooting before you spend money buying a new shotgun. Could save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

[epic1856]

First, you're way ahead of the curve already asking about LOP before buying a shotgun, but LOP is one of the variables that determines how the shotgun will fit you. You'll save money in the long run someone showing you what the right mount is for you before pulling the trigger on the shotgun.

[Subotai]

Check youtube. There's some videos there on measuring lop.

[psychophd]

hey, thanks for the info. I'll start with youtube, then go to a store an try some one for size.

[Captain Dick]

You know, I don't say this very often on here, but I am a Professional Shooting Instructor and I don't make any money from these clinics, I volunteer my time, and the money you do pay is a token amount for professional instruction ($20).

It would seem to me that a new shooter would best be served by some professional instruction (extremely inexpensive in this case) to get their shooting started right, but if you prefer a YouTube video, that's your decision, Good Luck.

[walterwhite]

Might consider the Mossberg Super Bantam with its multi recoil pad system for shorter shooters. Or Bantam, a lot to take into consideration.

A shooting course with a pro might be the best way to go.

[Thefeeder]

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Gun fit is the most overlooked when it comes to felt recoil reduction. LOP is one of aspects of gun fit....not the only one.

If your going to look at Youtube vids look at the Clay shooters vids....I have not found any TAC instructors who go into gun fit, just LOP....LOP is different depending what stance and gun mount you adapt as your style.

Here is a post that will help explain how to see if a shotgun is a SIMPLE fit for you.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=425953

I would take Captin Dick's and other instructors advise to get to a Clinic if you can...or find a CLAYS instructor at your nearest Clays range and take an hour of instruction....learn to shoot on a Clays range....learn to load on a Tac range.

[ysr_racer]

Here's the formula I use to figure out LOP. It's pretty straight forward.



Then start out at about 14" and see how it feels.

[m16]

You would probably like the 12" LOP Hogue.

I put one on my 870P, the recoil pad works so well I can shoot slugs and full power buckshot all day long.

[savannah]

I have a pretty short LOP. If you measure from elbow to trigger finger it seems pretty standard however, I have shorter arms from shoulder to elbow. I finally went to a stock builder in Grass Valley and after much measurement it came out to be about 13 1/4. I am having my O/U fit to me. The advice you got was good, but nothing better than someone who teaches or builds stocks to help you get it absolutely right. I also purchased a Beretta RL 3901 (reduced length) for my semi auto 12 gauge shotgun. It has an adjustable LOP and adjustable comb and shims for cast.

[MossbergMan]

It's a 590 fellas not a clays gun. Shorter stocks are better than too long.
Simple gun shop rule of thumb that has served me and my defensive shotgun clients well is this test for LOP.
Assure the gun is clear (action open) place the gun in your firing hand,palm up (so you are looking at the side of the stock) and your finger can reach the trigger. Lay the stock along your forearm maintaining a firing grip. Bend your arm at the elbow 90 degrees. Can you see the crease of your elbow behind the recoil pad? If you have an inch or so space that LOP will work for you. If the recoil pad is buried in your bicep, it's too long and will not fit you regardless of stance. Measure or just look the distance the stock goes past that inch short of the crease and from the trigger face to that mark will be your LOP. Cut the stock off or buy a stock of that length. Most SGs have a 14" LOP which fits us big guys but almost always to long for smaller shooters. Both Hogue and Mossberg make short youth or bantam replacement stocks.
Vang Comp 590s come with a bantam stock.

[psychophd]

Hey all, thanks for the info and help.

Capt. Dick, I appreciate your input, but perhaps you misunderstood me. While I'm at home on the computer, I can start with youtube because it's right there. After that I can move fwd to see an instructor.

[psychophd]

Hey all, thanks for the info and help.

Capt. Dick, I appreciate your input, but perhaps you misunderstood me. While I'm at home on the computer, I can start with youtube because it's right there. After that I can move fwd to see an instructor.

[Captain Dick]

That's great, I'm happy to hear that Psychophd. I was under the impression that you outright dismissed face to face instruction, I'm glad to hear that's not the case.

Getting competent instruction early can prevent a new shooter from developing all the bad habits that come with trying to learn on your own and then have to be broken later.

Welcome to the shotgun shooting community, and if there is anything I can do to help, please feel free to PM me.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and many years of enjoyable shooting!