Length of Pull: A Complete Guide for Fitting Your Rifle to ...

A common misconception among buyers of precision rifles is treating it like an all-set package. Many believe they can simply mount an optic and start hitting distant targets. This perception is far from reality. As a precision shooter, your rifle should seamlessly integrate with your body to achieve outstanding results. From nailing a one-hole, 100-yard, five-shot group to forming a silver-dollar grouping at greater distances, the process begins with rifle setup and fitment. There are various other factors to consider, but this guide focuses on the importance of length of pull (LOP) and how to ensure your rifle fits your body perfectly.

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Length of Pull & Achieving the Ideal Fit

Before diving into the "how," let's address the "why." Understanding the context in which this information is applied is crucial. We are not talking about Benchrest, F-class, or NRA High Power competitions where shooters use sighters and multiple wind flags. Here, we are focused on Tactical Precision Rifle marksmanship, where targets made of steel require immediate hits with no second tries.

In such scenarios, shooters switch between prone and various improvised supported positions, requiring a solid foundational skillset. Wind, an invisible force, adds another layer of complexity, demanding sharp instincts and luck, as natural indicators are often limited to mirage and vegetation movement.

This shooting style will challenge your physical positioning and ability to maintain consistent fundamentals. Proper bone support, muscle relaxation, and body alignment are essential, and a rifle that doesn't fit you well will exacerbate these challenges. Instead of feeling like an extension of yourself, the rifle will seem cumbersome, affecting everything from mechanical operations to stability.

Understanding the Concept of Length of Pull

Initially, even before mounting your optic, the primary focus should be the stock's length of pull. LOP is the measurement from the trigger to the end of the buttstock and plays a significant role in rifle control, mechanical operation of the bolt, and maintaining consistent positions. Essentially, the stock's LOP needs to align with your body's LOP for optimal performance.

With a rifle properly set to your LOP, mechanical bolt operation can be achieved without breaking elbow support.

The precision firearms industry faces a widespread issue: manufacturers generally offer rifles with a standard LOP that is often too long. Leading stock and chassis manufacturers typically have a factory LOP averaging between 13 to 13.5 inches. Many shooters are either unaware of their correct LOP or assume the standard setting is suitable. Fortunately, adjustable LOP stocks and chassis systems are becoming more common.

Manufacturer Examples and Their Solutions

Depending on the brand, you might still face the issue of a shortest LOP setting that is slightly too long. For instance, XLR Industries offers a single-chassis system that caters to both short and tall shooters. Manufacturers like Masterpiece Arms and Falkor Defense provide two versions of their buttstocks to meet different LOP needs, but these must typically be requested directly from the factory.

Traditional fiberglass and epoxy stocks, like those from McMillan Fiberglass Stocks, Grayboe, or Manners Composite Stocks, present different challenges. While all three offer adjustable LOP options, hardware constraints and adjustable cheekpieces often limit how short the LOP can be made.

The shortest version typically remains around 12 inches unless a fixed length is chosen. Manners has previously released the MCS-Compact 1.0 and 2.0 models, which offer significant LOP adjustability without affecting the cheekpiece hardware. However, adding folding stock adapters can extend the buttstock length, further complicating the LOP. With some models, you might hear, "That's what you get, you'll have to adapt."

Measuring the Correct Length of Pull

This begs the question: "How do I determine my correct stock length of pull?" There are two methods: the hasty method and the exact method. Both can give you the desired measurement, but they differ in application and precision.

When a rifle's LOP matches your body's measurements perfectly, your shooting form will remain unaffected even in various supported positions like shooting from a tripod.

The body's LOP is measured from the inside of the arm at the elbow, where the forearm meets the bicep, to the tip of the trigger finger bent at a 90-degree angle.

Accurate Measurement Method

The exact method involves a ruler and a straight edge. Align the ruler along your forearm, wrist, and palm so that its starting point touches the bent trigger finger. The additional straight edge should lay across the ruler at the elbow bend to provide an accurate LOP measurement. This precise measurement can be relayed to manufacturers for custom stock orders or compared when buying used stocks online.

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Quick Measurement Method

The hasty method is quicker and requires having the stock on hand. Ideally, the action and trigger should be installed for accurate finger placement when checking LOP.

Ensure the rifle is safe, cleared, and pointing upward. Place the buttstock pad against the inside of your shooting arm at the elbow bend. Control the rifle with your non-shooting hand, and bend your shooting arm to reach the grip and fire controls. Your trigger finger should form a 90-degree angle, and you should achieve full palm contact with the grip. This serves as your LOP check.

Final Recommendations for Optimal Rifle Fit

Proper LOP is crucial for mechanically operating the bolt action without breaking bone support. Those with long fingers should ensure complete grip contact to avoid false LOP results. In stocks or chassis systems with pistol grips, avoid wrapping your thumb around the grip’s spine to maintain an appropriate grip and trigger finger placement.

I hope this guide aids you in achieving accuracy and precision in the realm of long-range shooting. Taking the time to ensure your rifle is tailored to you is a crucial step often overlooked for the sake of appearances or following trends.

Attention to detail can significantly influence your shooting performance. Take the time to measure your LOP correctly. Contrary to some opinions online, a longer LOP isn't always better.

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SAE Bolt Grades

SAE Grade 2 Bolts:

• Head Marking: No marking
• Material: Low or medium carbon steel
• Size Range: 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch
• Proof Load (psi): 55,000
• Min. Yield Strength (psi): 57,000
• Min. Tensile Strength (psi): 74,000
• Size Range: 7/8-inch to 1 1/2-inch
• Proof Load (psi): 33,000
• Min. Yield Strength (psi): 36,000
• Min. Tensile Strength (psi):60,000

SAE Grade 5 Bolts:

• Head Marking: Three radial lines
• Material: Medium carbon steel, quenched and tempered
• Size Range: 1/4-inch to 1-inch
• Proof Load (psi): 85,000
• Min. Yield Strength (psi): 92,000
• Min. Tensile Strength (psi): 120,000
• Size Range: Over 1-inch to 1 1/2-inch
• Proof Load (psi): 74,000
• Min. Yield Strength (psi): 81,000
• Min. Tensile Strength (psi): 105,000

SAE Grade 8 Bolts:

• Head Marking: 6 radial lines
• Material: Medium carbon alloy steel, quenched and tempered
• Size Range: 1/4-inch to 1-1/2-inch
• Proof Load (psi): 120,000
• Min. Yield Strength (psi): 130,000
• Min. Tensile Strength (psi): 150,000

Grade A325:

• Head Marking: A325
• Material: Carbon or Alloy Steel with or without Boron
• Size Range: 1/2-inch to 1 1/2-inch
• Proof Load (psi): 85,000
• Min. Yield Strength (psi): 92,000
• Min. Tensile Strength (psi): 120,000

Engineers usually recommend ASTM A325 bolts for structural steel connections in heavy construction projects. On the other hand, SAE grade 5 bolts are common in OEM-type applications. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

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