doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Gun fit for rifles?

Is gun fit the same for a bolt action rifle as it would be for a shotgun? How about a double rifle?

Gun fit for scope mounted rifles, that is comb height, depends on scope height. It is rarely addressed with the care that shotgun fit is. Most rifle combs are too low for quick mounting and shooting. A good test is to close your eyes, quickly mount your rifle, "checking" it just as you would a shotgun, and then open your shooting eye, or eyes. If you are not looking directly into the scope with the cross hairs clearly visible, the rifle does not fit. Most do not. Jack O'Connor discusses this at some length, I believe in the "Hunting Rifle".

One of the members of the ACGG, James Tucker, has made a try-gun for fitting rifle stocks. It has been clear for some time that the care given to shotgun fitting, should be transferred to rifle stocks too. The better stockers do their level best to make the stock fit the client no matter what shooting sport they participate in.

The last post is a good starting point. Sadly, it is not all that is needed in fitting. Each client is unique in how they shoot. That is why (IMO) Olympic competition rifles are tuned to individuals and not mass produced. This also applies to Military sharpshooters and Law Enforcement teams. Aren't you worth the same attention in getting the most out of your hunting rifle? "Life is too short to Hunt with an Ugly Gun"

EH,

For double rifles, especially the big bores, you want them to fit like shotguns with almost no need to sight when you are out of time with dangerous game.

I have one bolt in .375 H&H and the length of pull is only 14-1/4" rather than the usual 14-3/4" or so. Key again is being able to use the iron sights quickly and comfortably in a hurried situation. I find that with the scope on I can always adjust to the extra height as there's more time generally.

Regards, Tim