A lot of wind is blown in the direction of "longer is better". It "reduces recoil"(for no reason that I can imagine), to it "points better"(why?). Yet almost without exception every picture I see of one of the current Sporting Clays hotshots has their thumb almost touching their nose. I shoot 14" LOP. I'm 5'11". I never get my nose bumped, seldom feel any cheek chop, have never "felt" more recoil after shortening the stock to suit my preference. I have, on rare occasion, had the stock jump off my shoulder after the first shot on doubles but only when I was holding it too lightly. I shoot low gun on everything except trap and shorter definitely mounts easier. One very skillful lady Sporting Clays shooter has her stock so over-long her cheek is just about on the recoil pad. I believe she shoots well inspite of this, not because of it. She regularly beat Billy Gianquinto on the early "Pull" shows but he's a punk with more excuses than talent. I have read several "experts" state that most people will shoot better with a stock that's just a bit too short than one that's a lot too long. That's MO, as well. JL
