08-Dec-2025
Ask any experienced shooter what separates a good shot from a great one, and you’ll often get the same answer — gun fit.
No matter how expensive your shotgun is, if it doesn’t fit you properly, your shooting will suffer. Whether you’re tackling driven pheasants, decoying pigeons, or breaking clays, understanding shotgun fit is one of the most important steps to improving consistency, comfort, and accuracy.
In this guide, we’ll explain what gun fit means, why it matters, and how to make sure your shotgun fits you perfectly.
In simple terms, shotgun fit describes how well a gun’s dimensions match your body — particularly your build, shooting stance, and eye position.
Unlike rifles, shotguns rely on natural pointing rather than precise aiming. When your shotgun fits correctly, your eye becomes the rear sight. The gun should mount naturally, so when you bring it to your shoulder and cheek, you’re instantly looking straight down the rib — without needing to adjust.
If your gun doesn’t fit, you’ll miss to one side, shoot over or under birds, and feel uncomfortable after a few shots.
There are several key measurements that determine how a shotgun fits an individual shooter:
This is the distance from the trigger to the end of the stock (the butt).
If it’s too short, you’ll feel cramped, and the gun may recoil sharply into your shoulder.
If it’s too long, you’ll stretch for the trigger and struggle to mount smoothly.
The ideal length allows a natural, fluid mount without strain.
This refers to how much lower your cheek and shoulder sit compared to the rib line.
Too much drop, and you’ll shoot low.
Too little and you’ll shoot high.
A good fit ensures your eye aligns perfectly with the rib when you mount the gun naturally.
Cast is the slight bend of the stock to the left or right to align the barrels with your eye.
Cast-off (to the right) suits most right-handed shooters.
Cast-on (to the left) suits left-handers.
Incorrect cast is one of the most common reasons for consistent left or right misses.
Pitch is the angle of the butt in relation to the barrels, while toe refers to how the lower edge of the stock sits in your shoulder.
The correct pitch spreads recoil evenly.
The correct toe angle ensures the gun sits comfortably and doesn’t dig into your chest or shoulder pocket.
These finer points make a big difference to comfort and control, especially on long shooting days.
Ultimately, your dominant eye should sit directly over the rib when the gun is mounted.
If your gun fits, your view down the barrel should be a flat, level sighting plane — not seeing the top rib, nor the back of the action.
A correctly fitted shotgun offers several major benefits:
Improved accuracy – Your shot pattern goes exactly where you’re looking.
Better consistency – Every mount feels the same, leading to repeatable performance.
Reduced recoil – The gun sits properly in your shoulder and absorbs recoil evenly.
Greater comfort – Less fatigue and no bruising after long days in the field.
Increased confidence – When your gun fits, your muscle memory takes over — allowing instinctive, natural shooting.
In short, poor gun fit leads to poor shooting, no matter how good your cartridges or optics are.
You consistently miss high, low, left, or right, even with good technique.
The gun recoils painfully into your cheek or shoulder.
You have to tilt or twist your head to see down the rib.
You feel awkward or unbalanced when mounting the gun.
Your pattern board shows shots grouping off-centre.
If you recognise any of these, it’s time to get your shotgun checked for fit.
The best way to ensure proper fit is to have your gun measured by a qualified gun fitter or gunsmith.
A professional fitting will usually involve:
Checking your dominant eye.
Measuring your length of pull, drop, and cast.
Observing your gun mount and stance.
Making small adjustments (temporary or permanent) until your eye aligns perfectly down the rib.
Some guns can be custom-fitted, while others may need minor stock alterations, replacement pads, or adjustable combs to achieve the ideal setup.
Many modern shotguns — especially competition and high-end field models — come with adjustable stocks or shim systems.
These allow you to fine-tune your drop, cast, and pitch at home, making it easier to achieve a personalised fit without major gunsmithing.
If you’re buying a new shotgun, it’s worth checking whether the model offers factory adjustability — it can save you time and money in the long run.
Left-handed shooters in particular should pay close attention to gun fit. Many off-the-shelf shotguns are cast for right-handed users, which can make life difficult for lefties.
Choosing a left-hand cast stock or an ambidextrous adjustable model ensures you’re not fighting against the gun every time you mount it.
Even with a perfectly fitted gun, technique matters. Practice mounting in front of a mirror or on an empty gun at home to build consistency.
Focus on:
Smooth, natural movements
Keeping your head still
Bringing the gun to your cheek — not your cheek to the gun
The goal is to make every mount identical. A properly fitted shotgun will make this second nature.
A shotgun that fits you perfectly is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your shooting. It boosts confidence, accuracy, and comfort — helping you perform better in the field, at the range, or on the peg.
At Rightgun, we stock a wide range of shotguns designed for all shooters, from traditional side-by-sides to modern over-and-unders with adjustable fit systems.
Browse shotguns at Rightgun.uk
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