Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Rifle vs. Shotgun Length of Pull

I've searched all over and have found discussions of all types on the way to "measure" length of pull but I've not found much on it's comparison to shotgun LOP. All my shotguns have an LOP of at least 14.5" and some are near 15". I'm 5' 8" and have a 32" arm length so I like a pretty long LOP even on my waterfowl guns where I wear a nice thick jacket.

I'm going to order a McMillan stock for my rifle and was wondering what LOP I should order. Since I don't have much to test with I'm guessing it's better to order it longer and be able to remove stock to shorten rather than have to add spacers to get it to a longer length. I'm thinking of ordering a 1/2" pad with an LOP of 14 1/8". I can change that to a 1" pad if I need more LOP or cut it shorter if it's too long.

For those that have fitted shotguns, what LOP do you have in your shotguns vs. LOP on your rifles?

Shotguns longer LOP, rifles shorter. No one can tell you what LOP you need, except yourself.

I know rifle is shorter but, typically, by how much? So, I was hoping people might post what they use for each so we could see if there was a trend between the two.

On my guns, about 1" diff. Close to 15" on shotguns, 13-3/4" on most of my rifles.

i am 5'9" with a 34" arm (at least that is my shirt size) and a stocky build.

my gunsmith spec'd 13 1/4" LOP for the first stock he ordered for me and i now have 3 different rifles with that stock length.

Standard is 13 1/2" - i have one of those sitting in the safe that will be used on a hard kicker build (300 bee or 338 wm) i can feel on the horizon.

I love my rifles at 13 1/4" - fit me well and just feel better when i am bringing them up. I do notice my shotguns being LONG now though.

Old thread, but never been much into shotguns, so you shotgun folks chime in.

Is it common that shotguns have a longer LOP? What is considered standard? Thanks.

Yes. Around 14.25".

So is this for easier swinging? Thanks.

Like my shotguns long and rifles short.

Someone help us understand why shotguns need to be longer LOP than our good fitting rifles? What advantage is gained by this awkwardness?

Having them different lengths makes no sense to me, except perhaps with a rifle intended only for prone (where you might want a bit more LOP) or if you'll only use your rifles in the winter with a heavy coat on, and your shotguns only in the summer wearing no more than a shirt.

They should all fit so that when you bring the rifle or gun up to your face it is pointing at the target, the root of your thumb is about 1 - 1 1/2" from the tip of your nose and, if it has sights, those are directly in front of your aiming eye. I even have guns which have both shotgun and rifle in one, and it would be a bit of a conundrum if it really was necessary for them to have different LOP for each barrel.

Shotguns 1 inch longer 14.5" and rifle 13.5". That is just the way it is.

Rifle and Shotgun fit are very different!

A rifle is designed for shooting at non-moving target. Yes I know we all shoot at targets that move as well. I just hope that there aren't many on here shooting at game animals running 20+ miles an hour with rifles!

A shotgun is designed to be swung several different methods at the target that is moving at speeds!


Both Rifles and Shotguns have more to their stock design than just length of pull. No adding an inch generally isn't going to be the norm from rifle to shotgun. Anyone that says that has no clue about stock fitting.

I often shoot game that is on the move with rifles. I've had over several decades practice at it, and have shot any number of running rabbits, hares, deer, pigs and even buffalo with rifles. There are any number of people shooting more or less stationary animals with shotguns too, such as turkeys. I don't think that is the difference.

Of course LOP isn't everything. Drop, cast, toe and pitch all play a part. So does the grip shape and angle. People probably pay more attention to fit with shotguns than rifles, but I do agree that there's no "rule" that your shotgun should have a different LOP to your rifle.

BTW one exclamation mark was probably more than you needed, let alone three of them. ;-)

Here's another twist to the OP's question.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/14282471/lop-for-custom-guns

You are my new hero!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!! Here are some extra exclamation marks for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just make everything fit like a Browning Auto-5, done!!!!!

Great comments, and the link above, thanks everyone! Many variables...more than just LOP. Good stuff.

This ^^^^^^^^ works for me. Can't explain it. It just works.


Jerry