Fitting response
I have just re-read Robin Scott and Editor Matthew Clark argue the toss about adjustable gun stocks in Parting Shots (‘Take stock’) from the December issue of Sporting Gun and feel compelled to add a key point.
I am a convert to individual gun fitting and would recommend it to anyone buying a gun. I am lucky to have access to a skilled and experienced fitter. The key principle he has taught me is that deciding on the alteration required may not necessarily be either ‘an adjustable or not’.
Nothing should be decided until a visit to the pattern plate has taken place. It ascertains for the shooter where the gun is actually shooting. A well-adjusted barrel camera is another option. Cutting out the comb may not be an answer – it won’t lower it. I’m a thickset 5ft 10in male and I require some ½in at heel cast off and more drop than is normally provided out of the box. Only one gun has required an adjustable comb out of the six I have had fitted – my 1980s AYA County overand-under SLE – and all have required more drop and cast.
At the pattern plate the AYA shot 100% low and 6in to right at 16yd for two people, which amazed us both. The adjustable comb raised the eye and was absolutely necessary.
I recently tried a new gun that came with an adjustable comb, adjusted for me by a registered firearms dealer, but it caused my right eye to be obscured by pushing up my fat face, as there was inadequate drop, so was useless.
So, an adjustable comb isn’t the only solution and isn’t necessarily the answer.
Steve Mason, via email