Shotgun Fitting

[Catfur]

Picked up a double barrel and semi-auto over Christmas, and apparently everyone in Italy (and the Czech Republic) has chimpanzee-length arms.

Any recommendations for getting these properly fitted to my T-rex arms?

 

[Fast14riot]

I've found that 3/4" to 1" shorter than "crook of elbow to trigger finger" has always shot much better for me than actual measurement. But I'm an upland wing shooter. True and proper fitting for skeet/trap takes an experienced smith in person.

 

[Catfur]

My primary desire is upland bird hunting (SD and all). But one of the two is a very nice Benelli Raffello (with a AA stock), and I'd like it truly and properly fit. No idea how to find a nearish shotgun-stock-specialized smith to do the work though.

 

[Fast14riot]

My primary desire is upland bird hunting (SD and all). But one of the two is a very nice Benelli Raffello (with a AA stock), and I'd like it truly and properly fit. No idea how to find a nearish shotgun-stock-specialized smith to do the work though.

Doug Baker in Backus, MN keeps popping up in all the scatter gun boards I've seen.

 

[KMart]

My primary desire is upland bird hunting (SD and all). But one of the two is a very nice Benelli Raffello (with a AA stock), and I'd like it truly and properly fit. No idea how to find a nearish shotgun-stock-specialized smith to do the work though.

I think, for your needs, you will need some kind of adjustable buttplate. You need that hunting gun to fit when you are wearing a tee shirt or your heaviest coat.
We have a new member on here from Montana that is stock maker, gunsmith, and trapshooter. He is also a Gold Member. I am sorry that I cannot remember his name. Maybe one of you out there can help. He has a picture of himself on the trapline next to his name.
I would certainly think that he could help because trapshooters adjust every damn thing on their shotguns. And he has the tools and ability to help you.

 

[muleman69]

Punch in trapshooters forum, lots of gurus over there

 

[jk80]

Length of pull isn't going to be determined by putting the buttstock in the crook of your arm. I shoot mostly trap, some sporting clays to the tune of around 20-30 thousand rounds a year. Im 6' 2" and 220 lbs, 36 inch sleeves and shoot a 14 3/8 inch length of pull. I know guys smaller that shoot a longer length of pull. How you mount the gun, head position on the stock and other variables can make a big difference. I see from your avatar you're from south Dakota. Phill Simms is in grand junction Colorado. Dont know how far a drive you'd be looking at but he's one of the best. His company is prosoft recoil systems but he does regular stocks too. He's EXTREMELY busy so he may take a while to see. Another option would be the country gentleman. He regularly attends state trap shoots and other larger venues and I've heard good things about him. A good fitting gun can make a huge difference Correctly fitted, I made AAA 27 AAA the following year.

 

[NateHaler]

Maybe call Steve Jones, in the Sacramento, CA area. This is his outfit: http://www.recoil-less.com/

 

[PatMiles]

Picked up a double barrel and semi-auto over Christmas, and apparently everyone in Italy (and the Czech Republic) has chimpanzee-length arms.

Any recommendations for getting these properly fitted to my T-rex arms?

Do yourself a HUGE favor, buy a copy of the Stock Fitters Bible. It contains a wealth of information regarding many aspects of fitting your shotguns to you. You will learn. An inexpensive education @ $26.95.

Amazon.com

 

[RegionRat]

Just a shared experience that can't directly help you...
Getting the right stock fit on your shotgun makes a world of difference.
If at all possible, have a pro work on you and the gun to make sure it gets done right.

Much to my surprise, based on living in SoCal and doesn't require further explanation as to why I was surprised... not far from where I live there were talented stock fitters in the area near the shotgun range in El Monte. Aside from watching some great Olympic shotgun talent grow up, the benefits included access to coaches, gunsmiths, and stock fitters.

I'm not sure how far it is from where you are to a shotgun venue, but my guess is that would be the place to search for the talent to get your shotgun to fit you and get your mount and technique dialed in.

Good Luck and Happy New Year!