Shooting accurately from one shot to the next requires consistency, especially with long guns. Rifles have contact with four points of the body – both strong and support side hands, the pocket of the shoulder and the cheek -- which indexes on the comb of the stock. Hitting targets efficiently on demand – “snap shooting” – relies on a consistent cheek weld. Look at the target, bring the muzzle up and, when the comb of the stock indexes on the cheek, the sights should be aligned with the target. Often, especially with magnified optics, you’ll need to add height to the comb of the stock.
The stock’s length of pull must match your size. Eye relief with magnified optics must be set to the proper length. Once the optic is mounted you can check the comb height. This is the final piece of the puzzle.
Several modern stock designs come with an adjustable comb height – which is a very desirable feature. There are also plenty of options for traditional stocks. The easiest option is to attach a butt-cuff to the stock. These strap or lace around the stock and have a padded cheek piece to increase height. They also provide a place to carry additional ammunition.
On my Marlin lever action, I had to add height to the comb. I like a position cheek weld; head down solid against the comb. With the factory iron sights the comb was too low but I could shoot it. Installing a ghost ring sight required raising the comb. I had a cuff for the stock, so I took one of Magpul’s SGA cheek risers, trimmed it down, and attached it with a couple of screws. The leather cuff covers the piece of plastic sitting on top of the wood stock.
Comb height – as with LOP and eye relief – must be set to fit you. Achieving “perfection” can take some time. You find what seems “right,” then go higher and lower to confirm. Check fit with the various firing positions you’ll be using, and with some you might not think you’ll need. Shots in the field often require modified positions. Once all that is done, repeat adjustments with LOP, eye relief and comb height.
Final confirmation is through live-fire practice. As mentioned above, the goal is to achieve snap-shots in a matter of a couple to three seconds, depending on distance and size of the target. Begin by establishing the proper stance. Start from the low ready position – stock in the pocket of the shoulder and muzzle depressed. Look at the target. Snap the muzzle up - slipping the safety to the “Fire” position - until you feel the cheek weld. Finger on the trigger. This should put your eye right in behind the sights and you’re ready to press off the hit. You shouldn’t have to reposition the head/eyes to obtain a sight picture. If so, something needs more tweaking.
A proper fitting long gun is a joy to shoot. It should feel like an extension of your body. Otherwise, you’re fighting against the stock, trying to conform your body to fit. Take the time and effort to make sure your gun fits. It’s a sure way to improve your performance.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. www.shootrite.org or visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.