How important is it to have a gun fitted properly?

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West London gun fitter and coach, Alan Rose breaks out the try gun.

Thursday, 21 June 2007

I've been shooting for 12 years with the same Miroku. It seems comfortable to shoot with but my Sporting averages have stayed around 65%. Would they improve if I had it fitted properly?

Tuition
JOHN BIDWELL says: Without actually seeing you shoot, this is a difficult one to answer. From what you say it sounds as if you are happy with the gun, which leads me to think your non-improvement is down to technique, rather than a fault in its fit.

That said, it's common enough to get used to a poorly-shaped stock in time by 'fitting ourselves' to the gun, rather than the other way around. If you are having to make allowances for the gun then this will certainly have an affect on scores.

The best I can suggest is that you put your mind at rest by first visiting a qualified instructor who will identify any weaknesses in technique, and the way you handle the gun. Some shooting schools employ knowledgeable instructors who are also expert fitters with try guns at their disposal - shotguns with a stock that can be adjusted for length, cast, drop and pitch at the turn of a key.

Chances are he will want to see you shoot with your own gun first so he can check out everything from stance to gun mount. He might also get you to fire at a pattern plate to see where you are centreing the shot. His trained eye will quickly spot any shortcomings in both you and the gun; if you're at fault he will say so, and set about correcting any inconsistencies during the course of the lesson.

If he suspects the gun doesn't fit properly he will apply your gun's measurements to the try gun and watch you shoot a variety of targets before making any adjustments he feels are necessary. One final point: as you're using an over-under, make sure the fitter has an over-under try gun at his disposal, and vice versa if you shoot a side-by-side. Both types shoot differently and need setting up accordingly.

Got a question? Contact: sportinggun@ipcmedia.com or Sporting Gun, PO Box 157, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 9FU