Fitting a rifle stock

[Paradiddle]

I've been told you rest the butt end against the "crook" of your arm resting the stock against your forearm and place your finger on the trigger.

My question is that how much of your finger should ideally be on the trigger? To the first joint? More? Is it better to error on the long side for a stock, or the short side? Is it just a personal thing? Right now the pad of my trigger finger rests on the center of the trigger – is the stock too long?

The rifle in question is a Ruger M77 MII in .270 - I replaced the crappy boyd recoil pad with a nicer one - it's 1/2" thicker. I'm wondering if I should cut the stock down.

Jeff

 

[hoghunting]

If the other pad was a comfortable length for you, then cut the stock back the 1/2". With the new pad, does the pad grab your shirt or jacket when you mount the rifle, or do you have to crane your head forward to use the scope? Those are indications your stock is too long.