Proper shotgun fit for short person

[gregp74]

I've been looking at buying a shotgun lately. Leaning towards a pump gun preferably a Remington 870.

The problem is that I'm short, like 5'5" or 5'6". The length of pull on the 870 isn't bad, but I feel like my left arm is stretched out as far as it can go just to reach the slide.

I suppose I could a youth stock for it, but I worry that I'm still going to be reaching for the fore end.

Any advice?

I've also looked at a CZ coach gun, but I think I'd prefer the pump with the extra capacity.

 

[oneounceload]

Try finding a friend that has the youth stock and see how you like it. The "average" stock is made for the "average" person which here is about 5'8-5'-10. There is a lot more to fit than the LOP. Cast on or off depending on dominate side, pitch, drop at heel, drop at comb, toe in or out, etc.

You haven't mentioned as to what you intend to use it for.

 

[d2wing]

I would look at a youth stock. They also make aftermarket adjustable stocks for 870's and Mossberg 500's. Or you might go semiauto.

 

[gregp74]

I'll see if I can find one with a youth stock to check out. It's going to be kind of a general use gun. Mostly to have around for HD, might use it for other things here and there.

 

[Sunray]

5' 6" is not short. It's close to the ground. Been that length myself since before. snicker.
Sounds like you need to check your LOP. My 870 fits me just fine including reaching the forestock with no fuss. I think it's 13.5" LOP with the recoil pad I put on eons ago.
Anyway, shoulder/grasp a yard stick like you would a rifle. Where your trigger finger ends up is your LOP. Alternate is to put the yardstick into your elbow and grasp it. Same thing. Applies to all long guns.
A 'Youth' stock will be too short. LOP on them is only 12". Regular factory stock is 14".
Remember that your LOP changes when you put on a coat.

 

[oneounceload]

The elbow measurement is kinda, somewhat, maybe getting close to LOP; but there is a lot more to fit than that. 5'6" and built like a bulldog vs 5'6" and built like a stringbean will not like the same stock dimensions. Short vs long neck, arm length, etc., etc., all play a role in getting a gun to fit.

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

The elbow measurement is kinda, somewhat, maybe getting close to LOP; but there is a lot more to fit than that. 5'6" and built like a bulldog vs 5'6" and built like a stringbean will not like the same stock dimensions. Short vs long neck, arm length, etc., etc., all play a role in getting a gun to fit.

Im 5'7.5 and I'm build like a fat bull mastiff. Most long guns are too long for me. I keep my AR on the second to shortest setting. AK47 stocks fit me fine, And I too am currently lookin for a solution for my ithaca model 37, which puts my left arm way out there on the back stroke.

 

[Steve C]

Here's a pretty good video of finding a proper fit. http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/gun-nuts/2013/06/how-choose-proper-shotgun-fit#ooid=toODhmbjol9LPaNT7WiGEU4Uezh3Yb9w

You want your thumb to be about 1-1/2" or 2 finger widths in front of your nose when you put your cheek against the stock. Too short a shock and you'll be hooking your nose with the thumb under recoil. Remember to fit the gun when wearing the type of clothing you will mostly wear when shooting. A heavy jacket like one may wear when shooting ducks in cold weather will add to the length of the gun. A stock that has adjustment in length when you buy the gun is a big help if you don't fit the "average" shotgun length that is commonly sold.

 

[HKGuns]

I'm 5'5" / 145 and can effectively use any shotgun I've ever held. I don't exactly have monkey arms either.

I currently own a number of shotguns and have no issue with fit on any of them.

Beretta 391 Urika
Beretta Xtrema2
Franchi 48AL
Benelli M4 H20
HK / Fabarm Gold Lion
Keltec KSG

Several others not worth mentioning. My advice is to build your upper body strength, as LOP shouldn't be an issue, assuming you don't have trex arms or buy an auto-loader so you don't have to pump.

 

[rodinal220]

I have a friend who is 5' 2",she is petite in build.She wanted a pump shotgun and a pistol for HD. She liked the Remington 870 Express Compact Jr 20 gauge.

Proper fit is key,buy what feels best to you and what you can operate comfortably and efficiently.

Mossberg makes Bantam/jr sized guns as well.

http://www.remington.com/products/f...s/model-870/model-870-express-compact-jr.aspx

http://www.mossberg.com/category/series/500/

 

[oneounceload]

I have shot with several women, most of whom tend to run 5-4 to 5-6, two of them shoot 32" Kreighoffs, the other recently switched to a similarly sized Kolar. 8#+ guns all of them with stock changed to fit them. These ladies shoot them regularly for sporting clays and do very well with them.