Will a custom shotgun stock make you a better shot?

Words by Georgina Roberts

Should you get a custom stock made?

As an Olympic Trap shooter, I’m a huge advocate for custom stocks, but they’re not always necessary. Gun fit is a topic which splits the opinions of many and, when you’re watching the techniques of some of the world’s best sporting or game shots, it’s easy to see why.  

Depending on the type of shooting you’re doing, one of the most impactful upgrades you can make is investing in a custom-made stock if you’re looking to improve your accuracy and performance. They can significantly improve comfort, visual connection and overall enjoyment, because who doesn’t enjoy the sport more when we hit more? 

Rizzini, who have recently launched new models, the BR240 and the BR240 EL, are a great example of a manufacturer who offer custom stock services, setting high standards of service for its customers. 

What are custom stocks? 

A custom stock is a bespoke component tailored specifically to your physical dimensions and shooting style. Unlike standard stocks, which are mass-produced to fit an average shooter, custom stocks are meticulously crafted using your body measurements, preferences, and needs. This includes factors such as length of pull (the distance from the trigger to the end of the stock), drop at comb (the vertical distance from the top of the stock to the line of sight), and cast (the horizontal offset of the stock to fit your dominant hand).

The process of creating a custom stock generally involves detailed consultations with a stock maker, precise measurements, and often several fittings to ensure a perfect fit. There are also many customisations possible, from choice of wood, adjustable vs fixed and whether or not you want to invest in a matching forend. Your involvement in the process can take anywhere from an hour to a few days, Rizzini offers services which are tailored to its customers needs. If you only have an hour to get fitted, they can do the rest of the work and deliver a stock based around that single fitting. Similarly, if you would like to make something special out of a trip to the factory, you’re able to visit multiple times to gain a view of progress and have several fittings, as well as shooting with your new stock to ensure you’re happy. 

What do you get as standard?

Standard off-the-shelf stocks are designed to fit a broad range of shooters and are typically based on the size of an average man. Standard stocks are typically manufactured in large quantities, whilst this makes them convenient and cost-effective, it also means they rarely fit well. Standard stocks usually come in fixed dimensions, so if your body type ‘deviates’ from the ‘industry average’, you might find the stock either too long, too short, or uncomfortable in other ways. While some manufacturers offer adjustable stocks, these adjustments can be limited and may not fully meet your specific needs.

How do you know you’re ready for a custom stock?

Deciding to move from a standard stock to a custom one typically comes after gaining some experience and understanding your shooting preferences and challenges. If you don’t mount your gun consistently yet, it’s not the right time to make the investment. If you change the way you mount your gun or its position in your shoulder, the measurements of your custom stock may be rendered useless. 

Accuracy: If you’re struggling to maintain accuracy or your shots are consistently off-target (particularly missing a target in the same place repeatedly) despite good technique, the fit of your stock might be the issue. If you need to check if this is the case, you could use a pattern board or set up a simple, straight teal or trap target. 

Discomfort: If you feel ‘knocked about’, or experience discomfort or strain after shooting, it might be due to a poorly fitting stock. This could be a pain in the shoulder, neck, or face and can indicate that the stock needs changing.

Mounting the gun: If you find it hard to mount the shotgun quickly and consistently without moving your head around or remounting, it could mean your stock isn’t fitting well. A well fitting stock will come up easily, feel natural and will automatically align your eye with the rib. It’s important to note that if you don’t yet know how to mount a gun properly, it’s probably not the time to invest yet. It’s worth getting confident in the placement of the stock in the shoulder before getting a custom stock, if the way you change your gun mount changes once you’ve got a new stock, this could impact its fit. 

Progressing into competitive shooting: If you’re looking to take the next step in your shooting and want to get into competitive shooting, it might be time to get a custom stock. If you’re thinking about getting your stock cut into an adjustable, or sending off your measurements, it’s worth considering all of your options before making a decision. 

Rizzini offers multiple options for those looking to customise their stock, from ordering a gun complete with specific dimensions, sending off measurements for a new stock for an existing gun, or travelling out to the factory for a complete bespoke service. Edward explains, “The surcharge for a handmade stock is the same as for having the stock made to individual measurements, so well worth taking up. Apart from the stock dimensions, guns such as the new BR240 EL can have wood upgrades, an oval fitted in the stock and an adjustable comb”.

Where can you get a custom stock made? 

There are fewer options in the UK than there are abroad, with only a couple of stock makers to choose from. There are some manufacturers who offer a bespoke service, such as Rizzini, whether you want to send your measurements in, or personally visit the factory. Rizzini shotguns “[...] can be ordered with a handmade stock, made to the client’s individual measurements: if the client has time, he or she can also visit the factory and be measured by Rinaldo Essevierre, who has helped so many champions on their way to victory”, says Edward. 

Will you hit more targets with a custom stock?

A custom stock can significantly enhance your performance, but you still have to work at it. 

Accuracy and control: With a stock tailored to your dimensions, your eye will naturally align with the rib, improving your vision and therefore target acquisition. This alignment is crucial as it ensures that your point of aim (what you’re looking at) matches the point of impact (what you’re shooting at) more accurately. A custom stock also provides better control, especially during recoil. This control helps create a smooth gun movement and an accurate second shot.

Comfort: A custom stock ensures that your shotgun fits you as well as possible as it’s tailored to your measurements. This improved fit translates to better comfort and better placement of the gun in the shoulder and face, reducing perceived recoil. 

Confidence: Knowing that your gun fits you can boost your confidence. This psychological advantage shouldn’t be underestimated, as confidence plays a significant role in performance. It means you have one less thing to think about (or one less thing to blame)!

Conclusion

Investing in a custom-made stock for your shotgun can be a game-changer, providing comfort, accuracy, and enhanced control. While standard off-the-shelf stocks offer a one-size-fits-all solution and are a great way to get you started, they may not cater to your specific needs and preferences. 

It’s important to remember that a custom stock is just one part of the equation, there are also technical, mental, tactical and environmental factors to consider. A custom stock can provide the foundation for your shooting, but it requires you to build on that foundation with consistent practice or training.

To find out more about Rizzini, visit their website here, or to enquire about a custom-made stock, email info@a-s-i.co.uk.