How To Measure LOP On A Used Browning Shotgun Stock
Length of pull, usually abbreviated LOP, is the distance from the trigger face to the center of the butt pad or recoil plate. On a used Browning shotgun, this measurement helps determine whether the stock will place your trigger hand, shoulder, and eye in a comfortable position.
Knowing how to measure LOP on a used Browning shotgun stock is especially useful when shopping online. A listing may show the stock length, but that number can be affected by a replacement recoil pad, spacers, a shortened butt, or previous fitting work.
The measurement is only one part of shotgun fit. Drop, cast, pitch, grip shape, and the shooter’s clothing can change how the gun mounts and points. Still, an accurate LOP measurement gives you a practical starting point before arranging shipment to an FFL dealer for inspection and pickup.
Why Length Of Pull Matters
A stock that is too short can crowd the trigger hand and leave the thumb close to the shooter’s nose or safety lever. It may also encourage an inconsistent mount, particularly when shooting from a low-ready position. A stock that is too long can catch on clothing, delay shouldering, and place the face too far back on the comb.
Browning shotguns have varied stock designs across models such as the Auto-5, Citori, Maxus, and pump-action lines. Their measurements may differ because of receiver dimensions, recoil-pad thickness, and stock geometry. Comparing LOP within the same model family is more useful than assuming every Browning shotgun should have the same number.
Prepare The Shotgun Safely
Before measuring, confirm that the shotgun is unloaded. Point it in a safe direction, engage the safety when appropriate, open the action, and visually and physically check the chamber, loading port, and magazine. Keep ammunition away from the work area while you handle the firearm.
Place the shotgun on a stable, padded surface with the muzzle pointed away from people and valuable objects. If you are unfamiliar with the model or cannot verify its unloaded condition, stop and have a qualified gunsmith or firearms professional inspect it. A tape measure should never require cycling the action or pulling the trigger.
Measure From Trigger To Recoil Pad
The standard LOP measurement runs from the center of the trigger face to the center of the butt pad. Hold a straight ruler or tape measure along the lower centerline of the stock, keeping it parallel to the bore rather than following the curve of the grip.
Measure to the middle of the recoil pad’s rear surface, not to the end of the wood beneath it. If the pad is angled, identify its approximate center point. Record the result to the nearest quarter inch, then repeat the process to confirm that the same reference points were used.
For an online used-gun listing, compare your measurement with the seller’s description and photos. Pictures of the specific shotgun can reveal whether the pad appears original, oversized, worn, or recently replaced. A listing that includes condition notes is valuable because stock alterations may be mentioned there even when the catalog specifications show only a standard factory dimension.
| Measurement Point | What To Use | What It Tells You |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger face to pad center | Ruler or tape measure | Basic LOP |
| Trigger face to wood butt | Ruler or tape measure | Stock length before pad |
| Pad thickness | Caliper or ruler | Whether the pad changes LOP |
| Comb and heel position | Straightedge and ruler | Additional fit information |
| Stock photos and condition notes | Listing images and description | Possible alterations or repairs |
Separate Stock Length From Pad Thickness
A thick aftermarket recoil pad can add half an inch or more to the original stock length. Conversely, a worn or cut-down pad can make the shotgun measure shorter than its factory specification. For that reason, measure the complete gun as it is currently configured, then note the pad thickness separately.
If the stock has spacers between the wood and recoil pad, include them in the overall LOP and record how many are present. A gunsmith may be able to remove or add spacers without cutting the stock. Permanent modifications, such as shortening the wood or reshaping the comb, deserve closer inspection before purchase.
Used firearms should also be examined for cracks around the wrist, tang, and butt. Moisture exposure can affect wood and metal, so review care practices such as this wet-hunt cleaning guide when evaluating a shotgun’s maintenance history.
Consider More Than One Dimension
LOP does not tell you whether the stock fits your face or eye line. Drop at comb and heel influence cheek placement, while cast changes how the rib aligns with the dominant eye. Pitch affects how the recoil pad meets the shoulder and can influence comfort during repeated shooting.
A shotgun with a suitable LOP may still feel awkward if the comb is too high, the grip is too bulky, or the recoil pad slips off the shoulder. When possible, shoulder a comparable Browning model before buying. This can reveal whether the stock dimensions feel natural even when the exact used firearm is not available locally.
Practical Buying Recommendations
Online listings make it possible to compare new, used, and trade-in Browning shotguns, but measurements should be treated as part of a broader inspection. Ask for clarification when the advertised LOP does not specify whether it was measured to the recoil pad or the wood.
Use these checks when reviewing a used Browning shotgun:
- Confirm that the chamber, bore, and magazine are empty before taking measurements.
- Measure from the trigger face to the center of the installed recoil pad.
- Record pad thickness, spacers, stock repairs, and any visible modifications.
- Compare the stated LOP with the listing photos and condition description.
- Arrange shipment to a preferred FFL dealer so the firearm can be handled and inspected lawfully at pickup.
Verify Fit Before Finalizing The Purchase
A small LOP difference can often be addressed with a replacement pad or spacer, while major stock changes may require professional fitting. Do not assume that a factory-standard measurement will suit every shooter, especially when wearing a heavy hunting coat or shooting in a different stance.
When the firearm arrives at the FFL dealer, inspect the stock, recoil pad, action, and visible metal surfaces before accepting the transfer. Check that the delivered condition matches the specific photographs and description. If the stock shows an undisclosed alteration or damage, raise the issue with the seller before taking the firearm home.
Use your recorded measurement to narrow the catalog, then compare the Browning model, action, condition, and stock details together. Review available listings at Browning Arms Shop and arrange a compliant FFL transfer for the shotgun that matches your fit requirements.