Custom Stocks Made Easy

Stock Fit is Paramount

If one surveyed the world’s best clays shooters and game shots, it's likely that almost all of them would agree that the ground-zero starting point for peak shooting performance is having a properly fit gun. All other aspects that are important to hitting targets—shooting technique, visual acuity, having the proper chokes and so on—are compromised if a shooter is mounting his or her gun poorly because the gunstock dimensions do not match the individual’s requirements. In some cases poor gunfit is obvious, such as when a gun “somewhat” fits a shooter and, although the shooter breaks plenty of targets, he or she struggles with recurring bouts of inconsistency and inexplicable misses. Neither case is something a shooter should have to endure, and the great news is that getting a custom-fitted stock made or having adjustments made to an existing stock is a pretty simple process.

A Simple Process

The first step in stock customization is to arrange for a gunfitting with a reputable gunfitter. This is a process that will take from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the fitter’s methodology, and it will result in a set of stock dimensions that will include length of pull, cast, drop and pitch. Then it’s simply a matter of sending the dimensions and the gun to a gunsmith who has the expertise necessary to create a new stock or modify an existing one.

Benefits to a Great Stock Fit

The benefits to shooting a gun that fits are numerous. For starters, gun mounts will feel significantly smoother and more comfortable, with the gun settling perfectly into the shoulder and cheek. As a result, shots will feel less rushed. A properly fit gun will also shoot where the shooter is looking, and as the shooter becomes aware of this, he or she will increasingly put more visual focus on the target—resulting in more broken targets and downed birds. Another big advantage of shooting with a custom stock is a reduction in recoil. Discomfort to cheeks, shoulders or vertebrae is often diminished substantially, if not eliminated entirely. Put all of this together, and not only does a custom-fitted gun lead to better shooting performance, but it also makes outings at the range or in the field more comfortable and fun.

The Cole Advantage: One-Stop Shopping

1. 
   With onsite gunfitters, gunstock experts and state-of-the-art tooling at each of its three locations (Maine, Texas and Florida), Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing has everything necessary to handle every custom-stock scenario, including . . .
2. 
   Stockmaking
   
   To make new stocks, the Cole shop has a massive inventory of stock blanks—including deluxe-grade wood—from which to choose based on budget and preferences. Once the wood is selected, master technicians use a combination of high-tech tooling (CNC machines or perhaps a 3D scanner) and hands-on craftsmanship to build a stock to the shooter’s exact dimensions and then apply the shooter’s stock finish of choice. The result is a custom-fitted stock that will enable its owner to achieve maximum shooting potential with the added bonus of greatly enhancing the aesthetics of the gun.
   
   Stock Modification
   
   A popular alternative to creating a new stock is to have adjustments made to an existing one. In this case, a team of Cole stock specialists can adjust the stock wood using techniques such as bending or shaving, or they can add accessories like an adjustable comb or a buttplate to achieve a stock that properly fits the shooter.
   
   Plus, with Cole Guns being an A-to-Z gunsmithing center, the company is able to perform an array of other à la carte services while a firearm is in the shop. Cole also happens to be one of the largest dealers of Italian clays and game guns in the US and has the ability to customize stocks for customers buying new guns.

Final Notes

• A shooter’s measurements can change over time. As a shooter ages, his or her posture and shooting form will likely change. The same is true for anyone who has gained or lost weight. In such cases, shooting performance will usually start to deteriorate. The solution is simply a matter of having measurements updated by a gunfitter and sending a gun to a gunsmith to make the necessary adjustments.
• While the need for proper gunfit is important for everyone, it is critical for lady shooters, whose bone structure is much different than their male counterparts. Many manufacturers produce guns that are generally better for women. But in most cases the stock dimensions of off-the-shelf women’s models will still need to be tweaked to ensure optimal fit.

About Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing

With 40 years of technical experience, an elite gunsmithing staff, state-of-the-art tooling, a massive parts inventory, direct lines of communication to gun manufactures and a legendary reputation for customer service, Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing is one of the finest gun-servicing businesses in existence. Which is why there’s no better time to have additional gunsmithing work (e.g., lengthening forcing cones, choke work, stock customization and upgrades, and so on) done than while your gun is at Cole’s for regular servicing. The company is alos one of the country’s largest dealers of fine European shotguns and was voted the No. 1 Beretta Premium Dealer in the US. Cole’s also sells Perazzi, Caesar Guerini, Zoli, Fabarm, Rizzini, Browning, Blaser and Benelli guns as well as made-to-order custom guns for both wingshooting and target applications. All this adds up to Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing being a one-stop shotgun center that is capable of meeting a vast array of shooter needs.