Stock Pitch

[Foxnut]

Curious as to anyone’s thoughts on stock pitch? While it can be changed by adjusting the angle of the butt or with spacers I’ve never given it much consideration unless I am using a modern target gun that can be adjusted or when doing a restock for one reason or another. I know that pitch is a personal preference based upon many factors but what do you do as it relates to the old SxS’s we shoot that you don’t want to alter the stock on? Thanks - Brett

[Jeff S]

Very good question Brett. I’m guessing that excessive pitch hurts resale value. Of the guns I own, one has a bunch of pitch. How does it shoot? Well, the first time I ran 25 straight on a trap field it was with that gun. I’ve also taken a few ducks with it. That wasn’t a very technical response to your question. All I can say is that it shoots.

[DarylC]

I've used a slip on pad and used cardboard either in the toe or heel to change the pitch.

[fox-admin]

I once owned a very nice CH Parker Bernard 10ga that was made with I believe is called negative pitch (the toe of the stock is longer than the heel, like this \ ) . When I shouldered the gun it slipped right of my shoulder, it was impossible to shoot so I made up a slip on pad to correct the pitch. It worked but a finally decided to sell the gun and move on. Lesson learned.

[Stan Hillis]

Pitch can be very important and few understand its nuances fully. Proper pitch is only proper for the shooter using the gun, not necessarily another shooter, due to differences in body build and usage. Pitch on a gun should be determined according to the height at which most birds/targets are taken. I.e., perfect pitch would be different for a dedicated rabbit gun as compared to a dedicated pass shooting gun, because of how the butt contacts the shoulder at different angles of elevation.

For the best recoil attenuation (least pain} the heel of the butt should never make less contact with the shoulder than the toe. Having good contact at the heel also minimized muzzle rise, which in turn minimizes cheek slap by the comb.

Buy a copy of Rollin Oswald's book The Stockfitter's Bible for a complete education on pitch. Chapter 12 dedicates 10 pages to pitch. It is one of the best book purchases any serious shotgunner can make, IMHO.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+stockfit ... nb_sb_noss

[Foxnut]

Stan,
Thanks for the recommended reading and link. I fully agree that pitch is shooter/shooter build dependent and appreciate the insight on what intended/main purpose of the gun should be.

I also read a couple post when I googled pitch similar to what Daryl suggested as far as use of shims and slip on pad for a quick/field adjustment of pitch.,appreciate everyone’s responses!

[Mike of the Mountain]

I agree 100% with Stan. The Stockfitter's Bible is an excellent resource. I've read it multiple times. Buy it, read it (over and over), use it.

[Jeff S]

Ordered the book.

[Foxnut]

Ordered the book.

I just did the same. Will give me something to read in the doldrums of winter! Thanks

[Jeff S]

I received the book yesterday and I just read the chapter on “pitch”. Very interesting and easy to read. I’m looking forward to reading the entire book.

[Foxnut]

Received my copy yesterday. I immediately read the section on pitch. Very informative! Thanks for the recommended reading

[Stan Hillis]

There are many more golden nuggets of wisdom in the other chapters of Oswald's book, as well. Upon my first reading of an inexpensive book like this, that I intend to keep, I underline everything significant to me for future reference. I've never underlined as many passages in a book as I did with that one.