Compact Stocks: The Essential Guide to Help Your Firearm Fit

When it comes to firearms, one size does not fit all. For many shooters, especially those with smaller frames, women, or younger enthusiasts, a full-size stock might feel unwieldy or uncomfortable. Enter the world of compact stocks, an essential component that can make a significant difference in your shooting experience. In this blog, we'll delve into what compact stocks are, why they matter, and how they compare to full-size stocks in terms of fit, accuracy, and comfort. We'll also explore alternatives like adjustable stocks, such as the Savage AccuFit, and the variety of compact and adjustable stocks available from Savage.

What Are Compact Stocks?

Compact stocks, also known as youth stocks or short stocks, are shorter versions of traditional full-size firearm stocks. They are specifically designed to accommodate shooters who find full-size stocks too long or cumbersome. Compact stocks are commonly used on rifles and shotguns and are particularly popular among youth shooters, women, and individuals with shorter arms or smaller frames. 

These stocks reduce the overall length of pull (LOP)—the distance from the trigger to the end of the stock—making the firearm easier to handle and more comfortable to shoot. While compact stocks are shorter, they maintain the same structural integrity and performance characteristics as full-size stocks, ensuring that shooters don't have to compromise on quality or durability.

Why Compact Stocks Are Important for Proper Fit

The fit of a firearm is crucial for both comfort and accuracy. If a full-size stock doesn't fit you properly, it can lead to a host of issues, including poor shooting posture, increased felt recoil, and decreased accuracy. These issues are especially magnified when shooting higher caliber centerfire rifles and shotguns. All of these effects can lead to a less enjoyable shooting experience, and potentially deter new and inexperienced shooters from wanting to participate in hunting or shooting sports.  

Compact stocks address this issue by offering a more tailored fit for shooters who need a shorter length of pull. With a properly fitting stock, you can achieve a more natural shooting stance, reduce felt recoil, and improve your overall shooting accuracy. Whether you're hunting, target shooting, or engaging in competitive shooting, a well-fitting stock can make all the difference between a positive experience and a negative one.

Accuracy and Comfort: The Impact of Stock Fit

Accuracy is a primary concern for any shooter, and the fit of the stock plays a critical role in achieving it. A stock that fits well allows you to maintain a consistent and comfortable shooting position, which is essential for accurate shot placement. When the stock is too long, it can be challenging to shoulder the firearm correctly, causing you to tilt or strain your neck and shoulders. This can lead to inconsistent aiming and, ultimately, missed shots.

Comfort is equally important. A poorly fitting stock can cause discomfort, which can distract you and affect your focus. Over time, this discomfort can lead to fatigue, further decreasing your shooting accuracy. This is especially important if you are in a hunting situation where you need to be ready on the stock well before you see your target, such as in deer or turkey hunting. Compact stocks, with their shorter length, offer a more comfortable fit, allowing you to focus on your shooting technique without the distraction of physical discomfort.

Length of Pull: Compact vs. Full-Size Stocks

Length of pull (LOP) is a critical measurement in determining the fit of a firearm stock. The LOP is the distance between the center of the trigger and the end of the stock. This measurement varies between compact and full-size stocks, and understanding the difference is key to selecting the right stock for your needs.

Full-Size Stocks: Typically, full-size stocks have an LOP of around 13.5 to 14.5 inches. This length is ideal for shooters with average to long arms and a larger frame. However, for shooters with shorter arms or smaller frames, a full-size stock can feel too long, making it difficult to achieve a comfortable and effective shooting position.

Compact Stocks: Compact stocks generally have an LOP of around 12 to 13.5 inches. This shorter length is better suited for youth shooters, women, and smaller-framed individuals. The reduced LOP allows for a more comfortable and natural shooting position, improving both comfort and accuracy.

Adjustable Stocks: The Versatile Alternative

While compact stocks are an excellent option for shooters who need a shorter length of pull, they are not the only solution. Adjustable stocks, such as the Savage AccuFit system, offer a versatile alternative that allows you to customize the fit of your firearm to your exact specifications.

The Savage AccuFit system, for example, features a series of interchangeable components that allow you to adjust the length of pull and the comb height of the stock. This level of customization ensures that the stock fits you perfectly, regardless of your size or shooting style. Whether you need a shorter LOP or a higher comb to align your eye with the sights, adjustable stocks provide the flexibility to make those adjustments.

Adjustable stocks are particularly beneficial for shooters who share firearms with others or those who want a stock that can grow with them over time. For youth shooters, an adjustable stock can be an investment that allows them to continue using the same firearm as they grow, simply by adjusting the stock to fit their changing size. With an adjustable stock, a youth shooter’s first rifle can be a rifle that they will continue to use for the rest of their life.

Compact and Adjustable Stocks from Savage

Savage Arms is a leading manufacturer of firearms and accessories, known for their innovation and commitment to quality. They offer a wide range of compact and adjustable stocks, designed to meet the needs of shooters of all sizes and preferences.

Savage Compact Stocks: Savage offers several rifles and shotguns with factory-installed compact stocks. These stocks are designed to provide a comfortable fit for youth shooters, women, and smaller-framed individuals. Models like the Savage Axis II Compact and the Savage Mark II Compact are excellent examples of firearms that come with compact stocks, offering a shorter length of pull without sacrificing performance.

Savage Adjustable Stocks: The Savage AccuFit system is available on a variety of rifles, including the Savage 110 and Savage Axis II series. This system allows you to customize the fit of your stock with ease, ensuring that your firearm is perfectly tailored to your needs. AccuFit is also available on some Savage shotguns, such as the Renegauge and popular 212 and 220 slug guns. The AccuFit system is particularly popular among hunters and competitive shooters who demand precision and comfort from their firearms.

Compact stocks are an essential consideration for any shooter who finds a full-size stock too long or uncomfortable. By providing a shorter length of pull, compact stocks offer a better fit, improved comfort, and enhanced accuracy. Whether you're a youth shooter, a woman, or simply someone with a smaller frame, a compact stock can make a significant difference in your shooting experience.

For those who need even more flexibility, adjustable stocks like the Savage AccuFit system offer a customizable solution that allows you to fine-tune the fit of your firearm. With a wide variety of compact and adjustable stocks available from Savage, there's a perfect fit for every shooter.

Choosing the right stock is more than just a matter of preference—it's about finding the right fit to ensure you can shoot comfortably and accurately every time. Compact stocks provide that fit for many shooters, making them a crucial component in the world of firearms.