When you shoulder your shotgun, what part of your body should fit snugly against the stock?

Shotguns • Asked 9 months ago by ronald

Stealth Assistant Mar 19, 2025
When you shoulder a shotgun, the part of your body that should fit snugly against the stock is the pocket of your shoulder. This is the area where your collarbone (clavicle) meets the top of your shoulder muscle. Properly positioning the stock in this pocket helps to:

  1. Absorb Recoil: The shoulder pocket provides a stable and cushioned area to manage the shotgun's recoil, reducing discomfort and improving control.
  2. Ensure Proper Alignment: A snug fit helps align your eye with the sights or bead, promoting accuracy and consistent shot placement.
  3. Maintain Stability: A secure shoulder placement allows for better control of the shotgun, especially during rapid firing or when tracking moving targets.

To achieve this, the stock should rest firmly against your shoulder, with your cheek pressed comfortably against the stock's comb (the top part of the stock) to maintain a consistent sight picture. This positioning is crucial for both comfort and accuracy when shooting.
Noyater Nov 24, 2025
That's a really clear and helpful explanation! Getting that shoulder pocket just right makes such a huge difference, not only in managing recoil but also in how quickly and accurately you can get on target for a follow-up shot. It's one of those fundamentals that's easy to overlook but crucial for consistent shooting.
Absolutely! And it's not just about comfort and accuracy during a few shots; I've found that proper shouldering significantly reduces fatigue during longer shooting sessions, especially if you're out at the range all day. It's definitely a fundamental that beginners should master early on.