Southwest gun shops - struggling to find a gun that fits

[mikeakc]

Hi all,
I'm struggling to find a gun that fits and wonder where might have a good selection of guns I can pick up. I need a longish stock (14 3/4 - 15") and a high comb as I have high cheekbones like Kate Moss. This means every gun I mount I can't see the rib - some models I can almost see the bead but not enough to feel it fits well. The obvious solution is to get an adjustable comb and extension on my 686 stock but I really don't like the look of them! I'm not wedded to any brand, and I'd even consider a side-by-side if it fitted beautifully.

My local gun shop has been very patient with me and stood there handing me gun after gun to no avail. Really, I'd like to walk in somewhere and have a huge selection which I can pick up without asking to handle each and every gun, which gets very time consuming when there are other punters who need serving. I've been recommended Ladds in Crediton and Sportsmans in Exeter. Which would be best to handle lots of guns without wasting lots of someones time?

Any guidance appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[scotch_egg]

I very much doubt any shop will have un-secured shotguns that you can just pick up off the shelf without supervision. Gone are those days after several suicide incidents across the country over the years.

In the mean time I suggest a few of these will help you out….

 

[old keeper]

Ian Hodge at Wadebridge has an open day on the 16th Sept. Sportsman and Ladds both have a very good selection, but as Scotch Egg says, I'm not too sure how much freedom you'll get! Both Tom and James at SGC are both very helpful though.

 

[mikeakc]

I very much doubt any shop will have un-secured shotguns that you can just pick up off the shelf without supervision. Gone are those days after several suicide incidents across the country over the years.

In the mean time I suggest a few of these will help you out….

Happy to follow that guidance!

 

[mikeakc]

Ian Hodge at Wadebridge has an open day on the 16th Sept. Sportsman and Ladds both have a very good selection, but as Scotch Egg says, I'm not too sure how much freedom you'll get! Both Tom and James at SGC are both very helpful though.

Yes, I have heard good things about Ian Hodge, haven’t there in about 10 years so I am probably due a visit

 

[Cyres]

Speak to Mike Ladd he should be able to sort and if not will know who can
D

 

[McKenzie]

I have similar problems & need an even longer stock. I doubt that you will be able to buy anything off the shelf. Everything will be much easier once you accept that every gun or rifle you ever buy will require a further few hundred pounds to get it to fit.

 

[Smellydog]

Kate Moss!
Being ugly shouldn't make any difference!

 

[Smellydog]

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[bumpy22]

Could try uk gun repairs in taunton

 

[Taff]

Asking to handle a gun should never be a problem for any retailer, I honestly expect a customer to handle at least five guns and then have a good think.

 

[ashray]

DONT USE sgc look else where.

 

[Tim.243]

Hi all,
I'm struggling to find a gun that fits and wonder where might have a good selection of guns I can pick up. I need a longish stock (14 3/4 - 15") and a high comb as I have high cheekbones like Kate Moss. This means every gun I mount I can't see the rib - some models I can almost see the bead but not enough to feel it fits well. The obvious solution is to get an adjustable comb and extension on my 686 stock but I really don't like the look of them! I'm not wedded to any brand, and I'd even consider a side-by-side if it fitted beautifully.

My local gun shop has been very patient with me and stood there handing me gun after gun to no avail. Really, I'd like to walk in somewhere and have a huge selection which I can pick up without asking to handle each and every gun, which gets very time consuming when there are other punters who need serving. I've been recommended Ladds in Crediton and Sportsmans in Exeter. Which would be best to handle lots of guns without wasting lots of someones time?

Any guidance appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike

Are you trying these with a summer shirt or tee shirt as then the longer stock will be different come a few layers in the season. Repeatable gun mount is key to how a gun comes up, get it wrong or it is poor and you will be all over the place.
Mine have around 1/4 left cast as they do go back on a o/u over time.

 

[mikeakc]

DONT USE sgc look else where.

Interested in this response, as that is where I had intended to go on Thursday. Could you give me a bit more detail? Feel free to PM what is great. Many thanks, Mike

 

[20-250]

@mikeakc I have the same issue and use a Miroku MK38 Trap gun for everything now.
SGC will sell you what they have or what they make most profit on, not what you need.

 

[nun_hunter]

Have you tried guns with an adjustable cheek riser or is there a reason that's a big no for you? Plenty of shotguns come with adjustable stocks for not huge amounts of money (ATA spring to mind) or buy a gun you like and have the stock cut and an adjustable riser fitter? Unless this is out of your budget?

I had my silver pigeon stock done for about £260 and you can buy Beretta spacers direct from GMK to increase the length of pull. I'm sure other brands are similar

Personally I think trying to find a shotgun that you like the look and workmanship of and also fits perfectly off the shelf is next to impossible.

 

[Stalker-of-the-deer]

Sounds daft, pick up a beretta or a browning you like then get a Manuel Ricardo stock custom made to you? Nicer than an adjustable stock and will fit you perfect!

Just an idea and they are not overly expensive

 

[labrador77]

Ivythorn sporting might be worth a trip. I'm sure Steve will give you as much time and guidance as you need.

 

[bullet chucker]

Gun shop in Street' Somerset, have a good selection.

BC.

 

[chriswjx]

Sounds daft, pick up a beretta or a browning you like then get a Manuel Ricardo stock custom made to you? Nicer than an adjustable stock and will fit you perfect!

Just an idea and they are not overly expensive

Agree with this.

If adjustable combs are a big no, as 20-250 said, see if you can find a trap gun. If that still doesn't fit, then a custom stock is probably the way for you to go. MR seem to be the best option on price (even after flying out to him) - I am currently saving up for a big birthday next year and one of the things under consideration as the "treat" for it would be flying out to get a stock from him. The 2023 price list had stocks (at least for my Browning) starting at 750 euros + VAT for standard walnut, 1500 and up for exhibition grades. (I may have also heard tell that if you fly out to him, he does accept cash )