Clay Target Q&A
With Russell Mark, Olympic gold and silver medallist
Questions: russell@corporateshootingstars.com.au
Q I am curious about getting an adjustable comb fitted to my Beretta 686 shotgun, as I have never really been happy with either the height of the stock in relation to the barrel or how straight my eye is down the rib of the barrel. I have seen lots of different styles of adjustable combs and was wondering which is best. I was told I need to get one where the ‘drop’ of the comb can be altered.
Ken Fitzpatrick, Qld
A There is little doubt in my mind, Ken, that if you believe you need an adjustable comb, then you should stay with the manufacturer’s brand if possible if for nothing other than for the resale price of the gun. Beretta makes a great adjustable comb and it is one of the few that I have seen here in Australia that allows not only for the up and down movement (height) and side-to-side movement (cast), but also for the comb to be adjusted in terms of the angle that the comb runs from the front of the comb to the rear (drop). This may not sound that important, but I can promise you that it will be one of the most important factors you have on your stock in relation to the performance of your shotgun at the particular discipline of clay target shooting you wish to use the gun for.
Sporting or field shooters in general terms like to have about 20mm difference in their drop in the comb from front to back. This is measured simply by running a ruler along the barrel out over the stock, then measuring the distance from the edge of the ruler down to the front of the stock. A typical Sporting gun may measure 40mm of drop at the front of the comb and 60mm at the back. Trap shooters have anywhere from zero drop from front to back, which often requires the use of what is called a ‘Monte Carlo’ stock. This is the name for a stock that has its angle of drop parallel to the barrels, then a small indentation down to the pad. Trap guns may well have up to 10mm, which is pretty standard in most European shotguns, thus showing typical dimensions of around 35mm at the front of the comb down to 45mm at the back.
Everyone is built differently and uses a different technique, so varying amounts of drop are required. If you don’t have an adjustable comb that can change the amount of drop, you may never find what is just right for you.