Managed to bash my forehead the other day while shooting my CZ .416 Rigby from the bench.

This despite a Leupold 2.5X Compact at 4.5" eye relief, mounted as far forward in the rings as possible, plus a PAST Super Magnum strap-on pad and an extra sandbag behind the butt (to soak up recoil and compensate for shortened 13" LOP). I think part of the problem was that I tipped my head forward.

I'm 6'2", 180 lbs., long-armed with a long neck. One custom rifle maker estimated I should shoot a 14-1/4" LOP, or 14" if it might be used in heavy clothes. I have a .280 Rem. and a .375 H&H at 14" and they fit fine.

I have a new stock on the way for the CZ and am wondering how long I should make it. I'm planning on a 1" Decelerator and whatever spacers I need. I wouldn't anticipate wearing heavy clothes with this rifle; intended target would be buffalo.

I'm also wondering if I should alter the pitch, since this is CZ's Euro-style stock.

Any thoughts?

IMO, the length of pull on a heavy rifle that is scope sighted should be on the long side.

And the buttstock should be straight, and I do mean straight.

Of course, this necessitates a scope with at least 3 and a fraction inches or more eye relief, but that's just a fact of life.

The big bores come back harder and faster, and in my experience, benefit from more LOP.

Ditto. Is the new stock a hogback or the current stock a hogback?

In my experience the hogback resulted in a lot of muzzle flip, which would translate into scope eye as I see it!

The stock cz hogback is about 14.25, which fits most. This is NOT accurate, but it works. if you grip the rifle, as if you are shooting it, then hold it in your right hand, turning it over, and making a 90deg bend in your elbow, the pad should come close, but not touch, you bicep/clothing.

jeffe

Youe stock is probably too short, but the main problem may be that the bench is too low. If it is when you lean down rather than sitting up straight, your head is tipped down and is probably you lose at least an inch or eye relief.

If you don't hold the forearm down, the gun will recoil until it stops. At your forehead.

George

Buy a real thick Kickeze pad from Brownells and get the LOP out to 14.5 inches or so. If you still get wacked or it comes close add spacers till you don't get wacked. Don't ever angle your head down. -Rob

I met with the Magnum eye-brow for the first time last weekend. A total surprise to say the least! It was a 334 OKH Magnum or a 300 H&H Necked up to 333 caliber. The bench was too low and the stock was too short, not to mention I held the gun loose to try and beat a buddy with a better shot. Well I got a lot of blood and piss poor shot and a two day head ache!

I am 6'8" and 265 pounds and I use a 14 3/4 to 15 inch LOP. The rifle I shot was a 13 3/4"! OUCH!