How To Find the Rifle Length of Pull for an AR-15
Length of pull is pretty simple to figure out with an AR and six-position stock. So, let’s go over how to get the right length of pull for you!
USMC Veteran. Concealed Carry & NRA Pistol Instructor. 3-Gun Competitor. Career firearms writer
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So, you bought an AR-15, and you might be wondering what exactly you should do now. Well, that's easy, you need to learn how to use the thing!
There are lots and lots to learn, and I sadly can't teach everything through one simple article. It's tough to teach marksmanship with a keyboard. However, there are several basic skills we can teach you to improve your AR-15 skills.
Let's dig in and arm you with the knowledge you need to utilize your AR-15.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Trust Us
I’ve spent a lifetime shooting, starting with a family that hunted every season they legally could. From there, I joined the United States Marine Corps and spent five years as an infantryman.
In the middle of my Marine Corps career, I began writing and have never stopped. I soon earned my NRA instructor certification and used my knowledge to help guide students.
I love shooting, and I love guns — weird guns, old guns, new guns, tactical guns, you name it. I’m a continual student of firearms, and I strive to educate myself to provide the best information possible to the readers of Pew Pew Tactical.
What is Length of Pull?
A lot of people ignore the importance of length of pull. I really pay attention to it because I'm a shotgun fan, and the length of pull matters a lot for me.
Length of pull is the distance from the rear of your trigger to the end of your stock.
Length of pull varies by the shooter because shooters come in all shapes and sizes. Most AR-15 rifles these days come with adjustable stocks. Those famous six-position stocks have six positions for a reason.
You might even have two lengths of pull…
One is what you use when you shoot with armor or gear, and one is what you use without armor and gear – it’s important you know both.
Length of pull is pretty simple to figure out with an AR with a six-position stock. So, let’s get into it.
(And if you need a stock, we have some suggestions!)
How to Find the Right Length of Pull
First, and most importantly, grab your rifle and ensure it's clear. For extra safety, lock that bolt back to the rear.
Extend the stock to its longest position. Ensure the rifle is pointed in a safe direction, and place your finger on the trigger. Bend your elbow at 90 degrees.
If you cannot bend your elbow due to the stock hitting your bicep, the length of the pull is too long. You need to shorten the stock.
Common sense will dictate how many positions you need to adjust at a time.
You want a length of pull that's against or within an inch or so from your bicep. If it's further than an inch, it is too short.
Admittedly, there are very precise ways to measure length of pull, and shotgun fans who shoot skeet seriously likely had a gunsmith trim a stock just perfectly.
With the AR, we don't have to be that crazy, but you need to get it within that desired LOP described above. This makes it easier to assume a proper squared-up firing position and to better control the rifle.
(P.S. You can use this for any platform BTdubs.)
Final Thoughts
Knowledge is half the battle, and the other half is the skill to use that knowledge. The AR-15 is America's rifle, and as such, it's wise to know how to use the basics of this universal carbine.
Stay tuned as each week we tackle another AR how-to!
Let us know what you think is a necessary skill for the average AR-15 shooter in the comments. Want to get caught up? Check out our guide on attaching a sling!