Ask The Instructor: Draw Length

Question: Can you explain the concept of ‘draw length?’ What’s the best technique—pre-mounted, low gun, or something in between?

A: Draw length is a technique choice, adjusted to match the target presentation. Draw length is the distance between the comb of the stock and the shooter's cheekbone when in the ready position. That draw length can be anything from a full low-gun position with maximum distance from comb to cheek (as in FITASC), to a short draw ("cheat mount"), to a fully pre-mounted "no-draw" position where the gun starts already in the face and shoulder.

The goal is simple: pick the draw length that is the right balance of target visibility and movement efficiency.

A longer draw length (gun farther from the face) gives you the cleanest view of the target. Your eyes pick up the bird earlier with less barrel interference, yielding a stronger visual connection through the break point. The downside is that a longer draw requires more gun movement—this is less efficient on fast, short-window targets.

A short draw, or pre-mounted ready position, eliminates that extra mount time. It's fast, direct, and efficient—ideal for trap-like birds, quick quartering targets, or anything with a tight engagement window. But this speed comes with a cost: the gun is closer to the eyes and target line, increasing the risk of barrel occlusion and reducing visibility. That loss of early visual information can be significant if you're not mindful of your hold point and muzzle angle.

So what's the best technique?

Truthfully, none of them work best in all circumstances. Draw length is entirely presentation-driven:

• Longer draw on slow crossers or long-window birds for superior visual connection.

• Shorter draw or premount for fast outgoing or tight-window targets for speed and efficiency.

• Half-draw or shorter draw as a compromise for slower quartering or mid-speed presentations.

  
  

Plan your draw length on each target as deliberately as your hold point and visual pick-up point. If your ready position is appropriate for the target, your muzzle is far more likely to be in the right place when you execute the shot.