Just took out my new shotgun this weekend for opening grouse, worked great. But, my father-in-law looked at my gun and he thinks the stock or butt or maybe both are set up for a left handed shooter. Now I shoot right handed so this bothered me...until I shot really well this weekend.

So, 1) does anyone know how I could tell if my Beretta is set up for lefties and 2) does it really matter?

Few generic factory made guns are really set up for a lefty. They might have the safety on the left hand side and certainly the bottom ejection of an Ithaca make it ideal for a lefty. I would guess that most factory guns have straight stocks. But, some of the fancier shotguns are made with the stock butt curved/cantered into the shoulder. I think they call it " off-set." This makes it easier to look down the barrel without shoving your head/eye in. A left-handed gun stock in this configuration will curve to the right of the gun (looking from the top) and a right-handed gun stock will curve to the left. " Angle" is probably a better word than curve -- it' s going to be subtle. I suppose you can teach yourself to shoot any gun in any configuration, but you' re going to have to compensate in such a way that you won' t shoot in your most natural position.

My new browning bps has the pump release on the left side, but I' m a righty. Not sure why they chose to do this, but I still love the gun.

The 1st thing is........what model Beretta is it? Their O/U' s can be had in right or left handed versions. The autos such as the 390 and 391 series come with a set of shims for changing the cast of the stock.

The term you are looking for is " cast" . Simply put, it' s the amount(measured in fractions of an inch) the stock is set to the right or left in relation to the rib/barrel.
Actually there are 4 different types of cast on a butt stock but to simplify things we are going to use the " face" . A stock that is angled to the right is " cast off" and if angled to the left it' s " cast on" .

What this does is to put the shooters eye (hopefully dominant) in line with the rib. It also helps with reducing recoil, it should go away from your face. It does make a difference in " gun fit"

You ask if it matters? Picture this......... If you are right handed and are shooting a gun that' s stock is made for a leftie..it' s cast on, not only does it make it hard to have your head in the correct position it also drives the recoil into your face....not good![&:]

But do not fear most typical guns like the mooseburgs, Rem 1100, 1187,870' s have neutral/no cast.


Hope this helps...........AA

It' s a 3901 semi-auto. So if my gun is truely set up for a lefty, it would be angled to the right???

Ned, Yes if looking from the muzzle. Of course when you do this make sure the gun is unloaded and the action is open. If looking from the butt end, the stock would be slightly angling to the left if it' s set up for a leftie.

I might suggest that if you are near a trap/skeet club, go there and most experienced shooters are glad to help you with any questions. They can also help you with the gun fit which will help you in the long run.



I am not sure if the 3901 model has the shims for stock adjustment. They are located between the grip and the rear of the reciever and are black in color and about 1/16" thick (they are actually tapered) The 390' s and 391' s come with a set of shims from the factory, I dont know if the 3901 does or not, these are promotional guns. I had one but didnt even look at it and sold it.


AA

DoubleA - yes I checked last night and there is a shim there. I will check tonight to see what kind of angle it is creating. My father-in-law is a member of the local hunt club.....I might check with them as well. Thanks for your advice!

Ned