What is drop and cast

[swipter]

I have been reading several forums and they talk about drop and cast. What is that? From the threads I can see the shims change this. Thanks for the help.

[mtnboomer]

Drop and cast refer to the height and/or angle of the butt stock on a firearm - usually a shotgun, but not always.

Drop is the amount the butt can be lowered or raised at the rear end (the end that mounts on your shoulder). It is measured using the boreline of the barrel as a reference. "Dropping" the butt will raise the reciever when the gun is mounted to the shoulder. "Raising" the butt will do the opposite.

Cast is refered to in terms of "cast-on" and "cast-off". It is accomplished - usually - by steaming and bending the stock either right or left as needed. Cast-on would bring the reciever toward your body and cast-off, away from your body.

Both of these adjustments are made to custom-fit a firearm to an individual. They are usually done by a custom stock maker at a high price. The shims you talk about do virtually the same thing - but only to a point.

[sdkidaho]

Here is a good article on cast-on and cast-off (http://www.billhanusbirdguns.com/archive08.html).

[swipter]

Thank you very much. I now understand. I wonder if I have been shooting like that and not even knowing it. I guess I will find out when I go to the range to shoot the 391 for the first time.