Shotgun Stock Shims, Why You Might Need Them and How To Use Them - TriStar Viper G2

How to shim the stock of your shotgun, in this case a TriStar VIper G2 .410 bore but it's basically the same as far as testing to see if you need to use them. Some manufacture's use different shim styles and methods. Always follow the manufacture's instructions as in some cases more than one shim need to work together. Having them working against each other can damage the stock. Since the TriStar didn't have any instructions in the owner's manual I thought I'd use it for demonstration purposes.
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[@stag3t-muspsa910]

Great info....for those that don't know how.....I used mine on my jm 930....made a world of difference.it came with a few different shims....I picked up the Mossberg 590A1 ...love ..if you haven t shot one check it out....happy father's day to ya...

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Awesome! Those little shim packets make a BIG difference!

[@joshkendrick4728]

I've been shooting shotguns my whole life, 43 years old, and I never knew this... thx so much, very very helpful

[@johnlupo9429]

I'm from Alberta Canada and have hunted all my life and this is the first informative video I've seen on using shims. Thanks for the info.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks for leaving the feedback! I appreciate it!

[@tangowhiskey7476]

This is the best description of using shims I have seen or read in text. Thanks.

[@taofledermaus]

Very good information. Wasn't even aware this could be done!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks! Not every model comes with a shim kit but the ones that do can make a REAL difference in fit and that directly affects hits. If it fits it hits!

[@LogosMediaII]

Love your channel.

[@TheNickademas1]

I have watched this video 2 times now and it’s the best explanation on the KZbin of how and why you would want to adjust your shotgun. Well done executing what seems to be more complicated matter then it needs to be.

[@kenhelmers2603]

A most useful and informative video! Thanks a lot :) Luv that .410 too! Back when I was shooting skeet a lot with my Winchester 1400 MkII in Germany, I had someone mention getting the gun 'fitted' which is what you are doing - fitting the gun to YOU. Back then it was an expensive ordeal. Nice to see that shims are now being included, and can watch a GOOD video on how to use them!!

[@vrod1a]

Nice instructions 👍 That 5 gallon bucket has good knowledge about shotguns 😁

[@number1gopher]

I was clueless when it came to shims, but I just got a new 12 gauge for duck hunting (Franchi Affinity 3) and want to get it dialed in as best as possible. Thank you for the video! I realized after watching that when I throw my gun up, I see rib, so I need to bring the stock down. I appreciate the clear instructions on what shims do and how to realize what shims you need. Great video!

[@BeardedSeabee82]

Lmao "head like a 5 gallon bucket" you almost made me spit my coffee out this mornin, happy belated fathers day to you, was hot as hades throughout midwest as well

[@buffalosoutdoors]

LOL! It's true! I can't even wear a normal ball cap. That's why I am always wearing the only one I have that'll fit this big cabbage.

[@mrcjd2001]

Outstanding video as always! Came across it while looking for reviews on the G2 28 gauge. Mine came with shims, but does not mention them any where in the manual... Glad I came across your video! Will be trying this test out soon. Keep up the great work man!

[@Free-pw1xg]

Great explanation and entertaining as well! Didn’t know shims existed until I received my Tristar Cobra III Marine 12 gauge. As a lefty, this will help!! TY!!🇺🇸

[@chuckburling4033]

Thank you for the great video. I set my Tristar G2 28 gauge with the 65 and Cast Off and it throws up great. Will test tomorrow on some old tin I have around. It is great for patterning. I am so glad I didn't start with #50, 55, 60 only to realize 65 is the sweet spot. I am built a lot like you so I think that is the ticket. Many thanks.

[@jcm4590]

Outstanding job. This is the best video I've seen that demonstrates how to fit a shotgun with shims.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

I appreciate the feedback! Thank you!

[@Grandpadew]

This was an instructor quality video! Shimming was totally new to me, had no idea this process even existed. Nice job Buffalo

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you my friend! I appreciate that comment!

[@magnum3505]

Good job on all of your TriStar videos that I have watched .

[@IowaBuckSlayer]

Excellent demonstration and explanation. Thanks

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Glad you liked it! I hope it helps someone!

[@captainklr6508]

Well done Buffalo! A great presentation. Just what I needed.

[@LogosMediaII]

Thank you. I have the new Mossberg 940 JM Pro, and a CZ 712 - both came with shim kits. Have been wondering how to use them. Much to my surprise, at a trap shoot recently I learned that expensive shotguns were "fitted". That's when I started realizing what the shims were for on the more "budget" shotguns. The $15k Perazzi is a touch out of reach. Great tutorial.

[@tomlyons3563]

Can I just say this was a very informative video. I am looking at buying a beretta semi auto and I was worried about it fitting properly. Great to see good practice of gun safety and a very instructional and informative video

[@Huntress_NicoleMonica]

this has been the most informative shims video i have found. Thank you!!! I finally understand, i wanna go adjust my Benelli M2 now!

[@LaPabst]

Good job, been shooting pistol for years but just got the Trap/Skeet bug and need some set up... This will help. Thanks for taking the time.

[@jakespeed9419]

Happy fathers day to you too buffalo! Enjoy the rest of your day with the fam!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks! I sure did too, it was a nice day.

[@789295]

Good information put together better than I have witnessed before. Thanks for your time!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

I appreciate the comment, thank you!

[@rolandtd2048]

Thanks for the great info and the succinct manner in which you presented it. I just recently acquired a TriStar Viper G2 in 16 gauge, and it's nice to know I can make some custom fits.

[@jims9249]

Great demo. You can see after shimming that when you brought the shotgun to your shoulder that the camera was looking down the bore.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks! I was hoping that would show but I didn't know for sure if it would or not. I do know it makes a big difference on point of impact.

[@user-rd9tj4yh3e]

Great video, always wondered how the shims worked. Thank you , going to try it on my shotgun. 👍

[@outdoorswithroostercurrie6984]

This was SO INFORMATIONAL and INCREDIBLY HELPFUL.

[@johnt4060]

Thank you for the valuable information buffalo! I knew about shimming but I knew nothing about how to use them. Great video as always and Happy Father's Day!

[@johnt4060]

Can I use this as an excuse for poor shotgun skills?

[@buffalosoutdoors]

YES!! LOL It's as good as any I've ever heard!

[@kentwilliams4152]

Hey Buffalo - Another very good presentation! I have found that most shotguns stock dimensions are such that one can see the entire barrel or rib. Jack O’conner used to say that shotgun manufacturers stock their shotguns that-a-way to compensate for rising flushed birds or incoming ducks. FWIW

[@JunebugTexas1972]

Taking my hunter safety course online and needed to understand shims and came across your video. Enjoyed the video and learned the reason to use shims. :-)

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Awesome! Glad I was able to help!

[@chancetaylor8417]

Great, well taught lesson, I've heard of having custom shotguns fitted to you but never knew about shims for common models

[@buffalosoutdoors]

They are becoming more and more common and for good reason, they are a big help. Thanks for watching!

[@Natec_photo]

Favorite part. “The German torque, goodantight.” 😂 Awesome video. Didn’t even know this was really a thing until now and you bet I’ll be doing this with my new A400!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

It can make a big difference in your shooting, especially on those quick instinct shots.

[@johnterpack3940]

Yup, let out a genuine big laugh at that.

[@johnterpack3940]

Watched a video earlier about lining up a rifle scope that had a trick I never thought of, but which I think would be useful for this as well. The guy closed his eyes before mounting his face to the stock. His reasoning was that it put him in the natural, comfortable position he'd want to be in. Once mounted, he opened his eyes to see where the scope was. That eliminates any chance of making unconscious adjustments while mounting. I haven't tried it with my Mossberg yet. But I already know it's way off. I see more rib than my last trip to the barbecue joint.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Thank you. I'm not a new shooter but I am very new to shotguns, so this was a very helpful video. Thanks brother. God bless.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks for leaving the feedback! Much appreciated!

[@paoemantega8793]

Happy Father's day Buffalo - thank you for another great video

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you!

[@jeffjones5691]

I bought a Viper G2 12 gauge back in April and carried it to the skeet range. It seemed to shoot high so I was wondering about the shims. I too have a bucket head so I appreciate you making this video explaining the shims. Btw, I lost it with the German torque comment. 😂 Thanks!

[@revbikerbigd8664]

1st time I ever heard of this before, shimming! Thanks for the heads up!👍👍👍

[@buffalosoutdoors]

You're welcome!

[@gilbertcabanas2900]

Great info! really helps to understand making adjustments on your patterns.

[@ubermench1000]

Good stuff to know , and a likeable fella telling us about this stock shimming technique.

[@kengamble8595]

I've had a lot of scatter guns in my life but only had two that fit me right like you're saying ! If I had known about this shimming stuff........ I would have had more that fit ! 😊 I kinda got one of those bucket heads myself and I have a 20 gauge that is just begging for this treatment ! 😊 Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍 Oh, and happy Father's day to ya ! 😊

[@buffalosoutdoors]

If it fits it hits! Fit is more important than anything else. People get caught up on choke tubes and barrel lengths but fit is where the real gains are to be made and now that a lot of makers are including these shim kits with their shotguns us big headed folks can take advantage of it! LOL Have a great day!

[@UncleDanBand64]

Very good instructions. Good video brother. Happy Father's Day.

[@networkinc.6825]

Shootin' with Uncle Dan we meet again😉God bless you brother

[@wallyhaskett6737]

Very nice job! Thanks for the testing and explaining of shimming. Enjoyed!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@paulwhalen9069]

Been around a long time, been a skeet champion, used lots of different guns in my 73 years. Have many different brands form Benelli, to my newest G2 20ga. I have to admit I've never used shims. guess i just adapted to each gun. Tried the 55 shim, almost perfect. Then put the 65 in and I'll be damned no adjustment on my part needed, thanks from an old guy.

[@markkeplinger6218]

Very informative Buffalow. I never did this before. Thanks to you I will give it a try. Thanks!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@slimfire54]

Very good learning lesson.Great video Buffalo and Happy Father's Day.Thanks.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@johnanthony8874]

Great video man. Very detailed and helpful

[@ninorcsinned3465]

Man I love this channel! Didn't even know about this b4 the vid. Thanks Great job.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Awesome! Thanks for leaving that comment. It is nice when a video gets some positive feedback. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@randysmith8604]

Thank you. That explains very clearly how to set your shot gun for your self. Also is why i shoot under everything. Thanks again for the info.

[@michelcedrick]

Excellent video, very instructive and didactic. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

[@byrdfamily9818]

awesome video...never used the shims before, but I am going to now. Thanks

[@keith8687]

Happy father's day to you too buffalo!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@georgiaboy4410]

Nice shotty and those shims seemed to help a lot. Happy Father’s Day! 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks. They really do!

[@RiojaRoj]

How'dy....... here's an Update, got up this morning and Shimmed my Maxus thats been bugging me since I got a couple of months ago. Thanks ! for inspiring me to sort it out. Only took 5 minutes. Why didn't i do that before ! Forgot to take the measurement before I started,...doh. but with a No3 shim ( 1/16 thinner at the bottom ) its dropped the heel to 2 inches which is noticeably better when I mount the gun looking in a mirror. Unfortunately here the UK the neighbours n cops get pissed off wi people letting Rip with a 12 bore in urban areas, I'd have swat team on my ass in 2 minutes !!! 😂😂😂 Thanks Again, great advice Roj UK

[@mikedkc]

Sure enjoy your videos. Highly educational. Thank you Buffalo.

[@Dsdcain]

Happy father's day back at ya. Really great info in this video, very helpful. As always thanks for making this video and all the rest of them. Take it easy man. *:-)*

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you! Mase Man and I went to the lake and enjoyed the day after I recorded this video. Hope you had a great day as well!

[@northeastkentuckyoutdoors6455]

Another quality video keep it up, good information.

[@joelstark7081]

Another real good video,thanks Buffalo.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you! I appreciate the comment!

[@bhr4396]

Thank you for the great review, there were several points in the video that will be very useful to me. One question: you mentioned you were shooting the patterns from 16 yards. Why that distance? Thank you.

[@Mdwaterman]

Very well explained Nice work

[@mckwilly]

Learn sumpthin every day thx for sharing, happy Father's day to you too

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@borisbuliak3626]

Thanks for the info. It is important the shotgun fits.

[@Kaufeetimevideo]

Tristar does have some nice wood, most Turkish long guns the wood make other companies jealous. Thank you for making this informative video.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks and I agree.

[@greggwoods7173]

Very helpful video Buffalo.. Thanks!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback Gregg!

[@jtdundee]

Very good explanation - thank you!

[@grantatwood8579]

Great video helped me out a lot!

[@DA-zh9gi]

Nice information. Thanks for your effort.

[@mmc8830]

Great instructional video.

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

Great tutorial big guy! Thanks for the video 😁

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you!

[@fredmeebley]

Thanks for the demonstration. Good video.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you.

[@stevekeller8818]

Great stuff buffalo.happy father's day.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you!

[@endorphinder]

Great info and video! Thanks.

[@BOHEMIANHUNTINGCLUB]

Thats a good looking 410! I need to try shimming mine. Nice vid

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@sjbadalamente]

Great lesson! Thanks for the help

[@rollofire22]

Very good video, lots of good information !

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you for the comment! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@scrapguy6816]

Thanks. I learned alot that I had not known before. Appreciate the information.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

You're welcome! I am glad you enjoyed the video!

[@T.A.B.Videos]

Nice info Buff, didn't know it. Thanks

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks Don!

[@RiojaRoj]

Ditto ! as below...... I'm in exactly the same situation ! I'm consistently shooting high and before I get any tuition, thought I'd get the Fit Right first . Great Vid & Thanks 👍 notsosilentmajority1 Thank you. I'm not a new shooter but I am very new to shotguns, so this was a very helpful video. Thanks brother.

[@fryscountrylifechannel4437]

Excellent video thanks for sharing

[@michaeldelrossi4487]

Good information to use, thank you!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

You're welcome! Glad you found it useful!

[@vaughnprecision]

Very good information man.! Thank you

[@scottf.3808]

Happy Father's Day to you and your family too....Nice informative vid....Good stuff...

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks buddy! I forgot I was supposed to give myself a shout out! LOL I'll do it next video ;)

[@glockerbob]

Wow I really enjoyed this video. I am a shotgun shooter but not near as avid as pistol and rifle. Really learned a lot. Thanks friend.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Awesome my friend! I actually have more of a background in shotgunning that pistol and rifle but I truly enjoy all forms of shooting. It's always good to hear from ya!

[@TheYjmfan]

Excellent tutorial thanks.

[@hilltop-ob9bn]

Good information. Nice looking shotgun too. Thanks!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

THanks!

[@robbieandbeckie]

Thanks. Looking forward to the full review. How do you increase the length of pull on this model? Thinking about buying it and looks like the Vipers are only 14 1/4 LOP.

[@ely336]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing 👍🇺🇸😁

[@bradnat05]

Great video! Plan to try this on my Benelli Montefeltro and new A5 Sweet 16

[@buffalosoutdoors]

I've never seen an instance where shimming one to better fit didn't improve scores!

[@lesliewilson2347]

thanks for the video....that was very helpful

[@darrellcollins877]

very interesting. I have never heard of shimming a shotgun but it makes perfect sense. So you can teach an old dog new tricks ! Thanks

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks! Us old dogs gotta hang together!!! LOL

[@kentwilliams3326]

Great Buffalo, as usual!!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks, I appreciate the comment and I'm glad you enjoy the video! :)

[@forestrebock3545]

"I've got a head like a 5 gallon bucket". Wise words from a wise man.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

LOL! It's the truth too!

[@greglaborde8367]

Excellent video!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@OsorioMilton]

Very good info sir.

[@dannyakatrikerred7381]

Thank you for this. I don't know why, but I didn't know about shimming. I will be looking into dropping a couple of my stocks. I find that I'm turning my head sideways to get low enough to get the right sight picture. 👍🏻👍🏻. 🇺🇸😎

[@kengamble8595]

Danny AKA Triker Red Dang, I'm sure glad that you said that ! I'm sixty five years old, been shooting scatter guns most of my life.......... and didn't know about shims ! Don't feel so bad about it now ! 😊 Thanks Danny !

[@dannyakatrikerred7381]

Ken Gamble I'm 63 and never heard of this. I wonder how long this has been done? Cant find shims for my Mossbergs yet. If I cant find some I will consider making my own.

[@kengamble8595]

Danny AKA Triker Red First thing that came to me was making my own also ! 😊 I should be able to find some for my 870, but I might just give it a try on making them. Shouldn't be too hard.......... famous last words ! 😊

[@chrisb8154]

I've seen them included in the case for shotguns but I never knew what they were for. I think I'll have to try them out to get ready for duck season here in MO.

[@buffalosoutdoors]

More and more makers are including shims with new shotguns. Most semi autos these days seem to include them. If they are avialable for your gun they WILL make a difference! My sporting clays scores went up over 10 points after I shimmed that Beretta back in 04'. I am not kidding!

[@nebuchadnezzar6913]

Great video

[@jeffryrichardson9105]

Thank you! Happy Fathers day to you!👍🏾😀❤️🇺🇸

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you!

[@carlmott6124]

great video, thank you

[@cqpadovani]

Happy fathers day to you too!!!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

Thank you!

[@murlyn2]

Great job