New gun fitting questions

[pd]

I bought a new hunting rifle a few months ago.  I was very fortunate to get a rifle that I had long wanted--and at a great price.  I have outfitted it with a scope that I like, and I have started shooting it at the range.  The rifle performs as I expected, and I am very happy with the package. 

I have slowly come to realize, however, that the fit of the rifle is not correct for me.  There are problems in each of the four key areas of fit (pull length, grip to trigger distance, natural grip, and cheek weld).  The end result is an unnatural cocking of my neck to capture the field of view in the riflescope.

I realize that this question is a little bit late (should have thought of this when I bought the rifle, right?), but here goes.  How do I go about "fitting" the rifle, now that I have already bought it? 

I am not interested in selling the rifle--I want to make it work.  Do I go to a gun smith?  To a custom builder?  What is the profession that can help me solve this problem?

I am in Kitsap county, but can easily drive to Tacoma/Seattle/Everett.  Please give me some advice.

[JLS]

Find someone that does custom stock work.

[mrolen]

what type of rifle is it and what stock is it sitting in?

[pd]

what type of rifle is it and what stock is it sitting in?

Sako A7.  Synthetic stock.

[mrolen]

I think with the coating on that stock your probably only going to be able to adjust the length of pull. the best option is probably to find an aftermarket stock that will fit you.

[thinkingman]

Is the scope height/eye relief correct?
Changing scope mounts is an easy place to start.

[pd]

Is the scope height/eye relief correct?
Changing scope mounts is an easy place to start.

This gets to the heart of my question: What type of professional helps a customer with such problems?  I have never had to do this before, and I just don't know where to go. 

I am reluctant to go to your friendly big box gun retailer.  I just don't have confidence that the guys/gals behind the counter have the knowledge and expertise to find a solution.  It might simply be a need for taller scope mounts.  Or, perhaps an extension of the butt stock.  But who does this type of thing for a living?  Where do I go?

[JLS]

Go to someone who does stock work and they can put in spacers to lengthen your LOP.  They can also tell you if you simply need taller scope mounts, or if you need to alter your stock by adding a cheek pad, or taking some off.

[JLS]

What kind of scope and what kind of mounts/rings?  I like to have my scopes as close to the top of the receiver as possible, yet still allowing the bolt to function unhindered.

[pd]

Go to someone who does stock work and they can put in spacers to lengthen your LOP.  They can also tell you if you simply need taller scope mounts, or if you need to alter your stock by adding a cheek pad, or taking some off.

Thank you.

[RadSav]

Without going to a custom stock maker I only know of two mfg that have drop ins for the A7.  Those would be Bell & Carlson and McMillian.  And I wouldn't really call the B&C a drop in-as they are usually quite sloppy.

Adding LOP is easily done yourself with plexiglass sheeting from Lowes.  But if you are not experienced in figuring out what that length of pull is you are trying to find you might be working for not.

I agree with JLS.  If you are not sure go to someone who knows.  I highly recommend Kesslerings if you want guys in the know that will take care of you right.  Plus, is there ever a bad reason to go to Kesslerings?  I've never heard of one   One of my favorite adult toy stores.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Your in Kitsap. Have you talked to Ed Lapure? Master gunsmith. One of the best!

http://edlapourgunsmithing.com/

[pd]

Your in Kitsap. Have you talked to Ed Lapure? Master gunsmith. One of the best!

http://edlapourgunsmithing.com/

No, I have never talked to him.  As I said above, I have never run into this problem before, so I don't know where to start with an inquiry (that is the point of this post!).

Thank you for the recommendation.  I will call Mr. Lapure tomorrow.