culata

Culata is a Spanish noun that refers to the butt or stock of a firearm—the rear portion of a rifle or shotgun that rests against the shooter's shoulder. In Spanish-language manuals and discussions, culata is the standard term for this part, distinguishing it from other components such as the barrel (cañón) or the chamber.

The culata provides the shooter’s contact point with the firearm and plays a key role in aiming, balance, and recoil management. It can influence accuracy through its fit and contour, including how firmly the firearm rests against the shoulder and how well the cheek aligns with the sights. Variations in culatas include fixed stocks and detachable or modular designs, as well as features such as cheek rests, buttplates or recoil pads, and adjustments for length of pull or cheek height.

Materials used for culatas range from traditional wood to modern polymers and composites, with designs tailored to purpose, whether for hunting, sport shooting, or military use. Some stocks are ambidextrous, offering reversible or adjustable features to accommodate left- or right-handed shooters, and folding or collapsible configurations may be found in more compact or tactical models.

In English-language firearm discourse, culata is sometimes used as a loanword to describe the stock when referring to Spanish- or Latin American-made firearms, though the more common English terms are stock or butt. See also stock (firearm), butt, recoil pad, and cheek rest.