diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
index 13970ee13..61bed46f7 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/worldimp.cpp
@@ -1074,6 +1074,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
         osg::Quat rot = osg::Quat(posdata.rot[0], osg::Vec3f(-1,0,0)) * osg::Quat(posdata.rot[2], osg::Vec3f(0,0,-1));
 
         osg::Vec3f pos = ptr.getRefData().getPosition().asVec3();
+        osg::Vec3f halfExtents = mPhysics->getHalfExtents(ptr);
 
         if (ptr == getPlayerPtr())
             pos = getActorHeadTransform(ptr).getTrans(); // special cased for better aiming with the camera
@@ -1082,11 +1083,12 @@ namespace MWWorld
             // general case, compatible with all types of different creatures
             // note: we intentionally do *not* use the collision box offset here, this is required to make
             // some flying creatures work that have their collision box offset in the air
-            osg::Vec3f halfExtents = mPhysics->getHalfExtents(ptr);
             pos.z() += halfExtents.z() * 2 * 0.75;
-            distance += halfExtents.y();
         }
 
+        // the origin of hitbox is an actor's front, not center
+        distance += halfExtents.y();
+
         std::pair<MWWorld::Ptr,osg::Vec3f> result = mPhysics->getHitContact(ptr, pos, rot, distance, targets);
         if(result.first.isEmpty())
             return std::make_pair(MWWorld::Ptr(), osg::Vec3f());