How Do You Hold Your "Stick?"

**Stickman** · 04-23-19, 13:26

Originally Posted by Failure2Stop

All depends on what I'm doing.
The way I grip the gun is different when I'm anticipating multiple moving close-range lethal threats than when I'm shooting at a stationary target at long range with no real time pressure.
The first requires as much recoil management as possible with the ability move rapidly and transition targets quickly.
The latter requires stability and predictable sight wobble.
Task drives technique.

Thank you. You just saved me from writing up the exact same thing.

Much like the question of how to hold a flashlight (with pistol), there are a lot of different ways to hold one when clearing a house, and I float back and forth between a myriad of them while doing building search/ seizures. The same answer exists when shooting a rifle/ carbine. There is no "one way" to hold or grip. There are various methods to employ while doing various taskings. It is up to the individual to figure what works best for the scenario they are facing. Do you shoot roll over prone/ urban prone the same way you shoot prone supported? Of course not, even though you are on the ground for each, the mannerisms are unique.

**Doc Safari** · 04-23-19, 13:30

Originally Posted by Stickman

Thank you. You just saved me from writing up the exact same thing.

Much like the question of how to hold a flashlight (with pistol), there are a lot of different ways to hold one when clearing a house, and I float back and forth between a myriad of them while doing building search/ seizures. The same answer exists when shooting a rifle/ carbine. There is no "one way" to hold or grip. There are various methods to employ while doing various taskings. It is up to the individual to figure what works best for the scenario they are facing. Do you shoot roll over prone/ urban prone the same way you shoot prone supported? Of course not, even though you are on the ground for each, the mannerisms are unique.

Sooooo, are you going to share your technique(s) with us?

**Pappabear** · 04-23-19, 13:56

I don't like my arm way out on the gun either. I do like a stubby fore grip or I really like the finger stop from Arisaka. Shoulders hunched down, elbows down....

PB

**markm** · 04-23-19, 14:08

Originally Posted by Doc Safari

I just could never get the hang of the technique of holding your off-hand as far out on the handguard as possible.

That gayness actually isn't as bad as I thought... as far as steady hold. I however haven't really put much effort into it.... nor do I wear womens' underwear.

I was taught a "baricade" technique, but I could never get good at it... kind of a high powerish standing thing. We mostly just shoot off hand using a position fairly close to a close range stance.

**Doc Safari** · 04-23-19, 14:15

Originally Posted by markm

That gayness actually isn't as bad as I thought... as far as steady hold. I however haven't really put much effort into it.... nor do I wear womens' underwear.

I was taught a "baricade" technique, but I could never get good at it... kind of a high powerish standing thing. We mostly just shoot off hand using a position fairly close to a close range stance.

I exchanged emails with a trainer one time. Sorry I have racked my brain and cannot remember which one. He's the one that turned me on to keeping your elbows close to your torso and holding the carbine further back on the handguard. The theory is you don't fatigue as quickly as you do holding your off-hand further out.

**TomMcC** · 04-23-19, 16:14

Originally Posted by Failure2Stop

All depends on what I'm doing.
The way I grip the gun is different when I'm anticipating multiple moving close-range lethal threats than when I'm shooting at a stationary target at long range with no real time pressure.
The first requires as much recoil management as possible with the ability move rapidly and transition targets quickly.
The latter requires stability and predictable sight wobble.
Task drives technique.

IDK...I use the same stance for both (although I've never shot at a person). The only difference is how much time I spend acquiring the target. I assumed we were talking about our general run of the mill shooting while standing stance.

**Failure2Stop** · 04-23-19, 16:29

Originally Posted by TomMcC

IDK...I use the same stance for both (although I've never shot at a person). The only difference is how much time I spend acquiring the target. I assumed we were talking about our general run of the mill shooting while standing stance.

Here's a really good open source reference:
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_p...INAL%20WEB.pdf

**MegademiC** · 04-23-19, 19:14

I hold a bit out on the rail/foregrip fir close targets, body shouts to 100 or so.

Skeletal structure support with sling for more precision when needed.