Proper rifle technique?

[SpookyPistolero]

Rifle technique question:

What force do you apply with your strong hand and with your support hand? Which does 'modern technique' suggest we use to pull towards our shoulder, and which to control the muzzle?

I've read that the strong hand (at the trigger) should be relaxed, and the support hand should apply a small amount of rearward force and largely support aiming. I've also read somewhat the opposite, that the strong hand pulls the rifle in tight and the support hand only points the muzzle.

I'm trying to use a bit of the 'magpul' technique, with a rapier style support hold and distal use of an AFG (as far up, anyway, as a midlength MOE fore-end will allow).

Oh, second question: Is it better to tilt your head slightly to get a cheek weld but keep the butt in the cuff of the shoulder, or to pull the rifle a little more towards the center of the body and keep the head more upright? The latter feels more appropriate and lets me make better hits, it seems.

Thoughts?

[rickp]

the amount of force should like a warm hand shake. I only apply enough force to control recoil, no more no less. If you use too much muscle tension you'll start to get the shakes IMO.

As for the head, I like to keep the weapon in the pocket. If I'm wearing body armor with plates then i might bring it in a bit more to get solid contact with the stock.
I also bring the weapon to my head not the head to the weapon.
If you look at the Chris Costa (magpul) he looks all hunched over, I dont' like that, I don't think it's natural and during extended periods of time it adds fatigue to the upper body IMO. But that's me.

It's all about what works for you, what you're comfortable with and can be consistent with.

R.

[Ash Hess]

As Rick said firm Handshake grip, slight pull with support hand. I keep head level and both eyes open.
i shot from the slightly bladed "Fighting stance" and lean foreward until everything lines up. If I must shoot from Iso, I raise the weapon slightly in the pocket but not enough that the tube clears my shoulder. Keep in mind the pocket is formed after your firing hand is up. My stock rests just below my collar bone. The forward lean also helps me during recoil
I use this because of the Amazing design of the Army's body armor and its build. The MOE stock fits nicely beside the Plate.

[coloccw]

The latter feels more appropriate and lets me make better hits, it seems.

You answered the second question right there...

[bkb0000]

as with all things shooting related... for all hands: firm, but not straining.

[SpookyPistolero]

I may not have phrased my question quite right; it's more about direction than strength. Push/pull versus only support, etc.

[Failure2Stop]

The firing hand should apply enough rearward pressure to seat the rifle and hold it on target without needing the support hand.
The support hand is primarily responsible for minor transitions (those that do not require a torso shift), but adds a bit more rearward pressure to keep the stock firmly affixed to the shoulder during firing.

Head- the more upright you can keep it the better. A slight cant of the shoulders should put the stock and sights at the right place. There is no need to be "isosceles square" to the direction of fire as long as the position is aggressive and flexible.

[SpookyPistolero]

Ah, precisely what I was hunting for. Many thanks! I'm off to dry fire a few thousand times now...

[mick610]

Distance to the target and the type of accuracy needed can dictate your hold as well.
Moving, up close is a little easier with the gun centered on your body
but when shooting farther, I like going back to the shoulder and blading the target so I can drop the left elbow or put it in a "Hasty sling" and tighten up on the gun.

[rickp]

Distance to the target and the type of accuracy needed can dictate your hold as well.
Moving, up close is a little easier with the gun centered on your body
but when shooting farther, I like going back to the shoulder and blading the target so I can drop the left elbow or put it in a "Hasty sling" and tighten up on the gun.

What?!?!?!?!?!?

No offense, but unless I'm understanding this wrong, this is wrong. You're rifle position shouldn't change unless the cover you're using prevents you from obtaining a good solid contact.