odd rifle grip/position

masraum · 10-11-2009, 07:20 PM

I saw a couple of episodes of Lock n Load with R Lee Ermey this weekend (swords and ammo). In the ammo episode, he fired several rifles, and several times (but not every time) I saw him holding a rifle with the support hand "backwards".

Can anyone explain the purpose to me. I'd never seen it before, but I'm sure there's got to be a reason. I don't think he'd be doing it if it was pointless.

This is the only picture that I could find of someone using it.

HardDrive · 10-11-2009, 07:25 PM

Better wrist position to support a heavy rifle?

legion · 10-11-2009, 07:27 PM

I noticed that too.

I also noticed that when he had that grip, he usually had his elbow against his body. I figured it was done to make for a more steady shooting stance.

BTW, I thought it was funny when he got "scope eye" when shooting the Barrett.

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

That is a pretty typical stance for someone who knows what they are doing shooting standing unsupported. The idea is to have skeletal support for the rifle, rather than holding it with muscles.

Some info, and a link to an excellent article here:

Good Article on Standing Position « AccurateShooter.com Bulletin

On edit: The "backwards" hand position is personal preference, and can be influenced by the shape of the rifle and the build of the shooter. I have seen competitive shooters face their hand both directions, (as well as parallel with the barrel), rest the rifle on their fist, grip the front and/or bottom of the magazine on a service rifle (AR15/M1A) and even in the palm on match rifles set up with a palm rest.

masraum · 10-12-2009, 03:44 AM

Thanks.

m21sniper · 10-12-2009, 07:37 AM

Matter of preference. There are many "correct" techniques one can use for off-hand shooting.

targa911S · 10-12-2009, 07:42 AM

You brace the elbow against your chest. Sight your target, and count as you breath 1,2,3, the crosshairs will rise and fall with your normal breathing. Your target should be in the cross hairs at 2, breath normal and fire on 2. works every time for me.

m21sniper · 10-12-2009, 08:02 AM

I hold my breath while shooting, and shoot between heartbeats.

BlueSkyJaunte · 10-12-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m21sniper

I hold my breath while shooting, and shoot between heartbeats.

Absolute necessity if you're on medication that jacks up your blood pressure.

(Don't ask...)

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

Absolute necessity if you're on medication that jacks up your blood pressure.

(Don't ask...)

Absolutely necessary, no matter what medication you take.
Held half-breath, between heartbeat.

BlueSkyJaunte · 10-12-2009, 10:50 AM

Fair enough.

You should see how much the crosshairs jump when my heart throws a PVC!!