[Jeff Higgins]

Same here. I think it just bounces too much. It seems a bit of "damping" action provided by grasping the forearm works best for me. Then, from there, it really doesn't matter how I'm bracing my left forearm/wrist/hand, or if I'm bracing it at all, the point of impact remains the same. That's what's really important in field shooting.

Reminds me of several experiences I've had on my club rifle range over the years. We have very solid concrete benches, with target stands at 100, 200, and 300 yards. I'm a fairly competent benchrest shooter (although not competitive with the serious match guys) and I understand the principle. I can shoot teeny weeny groups with my "varmint" rifles all day long using the classic benchrest technique. But, well, sometimes I need to check zero, or maybe I'm trying a new load in one of my "big game" rifles. Like really "big" game...

So I've had occasion to be the recipient of others' "expert" advice on proper benchrest technique, when I'm working with one of my beloved .375 H&H Magnums, or better yet, my .458 Winchester Magnum. I grab the forearms on those rifles for all I'm worth, especially the .458. I actually wrap my fingers around the top of the barrel with that one, in a futile effort to keep it from ripping right out of my hand. If I can at least slow it down when it tries to do that, it doesn't pivot up as much on my shoulder, so it doesn't leave as big of a bruise on my cheek.

Plenty of these "experts" have told me "you will shoot smaller groups if you don't hold the forearm like that". Uh huh...

I've had some somewhat evil fun with a few of those guys over the years. "Here, show me. I really don't know what I'm doing here. Any help would be much appreciated".

And you know what? Every one of them came away agreeing that holding the forearm is the thing to do with those rifles. Ultimate group size be damned...