What is the best left hand position for a right handed shooter? Being new I'm trying to figure out the best way without starting any bad habits. I'm sure there are lots of preferences by each shooter. Thanks.

jjp, on this side of the berm I will refrain from answering that question in a less than serious way.
I shoot open palm with the forearm of the stock balanced on my index and middle fingers, and the thumb on the bottom of the trigger guard. It gives me a little more elevation of the the entire rig.
The split finger method is popular, also. In the past when shooting position I used to make a fist and balance the flat part of the stock just forward of the trigger guard on my finger knuckles and the bottom of the trigger guard on a portion of the base of the palm almost to my wrist.

As with many things in this sport, what is most comfortable for you and provides the least amount of muscle strain/use is the better way. Don't hesitate to try different ways, with different rifles and always give it enough time to really see if it works for you.

Mary

Innocent wrote:jjp, on this side of the berm I will refrain from answering that question in a less than serious way.
I shoot open palm with the forearm of the stock balanced on my index and middle fingers, and the thumb on the bottom of the trigger guard. It gives me a little more elevation of the the entire rig.
The split finger method is popular, also. In the past when shooting position I used to make a fist and balance the flat part of the stock just forward of the trigger guard on my finger knuckles and the bottom of the trigger guard on a portion of the base of the palm almost to my wrist.

As with many things in this sport, what is most comfortable for you and provides the least amount of muscle strain/use is the better way. Don't hesitate to try different ways, with different rifles and always give it enough time to really see if it works for you.

Mary

Thanks Mary, I've been using the first method you mentioned. Didn't know if that was a bad thing.

After I typed the post title I thought it might get funny.

jjp wrote:After I typed the post title I thought it might get funny.

There is some potential here, but as Mary said, this side of the Berm I'll exercise restraint...

i'm going to try putting the webbing between the thumb / index finger in front of the triggergaurd, applying rearward pressure to sternly plant the butt into the shoulder. will also try to keep the elbow up bracing the bottom of the stock from the webbing to the wrist, and then trying with the elbow tucked in to my side using the webbing between the thumb and index like a "Y" stick.

I am glad Mary kept it clean on this side. I'm sur many of us could have lots of fun with it.

jjp, Like you I'm new to this game too with just one match under my belt. I've tried to be serious about creating a good foundation to build off of. The best thing I have done is watch and talk to other shooters, especially the AAA and master shooters. Body geometry also seems to be a big factor on hold style. When I statred I was supporting my left arm against my chest and supporting the stock just in front of the trigger gaurd with the palm of my left hand. In this position breathing, upper body and hip movment really affected what little hold I can maintain. I've since figured out how to plant my left elbow on my hip, bone-to-bone. This took some practice and was awkward for a while but has since become "almost" natural. In this position, to get the proper elevation I put my left thumb on the trigger gaurd and the first three fingers on the stock just ahead of the magazine. I now find I don't tire holding the rifle. My hold on target has improved a lot and I can even take shallow breaths in hold without excessive movement. Now if I can just convince those pesky critters to slow down!

J-