A question or two about grip/stance

[Doc45]

If this isn't the proper place I apologize, mods please move.

In the over 45 years of shooting my own stance and grip have changed when it comes to handguns. A couple of years ago I noticed when it comes to the AR lots of the younger guys had shunned the vertical for grip on the rail and moved the support hand to virtually the end of the forend up to the front sight with the thumb pointing forward.

I've tried this style and frankly my wrist is at such an awkward an unnatural angle to actually be painful. In a confined quarters situation I find it even more difficult to use. I run my fvg at almost the very end of the rail (I have the Knights RAS on my 6920), this allows my support (left) arm to be at almost the same position as when using a two handed grip on my pistols. I feel I'm better able to clear corners, move around obstacles, get great hits on target, etc.

As for stance, I no longer stand straight on with the AR because I'm no longer wearing body armor but more at an angle and can lean into the carbine better for improved control especially during rapid fire.

Am I missing something? I'm very willing to change if it'll improve weapon control and marksmanship. Is it more useful in an open environment?

Thanks for helping this old guy out.

[HoneyBadger]

What I understand is that having your thumb over the top of the handguard allows you to pull the rifle back into your shoulder and control muzzle rise more effectively.

Disclaimer: I haven't been shooting for 45 years.

[Doc45]

Disclaimer: I haven't been shooting for 45 years.

Aw geez, another kid! LOL, thanks that makes some sense though I've never found the recoil on the AR hard to control. I'm more than willing to admit what I don't know, to try new things and to ask for advice. Without disparaging anyone using that form it seems to be more oriented to the competition world but won't use that to discount it's practical use. In many arenas ideas/actions used in competition prove their worth in the non-comp world in short order.

Thanks!

[Bailey Guns]

I've tried it...doesn't work for me and feels awkward. I do just fine the old way.

[Great-Kazoo]

Unfortunately my body doesn't respond to stances, while valid, young guns can do. Hell i put grip tape on the bathroom floor so i don't slip while taking a piss. Just wait kids, just wait.......

[ray1970]

I've tried it...doesn't work for me and feels awkward. I do just fine the old way.

Ditto.

[Gman]

I shoot the way I learned. I'm not inclined to change based on what works for some in competition today. There's something to consistency.

ETA: If it ain't broke....

[dan512]

The proof is in the pudding. Put yourself on a shot timer and see which grip yields faster follow up shots. It may take a little practice for the new grip to stop feeling super awkward.
Your point about things working differently in competition versus real life is valid. A grip that enables you to burn things down in competition may suck to try to hold all day.

[Great-Kazoo]

The proof is in the pudding. Put yourself on a shot timer and see which grip yields faster follow up shots. It may take a little practice for the new grip to stop feeling super awkward.
Your point about things working differently in competition versus real life is valid. A grip that enables you to burn things down in competition may suck to try to hold all day.

Not everyone is shooting competitively. Not everyone is physically capable of standing, laying prone, of shooting from cover the way you or other shooters do.

[DingleBerns]

I was trained in my rifle class the original way however near the end of the class they mentioned the thumb forward method. Unless I'm prone, I use thumb forward method now because I feel I can control muzzle rise and get follow up shots off faster.