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Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

rtr

Sergeant
Minuteman
Oct 29, 2008
211
24
Colorado
I have a McMillan A4 and for the life of me can't find a good position for my strong hand that lets me execute what I think is good trigger control.

Can anyone describe or post a picture of what works for them on an A4, or A2, A3, A5?
 
Re: Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

Try this:

Start with the trigger, and build the hand position around THAT.

1 - Start with your finger in the proper position, and at the proper angle to pull the trigger straight to the rear.

2 - Leave that right where it is. Build your hand position AROUND that without alteration or compromise of #1 in the slightest bit.

3 - Resist the temptation to wrap your thumb all the way around the narrows of the grip. Keep the thumb high and on the center line if possible. You don't want the thumb working against the index finger.

If it works, make it yours. Please let me know how that turns out either way.

--Fargo007
 
Re: Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

Lowlight either started or contributed to a thread on this very subject a while back with videos. The Snipers Hide Google search funtion is your friend.
 
Re: Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

Thanks for the suggestions Fargo, I will try them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lowlight either started or contributed to a thread on this very subject a while back with videos. The Snipers Hide Google search funtion is your friend.
</div></div>

Guess my search fu is weak, haven't been able to find it. Got a link?
 
Re: Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

I place my thumb centered along the right side of the tang (right handed), works for me and feeling the right edge of the tang centered under my thumb allows a repeatable index.
 
Re: Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

I experimented some and found that having my right thumb on the side of the stock seemed to work best. Putting it anywhere on top of the stock felt like I had to stretch it too much and screwed up my trigger control.
 
Re: Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

This is what was shown to me and it worked well with my A4. The finger tips of your last three fingers press straight back into the grip, your thumb lays parallel to barrel and your trigger finger comes into contact with the trigger at a right angle.

IMG_0419-1.jpg


IMG_0418-1.jpg


Your grip on the rifle isn't diminished by not wrapping your thumb over or on top.
 
Re: Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

Thanks for those pics Garddog, that is roughly what I was trying. I have an AICS inbound but will shoot the A4 a little more before I decide if I'm going to switch.
 
Re: Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

So I tried this technique some more on my A4 and then on my AICS and it seems like the biggest problem with it is recoil management. If I grip the gun with my strong hand and wrap the thumb around I can control the recoil better then if I do what is pictured above. Is my idea of recoil control screwed up or am I missing something about this technique?
 
Re: Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

If you are controlling recoil with your trigger hand on the grip, yes your idea of recoil control is screwed up.

Managing recoil is from support and position, trigger control is all the trigger hand should be doing.

That's my opinion, maybe worth exactly what you paid for it....
 
Re: Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are controlling recoil with your trigger hand on the grip, yes your idea of recoil control is screwed up.

Managing recoil is from support and position, trigger control is all the trigger hand should be doing.

That's my opinion, maybe worth exactly what you paid for it.... </div></div>

This thread is all about learning for me so I appreciate the input. Anyone care to give tips on what the strong hand should be doing?
 
Re: Strong hand position on McMillan stocks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rtr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Anyone care to give tips on what the strong hand should be doing? </div></div>

Do this.... Start at the first step in building your shooting position and take each step as a building block. If your strong hand is Step D, but steps A-C aren't correct, you will still have issues.

Do yourself a favor... Seek the tutoring of one of the Pro's from Dover or find a shooting buddy that can critique your shooting position. If those aren't viable options, if you get someone to take pictures of your positions, there are some folks here that can even offer advice based on those.

As mentioned in my Client Review thread, I hit a plateau, where doing my best to self teach had run it's course. There is no shame in drawing in outside assistance or training to better your game. Bad habits are hard to overcome and starting off on the right foot will save you a lot of heartache.