Proper levergun shooting form

[KentuckyLevrgunr]

I'd imagine most all of us have heard that rifles with two piece stocks shoot more consistently when the forearm is firmly grasped. The only problem I have with this is that I was taught to shoot a rifle in the old military style, with my supporting hand as close to the trigger gaurd as possible. In your experience, does a lever action rifle shoot less accurately or to a different POI if the supporting hand is not on the forearm?

[J Miller]

I think I've shot my lever guns in about every way one can over the last 40+ years.

I've really found no great difference in firmly grasping the forearm or holding it up close to the trigger guard. I think in "my" case I use the forearm hold most.

Me and the Marlin.JPG

Kinda like this.

Joe

[Pete44ru]

IMHO, It's more important that the rifle be pulled firmly BACK into the shoulder with pressure at both the rear of the lever/loop and from the forearm - with NO part of the rifle touching anything except a part of the shooter's body (face/hands/shoulder).

They're built differently than a boltgun, and shouldn't be shot in the same manner.

.

[shawn_c992001]

I mostly grip the front of the frame where the forearm touches. With this I don't put any pressure or torque on the barrel. I have also put my left hand on a tree and supported as far up the barrel as possible by laying the mag tube on my thumb. I haven't noticed any change in accuracy.

[76/444]

I pretty much have had the same results as above,... different positions did not result in change in accuracy. Bench rest is a whole other game,... but I don't bench shoot my levers. At the most I'll use shooting sticks out past 100 yds.

But I do find I am a little more consistent if I place my hand in the same place for every shot, when physically possible. Which is why I carved out that spot on my fore end. I also carved a little ledge to hook my thumb on,.. for a nice firm snug hold. Plus I like a thinner grip,... on my lever/trigger hand as well.

[willygene]

I cant find a difference no matter how i hold the rifle as far as accuracy goes just the ability to chamber another round might be affected.

[FWiedner]

I try not to touch the rifle at all. I use my psychic will to hold the gun in place. My hands are just a conduit to allow the force of my will to flow. I don't actually "aim" either. The force determines where my bullets fly.

Whether I'm on the bench or in a field position, I try to get the same stock-weld and sight picture, with the but of the rifle securely in the pocket of my shoulder.

On the bench, I rest the receiver on the bag. In a field position, I use my forward hand as a support on the forearm of the rifle.

IMO, the consistency of the sight picture, wherever your hands may be, is the defining factor.

[Buck Elliott]

Extending the support arm, out enough to grasp the middle part of the forearm gives you better lateral control of the rifle, whatever the action type. You will find it easier to track moving targets, and it induces a better-balanced shooting stance.

The "close-in" off-hand support position is fine for .22 gallery competition, but mostly useless in the field.

[AJMD429]

Extending the support arm, out enough to grasp the middle part of the forearm gives you better lateral control of the rifle, whatever the action type. You will find it easier to track moving targets, and it induces a better-balanced shooting stance.

The "close-in" off-hand support position is fine for .22 gallery competition, but mostly useless in the field.

Yep. I like the 'palm just in front of trigger guard' stance for the format target range, or to get a feel for a gun, but it isn't too useful for field conditions (potentially moving targets).