Why do people chicken wing by default?

[Usmc0844spare]

I think it's because doing so creates a larger pocket for the butt of the rifle to reside in.

It's what my body naturally does, and I auto-correct it because of USMC. But honestly nobody ever told me why we SHOULDN'T chicken wing. I just automatically correct myself and tuck that elbow down.

[tony270]

It's how infantrymen are trained to shoot the M16 form the standing position, elbow parallel to the ground, a chicken wing...



More information here:

https://www.bevfitchett.us/rifle-marksmanship-m16a1/standing-firing-position.html

[therealnickb]

Like so many here, that’s how we were taught as kids. Batting was taught that way too. Right elbow up.

[CheapBloke]

Variances.

Length of Pull;
Cheek Weld Positioning;
Use of Shoulder Pocket for Support;
Comfort;
Military Service; etc.

guesstimator, opinionator, and commentator.

[SanDiego619]

Thanks all for the answers, I hope this thread didn't make even more people dislike me. I guess my chicken winging is not such a bad thing after all!

[tony270]

The standing position with parade sling:

https://www.bevfitchett.us/rifle-marksmanship/standing-position-with-the-parade-sling.html

[Endless]

There’s a difference between shooting a target at 300+ meters and a target on the other side of a doorway with body armor on.

Take an appleseed class. You’ll shoot chicken wing. Take a tactical carbine class, you’ll shoot squared up to your target with your elbows in and your stock collapsed.

Neither is wrong. The martial art of firearms is a lifelong learning journey. Have fun on your journey.

[emoji106][emoji631]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Exactly. You can throw in life is a lifelong learning process as well.

[monkeyfish]

California compliant grips force me to chicken wing. My wrist only rotates so far.

[LBDamned]

California compliant grips force me to chicken wing. My wrist only rotates so far.

I can't figure out how CA compliance forces chicken wing

I had several fin gripped rifles when I lived there... shot em same way as pistol grip, just with thumb on right side.

[monkeyfish]

I can't figure out how CA compliance forces chicken wing

I had several fin gripped rifles when I lived there... shot em same way as pistol grip, just with thumb on right side.

Aftermarket ones like Resurgent that allows you to get your thumb over it but is swept rearward a ton. I just can't get my elbow down without wrist pain.

[CheapBloke]

I can't figure out how CA compliance forces chicken wing



I had several fin gripped rifles when I lived there... shot em same way as pistol grip, just with thumb on right side.

It doesn't make sense.
It's like saying all long guns without pistol grip is forcing chicken wing.

guesstimator, opinionator, and commentator.

[high_revs]

i do this in trapshooting sometimes. but it makes the shotgun move a little too fast for my taste. it seems to help me move to target quicker but too quick at times.

[Flintlock Tom]

[Killer Bee]

everyone's a critic LoL seems like there's no end, always someone trying to reinvent the wheel..

best form is whatever is natural for the shooter to maintain control and accuracy..

although we train shooters basic posture for different positions, it's not one-size-fits-all..

body type, size, flexibility, etc. are factors that need to be considered..

to think, I've been doing it wrong all these years

hasty sling and chicken wing!



or chicken wing, hold the sling

[monkeyfish]

It doesn't make sense.
It's like saying all long guns without pistol grip is forcing chicken wing.

guesstimator, opinionator, and commentator.

I'm not saying it does for everyone but it does for me. Elbow down feels natural to me on an AR with pistol grip. But with my resurgent grip and arthritis It is far more comfortable for me to get my elbow out.