Why do people chicken wing by default?

[HibikiR]

The angle of the grip on an AR might have something to do with it too, but modern and more vertical grips like the Magpul K series helps with that.

[LBDamned]

The angle of the grip on an AR might have something to do with it too, but modern and more vertical grips like the Magpul K series helps with that.

I shoot all long guns elbow down (pistol grip or not)... it was never a conscious decision - its just what feels natural.

[drclark]

Could be people who started shooting with a non pistol-grip stock rifle or shotgun want to naturally shoot with elbow out?

For me, I notice holding my mini14 feels more comfortable with firing hand elbow at about 45 degrees vs tucking it down. But when holding an AR elbow tucked is more natural. Think it has to do with the angle of your wrist and thumb as you grip the rifle. Depending on what style of rifle you usually shoot, one way or the other probably gets stored in muscle memory.

[SanDiego619]

Could be people who started shooting with a non pistol-grip stock rifle or shotgun want to naturally shoot with elbow out?

For me, I notice holding my mini14 feels more comfortable with firing hand elbow at about 45 degrees vs tucking it down. But when holding an AR elbow tucked is more natural. Think it has to do with the angle of your wrist and thumb as you grip the rifle. Depending on what style of rifle you usually shoot, one way or the other probably gets stored in muscle memory.

I think you're onto something... your post made me remember that when I was a young'n I spent a lot of time shooting a BB rifle, a long one with no pistol grip. I would hold my elbow out, and lots of times I was prone.

[Killer Bee]

with regards to vertical grips - where is your elbow when you grip a handgun? touching your chest?

how do you pick up a beer bottle? elbow touching your chest?

I'm average build with 14" forearms 17" biceps - my elbows don't ever touch my chest without shrugging my shoulders or twisting my arm, neither of which is a natural position for me ..

after 20 years in the .mil might be a toss up for number of times I mounted a rifle vs number of beers hoisted but either way, grip is very similar and I like to keep things simple

[SanDiego619]

with regards to vertical grips - where is your elbow when you grip a handgun? touching your chest?

how do you pick up a beer bottle? elbow touching your chest?

I'm average build with 14" forearms 17" biceps - my elbows don't ever touch my chest without shrugging my shoulders or twisting my arm, neither of which is a natural position for me ..

after 20 years in the .mil might be a toss up for number of times I mounted a rifle vs number of beers hoisted but either way, grip is very similar and I like to keep things simple

You know what's funny? I just did a test. I picked up my coffee cup and took a sip, lo and behold, my elbow was pointed straight out sideways. Interesting.

[therealnickb]

You know what's funny? I just did a test. I picked up my coffee cup and took a sip, lo and behold, my elbow was pointed straight out sideways. Interesting.

[Killer Bee]

this episode was on earlier, instantly reminded me of this thread LoL

Lucas teaching a young man how to shoot, even lifting his chicken wing up high and proud

[The Gleam]

Here you go... tell this guy he's doing it wrong.

Just happened to be one of the most accomplished, if not THE most accomplished rifleman that ever lived.

That would be Carlos Hathcock. It's simply a sing of the times, but if it is something truly done instinctively, it may warrant examining why.

[hambam105]

If the rest of you can shoot like them, I wouldn't care if the whole darn Department was Chicken Wing.