There’s not much that will create an argument more than asking “What is the best firing stance and grip?” in a forum of AR shooters. While everyone has an opinion and many feel their’s is the only one that counts I’ll give you my quick answer – “The one that you are comfortable with and allows rounds to be sent down range – accurately.”
Pretty simple.
Several years ago I heard of this method competition shooters were using to control recoil and shoot very accurately – called the “C-Clamp”. I tried and hated it. Man – it felt so uncomfortable. I preferred to hold the magazine well however I just could not control recoil well and get multiple rounds on target quickly. I had signed up for a defensive carbine and pistol course from Wolf-Fire Firearms Training and decided to try the C-Clamp again. I used it throughout the class and it really grew on me. Now, this is the primary method I use for shooting the AR.
The video below gives some perspective on the “thumb over bore” and explains my position on it well. I agree with this guy 100%.
I stopped reading as soon as I read “The one that you are comfortable with and allows rounds to be sent down range – accurately.”
Spot on.
I went through SFAUC ages ago and then taught it during the years following 9/11. Afterwards, I settled into my own routine that worked for me. Yes, there are bad habits you HAVE to deal with or they’ll never shoot well (try shooting a pistol while moving with a weaver stance for example). Some grab the front of the trigger guard, some don’t. Some cross a thumb, some don’t. If they are shooting accurately, we leave ’em alone.
Teach the principles, correct the bad habits and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Let the arguments be done.
I’m with you Rourke. I’ve always hated this grip. I’m glad it works for some people, but it’s not for me. I find a more stable and sustainable platform with the well grip or supported elbow in the ribs. It allows me to keep on target or reacquire if I change positions or what not. Especially, since I have a 3-point sling that allows me to drop the rifle and grab my pistol.
Any gripping of the forend is a C-Clamp hold by definition. Having your support arm forward on the forend does stabilize the rifle for longer shots. While using the mag well may be better in some cases for CQB, its does not offer good support for long distance shots. The point is your tactics need to be fluid and adaptable to the environment your working in. So, don’t get stuck on which one works better all around, but learn more than one way to fight in your every changing environment.