Left hand position

[tedfl]

What are your thoughts on the position of the left hand ,for a right hand shooter, and what advantage does one position have over the other? I have seen several pictures, in smallbore shooting, where the same person is using different left hand positions.

When I shoot off of a closed fist, the chickens and pigs are fine but I seem to be less steady on the longer targets and in the wind than when I set the forearm on the fleshy part of my hand between the thumb and fingers. However; I then tend to grip the forearm if things are not going well.
Tedfl

[ajj]

I don't hesitate to ask for advice so I'll go right ahead and try to give some with the understanding that this is just my limited experience.
Take a look at the Sierra ads featuring Derek Greenaway. The Sierra website is a good place. Don't let the fact that he's a lefty confuse you. :grin:  That's how I've been trying to hold the rifle for the last three years after first trying everything else. I got an immediate improvement in my shooting when I put the rifle on my palm. I was much more comfortable and relaxed. I think it gives the most solid position, both gun on the hand and upper arm on the ribs. Don't worry about gripping the forend. That's a good thing sometimes, especially with the hunter.
I supported the rifle on my fingertips for a few seasons. I think the point of that is to raise the rifle so you don't have to bend your head to see through the scope. Rifle on palm is much steadier for me. I've seen Winstead and a few others shoot the heavy rifle off the closed fist. Doesn't work for me.
Bottom line is to do whatever is necessary to get comfortable but don't be afraid to experiment. Good luck and good shooting.

[chunter]

It has been said that a shooter should hold the gun so that it rests on the skeletal structure.  Bones will not fatigue like muscles.  The fist and the palm, and variations on these, allow the gun to rest directly on the bone structure and you have less of a problem with muscle fatigue.  

I personally started out using my fingertips, due to the fact that it raised the rifle inline with my head.  However, after moving to the palm I have found that my scores have definitely increased, and I can shoot more standardized scores throughout a day long competition.

In the end, it really is what is comfortable to you. However, you do see many top shooters using the skeletal structure technique and many of will keep to the same stance the whole way through a match.