How To Shoulder Your Rifle The RIGHT Way

Intro and Purpose of Proper Rifle Shouldering

The discussion opens with an example of taking a 500‑yard standing shot and how an unconventional stance can still be very stable if it keeps the rifle tight and controlled. The hosts then introduce the topic: how to shoulder a rifle correctly. They note that many shooters are already doing well enough if they can hit the target and the rifle is not bouncing off the shoulder. However, they emphasize that stance and shouldering technique matter for consistency and comfort, especially with AR‑pattern rifles. The goal is to refine how the rifle is mounted so recoil is managed, accuracy is repeatable, and the shooter is not fighting the gun or fatiguing quickly during longer strings of fire.

Fighting Stance and Body Position

The first key point is adopting a basic fighting or boxer stance. For a right‑handed shooter, the left foot is forward, feet about shoulder‑width apart, the right leg more straight, and the left knee slightly bent. This position makes it harder to be pushed off balance compared to standing with feet side by side. The shooter faces the target, identifies it, and then brings the rifle up so the optic comes between the eyes and the target from a low‑ready position. This stance allows easy movement forward, back, and laterally while keeping the rifle up. It is presented as a stable, mobile platform that supports effective rifle shouldering and recoil management.

Bringing the Rifle to the Eyes and Managing Fatigue

They contrast good technique with common mistakes, such as standing square with poor footing and craning the head down to the rifle instead of bringing the rifle up to the eyes. Over‑tensing the shoulders and neck, shrugging the rifle high, and clamping down excessively activate muscles that quickly fatigue. Instead, the shooter should raise the rifle so the optic naturally aligns between the eyes and the target, then pull the handguard or front grip back into the shoulder pocket. This approach keeps the body more relaxed while still controlling the gun. The hosts stress that if a method is accurate and efficient it is acceptable, but techniques that rely on constant muscular tension are not sustainable over time.

Stock Placement on the Chest and Recoil Control

The conversation moves to where the stock should sit on the upper body. Some shooters place the stock out in the traditional shoulder pocket, but one host prefers positioning it closer to the center of the chest, on the right pectoral area. He brings the shoulder slightly in and keeps the firing‑side elbow tight to the body, creating a compact profile. With this setup, he can fire without rocking back or letting the rifle drive him. Demonstrating with a 5.56/.223 carbine, he shows how poor stance and loose shouldering cause the feet to shift and the muzzle to climb, while a solid stance and centered stock placement keep the rifle stable and shots controlled, even during faster strings.

Different Shoulder Techniques and Sustainability

They acknowledge that individual preferences vary while still sharing common fundamentals. One shooter keeps the rifle pulled in very tight, forming a rigid platform, while the other runs a slightly more relaxed mount. Both use essentially the same fighting stance and focus on not letting the rifle abuse the shooter. They agree that some methods are clearly wrong, such as exaggerated shrugging, blading excessively, or relying on positions that quickly tire the shoulders and neck. The emphasis is on a stance and shoulder position that can be held for extended periods, supports rapid target acquisition, and allows accurate follow‑up shots without unnecessary strain.

Stock Contact Point and Cheek Weld

They then discuss which part of the stock should contact the body. Some shooters place only the very top edge of the stock on the shoulder to minimize head movement. While this can reduce the need to move the head, it feels unstable for one of the hosts and encourages him to hunch inward. Using just the tip of the stock does not lock the rifle in as securely, and under stress or during rapid fire there is more potential for the stock to slip. He prefers to ride lower on the stock, with more surface area against the chest and a solid cheek weld. This gives a forgiving, repeatable mount where minor imperfections in placement are less likely to cause the stock to slide or the sight picture to be lost.

Plate Carriers, Length of Pull, and Stock Texture

Finally, they address how plate carriers change stock placement. With armor on, a stock perched on the top edge is more likely to slip off the plates, especially under recoil or movement. One host wears a Guard Dog Body Armor Tracker carrier with a Level IV+ Ridgeback plate, while the other uses a more heavily equipped carrier similar to what he ran in the FBI. They mention adjusting length of pull, noting that a Colt lower with a four‑position buffer tube limits fine adjustment. Stock design and texture also matter: a B5 Systems SOPMOD‑style stock with a rubberized, grippy rear surface adheres well to fabric and armor, while a basic M4 stock is comparatively slick. Aftermarket recoil pads can add texture and cushioning to improve stability on plate carriers.