Pump gun technique question: foregrip 'pull'

[porterdog]

I have a question on appropriate pump shotgun technique- how do you pull the gun into your shoulder pocket?

On non-pump guns I pull with both hands.

With a pump gun though the non-trigger hand is also the shucking hand- if I'm pulling my 870 in with that hand and fire then the action opens abruptly as soon as I let off the trigger. Is this what I want? Or should my shuck hand merely steady the forend and all rearward pull come from the trigger hand?

I'm new to this weapon but not to the idea of avoiding the development of bad habits

Thank you,
Robert

 

[Dave McCracken]

Do it both ways...

Today I shot a round of trap doubles along with some singles. Naturally, I used an 870. When I called for the birds, I was exerting pressure with my forward hand so the "shuck" started as soon as the shot happened. After the second round was chambered, I didn't exert pressure so I was able to not dump the second empty on the ground.I know it's a double negative, but I'm tired...

Sounds complicated but it's not. On singles, I shuck it after the shot as a separate action and remove the empty by hand.

Of course, the firing hand is used all the time to bring the weapon back firmly into the pocket.

HTH....

 

[TarpleyG]

On a Winchester with the Speedpump, it'll start the pump for you anyway, regardless of pressure. It'll eject the shell by itself if you shoot it one-handed. Try getting used to that after shooting 870s all your life...

Greg

 

[JohnBT]

Heck, I push lightly with the front hand like I'm reaching or pointing at the target. I dunno why, but back in the dark ages somebody said do it that way. Maybe it was learning on a Model 12 that did it. It's just a habit.

John

 

[HSMITH]

I run a 'neutral' front hand no matter what type of shotgun I am using. If you are pulling or pushing you have muscle tension that can cause you to be less than smooth. My right wrist locks the gun into my shoulder by pulling back and my three fingers pull just a little, everything else is as soft as I can make my muscles. This way the gun is just 'supported' and the swing can be made with the big muscle groups in the hips and torso, much like a golf swing, and you give up nothing as far as speed and reaction time go. It is also a LOT less tiring when shooting extended sessions.

 

[PJR]

If you are pulling or pushing you have muscle tension that can cause you to be less than smooth.

I agree. For low-gun shooting, the job of the foreward hand is to lift the gun into the shoulder. Any rearward motion or tension in preparation to pump and your can blow your mount.

Forward hand steers the gun, the back hand has nothing to do but pull the trigger at the appropriate time. After the back hand gets its job done then foreward hand can pump the gun.

 

[porterdog]

Forward hand steers the gun, the back hand has nothing to do but pull the trigger at the appropriate time. After the back hand gets its job done then foreward hand can pump the gun.

Thanks for the input so far!

I've always been taught to keep a weapon with substantial recoil pulled in tight to my shoulder, but that seems to be in conflict with the above statement as there's no mention of it.

Please note that I'm not talking about the actual mount, but rather the retention of the weapon immediately prior to firing.

More please

Robert

 

[mattw]

substantial recoil

I don't think that is an issue unless you're shooting 3" or 3 1/2" loads.

I actually just pull with my shooting hand and just use my other hand to steady my shot. I don't pull or push with my non-shooting hand. Haven had any problems yet with any 3" loads. (I do pull with both hands when shooting 3 1/2" magnum slugs though..)