question about proper shouldering

[JoeGibs]

after my last few outtings for target practice, and putting around 100 rounds through my 870, i've noticed that my bicep was bruising along with my shoulder. the shoulder is understandable, obviously, but i was kind of wondering about the bicep. I have the knoxx copstock on my 870, and for those unfamiliar, its a wire frame folder. when shouldering, what am i supposed to do with my right arm? (i'm right handed and shoot right handed) Am i supposed to hold the elbow close to my torso, or am i supposed to raise it out at more of a 90 degree angle away from my body?

i spent years and years playing paintball, so its almost second nature to try and pull that elbow in as close as i can to my body, and i think its causing my bicep to come into contact with the bottom of the wire frame during recoil.

 

[Shadan7]

Yeah, Joe, sounds like your paintball tactics are messin' with your shotgunning.

I'm no expert, but in 40 years of using everything from a SxS to a auto, I've always had my elbow out to almost level with the shoulder for "normal" shotgunning. For Home/Self defense with a short barrel shottie, it might be more like what you're doing, in order to make moving through a room easier...but I'd bet you'd still be more accurate and (long term) comfortable going with a more natural shouldering style.

Good luck with it!

7

 

[zinj]

The elbow should be held out from the body, although is is more ensure that you are swivelling your entire torso rather than just the gun when you swing.

I would say that the wire stock certainly isn't helping any either.

 

[Dave McCracken]

For newer shooters, I suggest raising the strong side elbow almost as high as the point of the shoulder.This makes a "Cup" for the butt that simplifies getting the shotgun in the right place.

More experienced shooters oft do well with a 45 degree elbow, but walk before running.

In your case, I'd also consider going to a conventional stock with a good pad and compare. I've little faith in trick stuff.

 

[sm]

Dave!
Oh Phooey!

I thought we had all gone to shooting from the hip with Pistol Grip Only Shotguns....

running and ducking....

 

[Satchel]

I recently got back into shooting a shotgun and don't have a problem with recoil to my shoulder, but to my cheek. The recoil is causing bruising just under cheek bone. I put my cheek firmly on the stock. Shooting 20 ga and 12 ga.
Any suggestions to correct the problem?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Satchel, unscrew the bottom screw on your pad and add a small shim. See if that reduces the slap to your cheek. If not, try adding a little length.

Steve, you're grounded for life...

 

[Bix]

Am i supposed to hold the elbow close to my torso, or am i supposed to raise it out at more of a 90 degree angle away from my body?

It depends.

At the trap range, I see guys running endless 25s with their elbow at a sharp 90 degrees. I suspect they're on to something. On the other hand, at 'tactical' shotgun classes, chicken-winged elbows get wacked by instructors walking down the line. I also suspect these guys know what they're doing. Different shooting objectives, different shooting methods.

It is unquestionably easier to find the pocket when the elbow is extended out from the shooter. Thus, as Dave says, it makes solid sense for new shooters to begin this way. The bruising on your bicep is pretty good evidence that you're not hitting that shoulder pocket. You can't really go any further untill you can do that consistently.

 

[JoeGibs]

next time i get out shootin, ill have to try holding the elbow out instead of tucking it in, see if that is any more comfortable. the bruising on the bicep never really hurt or bothered me, i just thought it was kind of abnormal. I can definitely understand how it all depends on the situation. tucking the elbow in makes for easier movement through a house and a slightly smaller target for an intruder, but on the other hand while doing target practice or hunting or anything else, bringing the elbow out would be more practical.

 

[WinchesterAA]

you shoot fast don't you? The larger wood in the stock seems to make my 870 want to travel from my shoulder to the tip of my bicep when firing rapidly. Don't have that problem with any other firearm I own, just my 870.

After 13 years of shooting that thing I've never been able to counter it without interrupting my firing so I figured I'd just chalk it up as normal. I'm downright surgical with my 870 though and I can fire hundreds of rounds through my 870 back to back without any noticeable discomfort, so I don't really view it as a problem at all, just a different way to do things.