Modern Fighting Carbine Stance

      Time for everyone to get out of the 80's and the mindset of shooting MP5's or subguns in terms of the stance when shooting modern weapons.  Our military has been shooting M16's for years and almost all units are running some version of the M4 at this point.  Many of the forward thinking LE Agencies have already switched over to the M4 platform and the rest of the reluctant or closed minded shotgun toting agencies are making the switch now.  As this transformation takes place you can not simply shoot a new gun.  You have to change how you shoot one to take full advantage of the weapon system.  With that being said:

An Aggressive Fighting Carbine Stance

     As I see it, the OLD and outdated stance is, feet squared off as if your toes are on a line and leaning forward at the waist, buttstock collapsed and forward hand on the mag well or on a gangster grip.  This is not a shooting position I recommend and it will seriously effect your ability to RUN the gun.

     The stance I recommend is not one I made up and the principles of the position are not ones I invented.  I learned them from others who have influenced my shooting.  Although every one's shooting stance is unique to them, there are certain principles that can not be violated.
     The shooter needs to put himself in an aggressive shooting position similar to his fighting stance although you may be a bit more bladed due to shooting a carbine.  I recommend the shooter place his feet at about 45% bladed and shoulder width apart.  If your feet are bladed you have one foot towards the rear. This will help support you from front to back.  You need your feet about shoulder width apart so you are stable from side to side.  The shooter needs to have his weight on the balls of his feet as if his heels are slightly or almost elevated off the ground.  I suggest bending the front knee and getting it out over your front toes.  Doing this will help the shooter get his weight forward to help with managing recoil.  If a shooter wishes he can rock his hips forward slightly further getting his weight forward. This is hard to explain in words but was shown to me by "Paul T" who is one of the best shooters I know and takes shooting more serious than anyone.  Having your lower body in such an aggressive position will allow your upper body to be in a more neutral position rather than leaning over too far at the waist which causes muscle tension and will smoke your back after a long day of shooting or in kit.

Notice the similarities of "JD's" and "Matt's" stances. Both are in aggressive fighting stances ready to shoot-N-move and under the watching eye of "Paul T".  Yes "Matt's" hair is real.  Gotta hate just a little.  Haha

     As far as how to hold the carbine the shooter MUST extend the buttstock all the way out.  Don't forget, it is a rifle.  The shooter needs to try to get a high pistol grip as he can.  I always tell guys to have the longest rail they can have on their gun or are allowed to by there unit or agency.  This will allow the shooter to get their front hand out on the rail as far as possible.  When holding the rail with the your front hand, get your thumb over the top of the rail.  This will help you have a positive grip of the gun and having a thumb over the top or the bore axis will allow you to achieve more recoil management and drive the gun.  Having your hand out as far as you can will allow you to drive the gun from target to target or person to person faster.  "Just like driving a car, you drive a rifle from the front" JD. 

Notice my front hand or "OSH" out as far on the rail as possible.  This allows me to have better control of the weapon.

     For those who want to stand square to the target due to facing their plates towards the target I can understand that however you CAN NOT count on the enemies marksmanship to save your life.  You need to trust in YOUR marksmanship and putting yourself in the best position possible to make the shot and end the engagement quicker. 

     If you are not shooting this stance give it a try.  You will find the benefits to be great and you will be much more lethal.

     Die Well
     The DAV