Thread: Rifle grip shape - Why?

Originally Posted by Bol Tackshin

Its about comfort and control (you have more control when you are comfortable) and it's a compromise between fast pointing and slower but more accurate aiming. Straight stocks (usually at an angle of less than 45 degrees or so) point better, (usually standing) but aren't as easy to aim precisely (especially when prone).
There is also the matter of strength of materials - wood isn't the strongest and the grip area is the weakest part of the stock. Thumbhole stocks helped with this to some extent at the expense of dexterity. Modern synthetic and composite materials means that we have more choice of forms that work without sacrificing strength.
Another compromise is left vs right handed design and the commercial need to keep both camps happy. It's cheaper to make an ambidextrous stock than more ergonomic hand-specific stocks. So, the cheapest stocks are usually a compromise that is never very comfortable. And I haven't even mentioned aesthetics...

It wouldn't be too hard to have a more vertical ambidextrous grip would it?
Aesthetics.... Function over form is my preference, if something is both that's a bonus!



Shotgun stocks are a whole new world of getting the firearm to fit the user. They have a clearly defined role of standing shots requiring fast aiming (or pointing and hoping in my case)

Some interesting thoughts so far.