I got to wondering today. Why are most factory stocks the shape they are?
Specifically the pistol grip area.
(note, this is related to bolt action. Leaver action and semi auto are excluded from the below brain fart)
It all started with something like this guy:
Attachment 137332
Then things progressed in the 15th Century:
Attachment 137331
Someone got a sore hand and needed more accuracy so this happened around the 18th Century:
Attachment 137333
Have some world wars and things looked like so:
Attachment 137334
This is where things get interesting. The military decided to go with a more upright grip:
Attachment 137335
Yes it's a sharpshooter platform. Yes I understand the benefits of having a pistol grip on a rapid fire infantry weapon. (AR shape and the like)
I have noticed the American market seems to like it more than European market.
CZ 527 American:
Attachment 137337
CZ527 Lux:
Attachment 137338
My burning question is, why do most sporting firearms have a fairly swept back grip? Personally I don't find it overly comfortable for standing or prone shooting.