Shouldering Your Rifle While Wearing Body Armor

Published on June 8, 2023
Duration: 9:44

This guide addresses the challenges of shouldering a rifle while wearing body armor. It emphasizes maintaining proper armor placement for protection and explores techniques like canting the rifle inward to achieve a stable shooting platform. The instructor highlights how rifle stock design and carrier bulk influence optimal positioning.

Quick Summary

When shouldering a rifle with body armor, prioritize maintaining proper armor fit and coverage. Avoid adjusting plate positions. If interference occurs, consider routing wires on the non-dominant shoulder. Experiment with canting the rifle inward to achieve a stable shooting platform, ensuring good control and recoil mitigation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rifle Shouldering with Body Armor
  2. 00:43Why It's Different with Armor
  3. 01:56Key Principle: Do Not Change Armor Fit
  4. 02:50Managing Wires and Gadgets
  5. 03:27Factors Affecting Stock Placement
  6. 04:04Plate Alignment with Sternal Notch
  7. 04:39Impact of Plate Curvature
  8. 05:49Addressing Stock Contact with Armor
  9. 06:47Canting the Rifle Technique
  10. 07:28Impact on Shooting and Optics
  11. 08:15Summary and Final Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important rule when shouldering a rifle with body armor?

The most critical rule is to never adjust your body armor's fit or plate position to accommodate your rifle stock. Maintaining proper armor coverage is paramount for protection, and compromises should not be made.

How can wires and accessories on my plate carrier affect rifle shouldering?

Wires, antennas, and hydration tubes on your shoulder pads can interfere with the proper placement of your rifle stock. It's recommended to route these items on your non-dominant shoulder if possible to minimize interference.

What is the correct placement for body armor plates?

Ideally, the top of your plate bag should align with your sternal notch, which is the U-shaped indentation at the top of your sternum. Avoid placing plates significantly lower than this position.

What technique can help if my rifle stock hits my body armor?

If your rifle stock contacts your body armor, try canting the rifle slightly inward, angling it towards your body. This often allows for better stock placement in the shoulder pocket while maintaining control.

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