Cripple Stock Shotgun

Published on October 28, 2025
Duration: 1:10

This guide details the technique for mounting a cripple stock shotgun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It addresses the challenge of cross-eye dominance, explaining how the specialized stock allows a shooter to use their dominant left eye for aiming while shouldering the firearm on their right side. The curved and offset design, along with a raised cheek pad, facilitates proper alignment for improved accuracy.

Quick Summary

A cripple stock shotgun is designed for shooters with cross-eye dominance, allowing them to aim with their dominant eye (e.g., left eye) while shouldering the firearm on their opposite side (e.g., right shoulder). This specialized stock, often carved from a single piece of wood, features a curved and offset design with a raised cheek pad to facilitate proper alignment and improve accuracy for those facing this common shooting challenge.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the 'Cripple Stock'
  2. 00:15Design and Functionality
  3. 00:28The Problem of Cross-Eye Dominance
  4. 00:51Demonstration and Alignment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cripple stock shotgun?

A cripple stock shotgun features a specialized, curved, and offset stock designed to help shooters with cross-eye dominance align their dominant eye with the firearm's sights while shouldering it on the opposite side.

How does a cripple stock help with cross-eye dominance?

It allows a shooter to mount the shotgun on their dominant-hand shoulder (e.g., right shoulder) while simultaneously aligning their dominant eye (e.g., left eye) with the front bead, overcoming the aiming challenges of cross-eye dominance.

Who is Ian McCollum and why is he an authority on this topic?

Ian McCollum is the host of Forgotten Weapons, a renowned firearms historian and expert known for his deep knowledge of specialized and historical firearms, including their unique ergonomic designs and historical context.

What are the key features of a cripple stock?

Key features include a single piece of carved wood construction, a pronounced curve, and an offset design. It often incorporates a raised cheek pad on the side where the shooter's cheek will rest for aiming.

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