Cocking your head

[TRICKORMATE]

I have seen pictures of people that are right handed shoot with their head cocked to the right side.

Then I have seen others that there head is straight.

What is the proper way?

I have seen some videos and some of the world gun champions do both ways..

I don’t want any bad habits, so which way would have a more accurate shot in a bad situation or does it matter?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Cthulhu]

One reason could be that they're right-handed, but left eye dominant, so they're bringing their left eye to the sights by tilting their head to the right.

Or, it could just simply be the way they were taught or learned, and what is comfortable for them, based on their stance and grip.

-JT

[Rob72]

I would suspect that it's a matter of vision, and instinctively taking a position that provides the best sight/target picture. I elevate my shooting arm and cant my pistol; guys that have the weapon leveled seem to cant their heads/shoulders. Just my limited personal experience.

[Ram Rod]

The "proper way" would probably be what works best for you. Personally, I like structure, angles, and lines. (Vertical, horizontal, and perpendicular). Others prefer more relaxed or flowing stances or positions. The best shooting position is the one where you actually utilize the least amount of muscles in support of that position and depend more on body structure. Static shooting (just you in front of a target) is different in many aspects compared to action shooting (shooting and acquiring targets on the move). Best thing to try and do is be relaxed no matter what you do. Habits will more than likely be made whether you realize it or not. Good or bad habits? You're the best judge of that.

[paul45]

I shoot right handed most of the time with a handgun. I am left eye dominate and shot rifles, bows, etc - left handed.
My head is slightly cocked to the right when shooting my handguns right handed. Not much because I use both eyes but it is noticable. Not so when shooting left handed. Just a little slower but not less accurate.

[G96X0]

If you are producing good groups and hitting your mark. It's the right way for you.

[Redneck Repairs]

I shoot a " modified weaver " stance as i learned it , but it seems to differ little from the modern version of the isosceles stance that is now taught until ranges extend to beyond common distances ( say 25 yards ) Then i crank my stance past full weaver blading my weak side to the target , dropping my chin to my bicep and using my strong arm ( elbow locked or nearly so ) as an impromptu rifle stock /cheek rest . This works well for my physical build , chest/arm mass at long pistol/short rifle ranges . Imho head postition is less important than shooting with both eyes open unless you are for some reason forced to use your non dominant eye , then you really should close the dominant eye and position the head however you have to to align the eye with the center line of the pistol/grip you have .

[TRICKORMATE]

Would you folks suggest to primarly practice with both eyes open? VS shooting with the dominant eye?

In an emergency I guess you won't have the time to shoot with one eye..

[paul45]

Both eyes open allows me to transition from target to target quicker. i also use both eyes with my EOTech and other red dots. FAST! Try it at the next IDPA or USPSA match and see if it helps. A little strange to start with but it helps you pick up speed (wasted time).

[TRICKORMATE]

With both eyes open, do you focus on the target or the sight?

[Rob72]

With both eyes open, do you focus on the target or the sight?

"Both" Close-in (7-10 yds), I would focus on the target; 10+, start using your front sight.

Sent you a PM.

[TRICKORMATE]

Got the PM..

Checking now..

Thanks.

[sniper58]

I was taught by the MTU from Ft. Benning. They all advised to let your body do most of the aligning. Like Ram Rod said, lines and angles. If you lower your head to gun level, you are putting undue strain on the muscles in your neck, shoulders and back. This in time can affect your shooting. Instead, raise your gun to eye level. Same concept for tilting one's head. Sooner or later there's bound to be muscle strain and weaker performance.