Tactical Rifleman Tests Where Your Control Hand Belongs on a Rifle

In a short video from Tactical Rifleman, the channel demonstrates why control hand position on a rifle matters, using a simple two-part test with a shooter they call Big Al.

Key points

• The test: Big Al holds his rifle while the host pulls back on it, first with Al's control hand positioned back on the magwell, then with it moved as far forward as comfortable.
• Magwell grip: With the hand back on the magwell, the host is able to pull the rifle out of Al's hands with noticeably less resistance.
• Forward grip: With Al's hand moved forward, the same pull barely moves the gun, showing a stronger connection between the rifle and his body.
• The takeaway: Tactical Rifleman says holding the control hand as far forward as is comfortable makes for a better shooter and keeps the rifle in the user's hands rather than an attacker's.

Quick take

It is a quick, visual way to make a point that is easy to overlook: hand placement affects how securely you retain your rifle under pressure, not just how you aim it. The side-by-side comparison does the explaining better than words would, which is likely why Tactical Rifleman built the whole clip around that one demonstration rather than a lecture.

Watch the full video: Tactical Rifleman