An experiencedlong range .45-70 benchrest shooter showed me this hold to help damper the amount of felt recoil when shooting heavy loads, especiallyfrom lighter weight rifles.
He claimed that this hold helps to control therifle fromtorquingwhen the long, heavy bulletsblastthrough the rifling, while theyexpandand get engraved. It certainly does help to protect the shoulder from pain and discomfort, especiallyduringwarm weather when people only wear light clothing without any shoulder protection.

That makes sense.. and then just left the front jump. I will have to try that next time out.

Have you guys ever been hit in the eye by your own thumb? While shooting I mean.

And what about that red spot on your cheek, articap?

I once had a scope hit the brim of my hat hard enough to knock it off my head.

It didn't hurt but it sure scared the piss out of me!

Now Iturn the caps around when shooting something with a scope on it.

That's a short youth size stock in the picture and not a heavy hitter at all.
Believe it, when shooting themilitary calibers and rifleswith big slugs and loads,that technique really protects the shoulder. But a slightly higher gun rest is required.
The fellow who showed me that holdshoots BP cartridge loads from his Uberti Highwalls out to 300 yards or more loaded with someheavy bullets, andhe's very precise &experienced at it.
I've whacked my nose with my handa few times (Ouch! )when shooting a 12 gauge offhand & holding ittoo muchlike a rifle...but safety glasses usuallyhelps to protect the
ol' eyeballs. <<<< just likethese >>>> [8D]