Question About AR15 and Wrists

[CrystalHunter1989]

Did some target practice today with the carbine and noticed that after carrying the weapon back and forth to check my hits, my left wrist was kinda sore and stiff. The rifle is kinda front-heavy, but only weighs around 9 lbs. Haven't done anything to it except the light on an Elzetta mount and the Aimpoint Comp M2. Is this something I'll adjust to over time or would exercising that muscle group be a better long-term solution?

[Ghost]

Are you a lefty or righty?

[CrystalHunter1989]

Are you a lefty or righty?

Righty. My left hand was casually supporting the weapon, in what you would call "at the ready," muzzle pointed down and away. My hand was about half way up the hand guard.

[Ghost]

Can't say I've heard of anyone complaining about their wrist after shooting, AR15 or otherwise. But it's always good to increase your muscle, so here's a few links for such things!

http://www.livestrong.com/article/118417-exercises-strengthen-wrist-shooting

http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=1&f=113&t=120994

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/md55.htm

http://www.wikihow.com/Strengthen-Your-Wrists

[WhiteWolfReloaded]

Are you a lefty or righty?

Righty. My left hand was casually supporting the weapon, in what you would call "at the ready," muzzle pointed down and away. My hand was about half way up the hand guard.

I know what you're talking about. This is usually as simple as holding your gun incorrectly for your stature. Try a Magpul AFG grip or a vertical grip.  Another option is holding onto the mag well. Those will help, but this ultimately goes back to strength and endurance. Kind of like your pull ups. What's happening here though is your're likely extending your wrist and forearm flexors to far to the point you're straining them. Doing some exercises and stretches won't hurt anything.

Another option for extending shooting is find a tree, place your left palm against the tree, fingers straight, and thumb sticking straight out. Rest the rifle on your thumb and lean towards the tree.

[thatGuy]

Try a magwell grip when you are at the 'low ready.'

by rotating your hand to the vertical position you'll change the muscle you use to support the rifle from small stabilizers to the much larger bicep.

[CrystalHunter1989]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I have a Magpul AFG, which I like a lot, but my rifle's already front heavy so I was wondering if I could just strengthen my hands to avoid adding any more accessories.

[WhiteWolfReloaded]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I have a Magpul AFG, which I like a lot, but my rifle's already front heavy so I was wondering if I could just strengthen my hands to avoid adding any more accessories.

I'd ditch the light for the AFG next time you go shooting to see how it feels. It's likely not the weight, but over extending like I said. My wife, small frame, does the same thing when she shoots and then complains about her wrist. I don't own an AFG, but a vertical grip I put close up on the rail. That helps her.

[v0dka]

You could have some tendon damage if you've been lifting weights or putting your wrists under stress.
I had tendon damage in my left wrist and it felt like my wrist was going to break in half when i held my rifle at ready.
If your wrist is hurting still under minimal stress, take it easy for awhile and stretch it out.

[CrystalHunter1989]

You could have some tendon damage if you've been lifting weights or putting your wrists under stress.
I had tendon damage in my left wrist and it felt like my wrist was going to break in half when i held my rifle at ready.
If your wrist is hurting still under minimal stress, take it easy for awhile and stretch it out.

I've been lifting since January, but I hold myself back because I never had a spotter. You may be right though.

[CrystalHunter1989]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I have a Magpul AFG, which I like a lot, but my rifle's already front heavy so I was wondering if I could just strengthen my hands to avoid adding any more accessories.

I'd ditch the light for the AFG next time you go shooting to see how it feels. It's likely not the weight, but over extending like I said. My wife, small frame, does the same thing when she shoots and then complains about her wrist. I don't own an AFG, but a vertical grip I put close up on the rail. That helps her.

I'll try that. It's not a heavy light or mount, so I'll be surprised if that makes a difference.

[Kentactic]

If you have a sling let adjust it so it takes the weight as you hold it.

[Currahee]

I would suggest a VFG, you can trim it down to where it weights almost nothing after deciding how you want to use it.  There are three basic grips with the VFG... thumb over (c-clamp) thumb forward or broom handle, they all bend your wrists various ways, but all those 3ways are more comfortable than more tradititonal rifle grips and some of the three gun type grips.

I don't recomend the AFG even if it is confortable to you, as it makes it a lot harder to lock on to imporvised support positions.

Above all, practice dry at home, lots of dry fire etc, figure out what is going to work for you then spend your training ammo getting used to it.

[CrystalHunter1989]

Thanks for all of the help, guys. I think I was suffering from muscle fatigue, and had the added stress of making a decision about summer jobs. It's still a little off balance, but I think I can figure out a solution. I went ahead and put a small Magpul rail on my hand guards so I can further experiment with the options.