So, as the title says, I am left handed. For the past 5 years or so, I have adopted the more aggressive shooting style for ARs (support arm forward, thumb high). I do most of my shooting in the Fall or Winter (I like cool weather). Today I did some shooting…maybe 500 rounds or so…in short sleeves. My support arm gets pounded by ejected brass like crazy (burns, cuts and such). In the Fall/Winter, it’s a non-issue because of the long sleeves.
Soooooo…getting my forearm tore up during every magazine is a nuisance and seems dangerous. I love using an aggressive grip, but, once again, being left handed is messing it up. Any suggestions? Has anyone ever tried changing the shell-deflector angle…or is that probably not a good idea? I’m just kinda brainstorming here…
Thanks guys! Here are some photos of my arm. The pictures don’t do it justice…1st and 2nd degree burns (not terrible, but it hurts like a bitch). I actually have a scar on my support arm from a couple of years ago…in the shape of 5.56 brass…
The burns do seem kind of low on your forearm. As if the brass is being thrown forward. Where does the brass land (if you move your arm so you can see where they land)?
It ejects in the same pattern/distance as other M4 style guns I have used…
Yeah most of the burns are down towards my wrist.
I would like to add something else here…my rifle has a carbine length forearm, and I have long arms…so, I have to extend the stock to the second-to-last hole in order to be able to extend my support arm to where it is comfortable. I THINK with a longer forearm, I will be able to get my arm even farther forward, which I think will allow me to keep arm a little lower…dunno yet.
It would be cool if you posted a photo of how you’re holding it. It’s my understanding that some aggressive shooters have their arm very high. Although if it’s “reasonable” then it’s possibly an ejection problem.
I very seldom get hit by my brass- at least, I think so. I’m from Arizona so a long sleeve isn’t always my shooting garb.
I usually see the brass fly over my arm. It has noticeably hit my arm about two times, but it was weak ammo (which ran fine by the way).
Well there’s the problem right there: your pants are down around your knees.
The archers arm protector is going to be about your best bet, unless you can learn to suck it up and wear long sleeves down like the guys in the desert crapholes do every day.
Uncovered you may feel cooler due to air wicking away moisture but you’ll retain much more, and sunburn less, if your arms are covered.
Its not about feeling cooler, its about not dehydrating.
Check this video out…my arm actually deflects brass to the other side of the rifle.
I came home from the range that day with a piece of brass rattling around in my handguard…it had fallen through one of the holes…fuckin left handed nonsense…
Maybe its time to switch to a right hand hold and drive on. Or maybe look into a Stag…
Seriously, a shirt with long sleeves or an archers forearm guard. What about cutting off the toe from an old sock and slipping that over your forearm? Who cares about looks on the range, it would be a lot more comfortable than getting burned.
I have a lefty friend who just wears a long sleeve shirt all year when shooting his ar15. One really hot day he cut off the left sleeve to stay cool(er)
That makes sense. As F2S mentioned, maybe try a couple different tweaks to you grip/arm position and see if you can find something that is comfortable, effective, and allows to brass to be ejected without hitting your arm.
