How do you find the "sweet spot" for your rifle stock on your shoulder? Should it rest inside of your shoulder joint, on your shoulder joint, or somewhere else? How do you adjust for standing, prone, bench rest, etc.?

Thanks!

Well I believe it's all about comfort and finding a "repetable" postion, meaning you get in the same postion over and over. I have heard in the past, that the position of the butt stock should fall in the "pocket" of the shoulder. I think this is best described by bringing your shooting arm across your chest and with your weak arm feeling that flat "pocket" created by the crease of the skin and muscle. This pocket should be on the inside of the shoulder joint, if you get a gun with a big enough kick I think you might dislocate your shoulder if it's outside the joint on the arm. I could be all wrong but see what works for you.

DiRL has it right. If you're right-handed, put your left fingers in your right armpit with your thumb on top of your shoulder. Press your right arm against your ribs. Feel how hard that tendon is pressing against your fore finger? Now swing your arm up until it's level, or at least with the top of your elbow no lower than your armpit. Bring your hand around to where it is when you're in shooting position. Notice how there's no hard spots between your fore finger and thumb now? That's the pocket or sweet spot and that why you don't shoot a kicker with a low elbow.

Bye
Jack

Nice summary, Jack. I find that with the .30-06 and down (in a standard sized rifle with any decent recoil pad), it's not so critical. With the .338 Win Mag I have to pay attention or it hurts. With the .458.... it always stings a bit! :D