Chick Lean
Oct03
Yes, it’s a real term. Yes, it’s sexist. Yes, in my experience, it’s correct – women, especially ones with large chests, tend to lean back farther than men. This is not to say that men do not do the same. They do – but regardless of gender, all shooters should stand up straight, and preferably lean forward. I’ve seen even seasoned shooters lean back, usually when firing an unfamiliar weapon. Just takes practice to get over it.
Ran across this page a few days ago, and it warmed my heart. Who knew James Earl Jones was pro-firearm?
So much Chick Lean in this video. I’m not saying all women do it – Mel knows better, and shoots in an aggressive stance. But this is exactly what I mean.
Never heard that term before today but it’s one of those things that every shooter has seen. Been watching it for 35 years now, thanks for giving it a name.
Meanin’ no disrespect, but if a thing is true, how can it be sexist/racist/prejudiced in any way? Really great comic by the way.
Last I checked, broads don’t like to be called chicks.
It’s a true thing, yes, but calling it “chick lean” is sexist, because you’re specifying women with it, when it’s not just women that do it.
When I was growing up, people had a term for when someone would try to haggle on prices, even when it was a set price, so they could pay less. They called it “Jewing down.” Same thing. It may be true, people try to haggle down prices, and yes, people of the Jewish faith stereotypically try to haggle down, but so do a lot of non-Jewish people. Sticking a label on it from a specific religion/race/gender is why it’s sexist/racist/prejudiced, whatever.
If I may, a suggestion: for a less-sexist variation of this term, to be used possibly, and see if it catches on? NOT for the comic; for real life.
“Chicken lean”
Since it looks like the shooter is afraid of what he/she’s holding. Besides, it’s inclusve, and so saves time & oxygen. You will no longer need to repeatedly express the caveat regarding the fact that men do it too.
Since it’s almost the same, and doth roll tripingly off the tongue, whaddaya think?
(Besides, I’ll admit I first mis-read “chick lean” as “chicken lean” anyway)
Nice to know I’m not the only one who misread that!
(also seconding this.)
Lets just simplify the maneuver…
“Noobie Stance”
Calling it “Chicken Lean” will silence the PC crowd – for what it’s worth… This is the first time that I’ve heard of it having a name, rather than just poor shooting stance! Over the last 30 odd years that I’ve been shooting, I’ve rarely seen a man exhibit this kind of poor stance – a few younger boys first learning though. We can correct it *if* the shooter is willing to accept having the more experienced shooter lay on hands, and manipulate them into the proper stance…
BTW – some of the worst examples I’ve seen have been from rather small chested women – I think that it has more to do with the weight of the gun, some fear & trepidation, and not having been taught proper stance before picking up a firearm.
“I think that it has more to do with the weight of the gun, some fear & trepidation, and not having been taught proper stance before picking up a firearm.”
I agree.
thumbs up for the “chickEN lean” term….because, ya! It looks like the person is afraid and is on the defensive.
Quite frankly, if you’re going to hold/fire a gun there’s some things you need to understand: a) a gun is a deadly weapon and if you’re going to hold/fire one, you need to understand that YOU are going to END something’s life at some point. Get over it, this is the nature of the beast. If you can’t get over that, put the gun down and go learn some yoga or something. b) nothing is ever won by going on the defensive, not arguments, not chess and certainly not a face to face with an intruder or food. Playing the pansy is only gonna give them the upper hand and benefit and you either dead, hurt or hungry. Learn to be assertive, even aggressive as needed. This means a neutral or forward stance ready to move and do. This isn’t just gun philosophy, it applies in all of life.