Shooting Technique

[ET]

At the range I’ve noticed shooters use different holding techniques for shooting their firearms.
A long time ago a shooter used what is referred to a free recoil technique and was really producing some nice groups. I was fortunate enough to join him in a conversation about the method he was using.
His basic response was that a barrel would always move in the same direction from recoil if it was not influenced say with a hand on the barrel or fore stock. That hand can produce different pressures influencing the shot’s point of impact. Okay I have to give this technique a try.

Sure-enough my groups improved and have been using this technique for years. In the field I try to use a shooting stick with a fork holder. If I’m forced to go free-hand I try only to support the fore stock with minimal grip. I also try to slightly lean into the shot like I do at the bench. Of course, a good shoulder fit helps.

I’m not saying that this is the perfect method but works for me. I would enjoy hearing what method others use.

[dannoboone]

Have been using the same technique for decades. Thinking back,
I never did use a "death grip" on the forearm that I've seen
others use.

[reloader22]

Front and rear bag obviously.  Recoil lug over the front bag.  Forward hand using very slight pressure, as consistent as possible, pulling downward.  LIGHTLY.  Just enough to steady the crosshairs.  I cannot think of a shooting solution in the field that allows for a free recoil stance.  At least not where I hunt.  From a tree stand, ground, or ground blind that has no resemblance to the shooting bench.  Usually against a tree or off a stick.  Rarely a solid sand bagged rear support.  I try to replicate on the bench what I will encounter in the field.  Haven't missed a deer in a LONG time.  Not bragging, just only take perfect shot trying to be humane.  And to me, that's the point of bench time.  If I were a paper only shooter I would try something else.   

Couple of guys at camp do the free recoil stuff.  They don't miss many deer either but we rarely shoot over 100 yds at deer so it prolly doesn't matter.  I would worry that if I had a gun dialed it using that method that when it came to taking a longer shot in field conditions I would not be able to duplicate my range technique.  

[ET]

Dannoboone and Reloader22

Thanks for joining in on this topic. I was hoping more would join in but this Board seems to have become a secretive society with little conversing. And sharing their shooting times is almost a taboo. I guess I expect too much.

[reloader22]

The board is very quiet.  I think everyone has run out of ammo and turned in their guns before they are confiscated.  LOL.  Actually I've seen the decline on this board at summer time before.  It's mainly a gun driven board with some other less active but interesting side topics like fishing and back porch.  I try to only post on things that interest me or topics I can contribute to.  With guns, ammo and supplies at an all time low, I would think many are being conservative in what and when they burn ammo up.  I know guys at work that are worried they will not have ammo for deer season or that they only have 1/2 box.  That means less practicing and sighting in for many.  I know others that have so much stuff that none of this has affected them.  

Usually things pick up when the velvet comes off and the trail cams come out.  

Not sure what the perfect shooting technique is but probably the most important thing is consistency in whatever method you use.  

[dannoboone]

This board always seems slow this time of year.

Many years ago I was watching a hunting show in which Louise
Mandrell was practicing for an exotic game hunt in Florida.
She had a front rest on a small table in which the forearm
rested, and her non-shooting hand & arm was under the stock
behind her shooting hand (this is a case of easier done than
said) and arm, with that hand holding close to the elbow of the
shooting hand. Her target group was impressive, so I tried it
and got a decent group. But that's not a hold one could use in
the field unless laying down.

When shooting out of a ladder stand, I place my hand palm down
on the top of the frame with the forearm resting on my wrist.

I do similar when "still hunting" in the woods if I can get
undetected to a small tree.

Last year, I used a home made mono-pod made from a tree branch
with a "Y" at the top and held it with the non-shooting hand
while setting in a chair....worked great.

All the above methods incorporate "free recoil" and have worked
for me. Others may have different experiences.

[ET]

Reloader22
I can appreciate what you’re saying about summer conditions but this topic is sharing your experience, past and present, with shooting. I have yet to fire a shot this year because of the range closure caused by this pandemic. Yet I try to encourage sharing knowledge that may be helpful.
You’re right there is no perfect shooting technique and being able to reproduce your technique for consistency is the key factor.
Thanks for your contribution to this thread.

[ET]

Dannoboone
Thanks for your contribution also.
Yes, you’re spot on with “Others may have different experiences”. I was hoping this topic might reveal other experiences.
Maybe it’s time to leave well enough alone until I have new data to share.

[tar12]

I use shooting sticks exclusively and strive to mimic that light hold at the bench and it works well for me…early on I would put a death grip on at the bench and that would translate to high hits or misses in the field the opposite is true if you free recoil at the bench then bare down in the field and be hitting low..you need to strike a balance that’s repeatable..