Bench Shooting with Bags????

[deadon]

When shooting from a bench. My front bag is solid and heavy. I lay my rifle on the bag, placing the rifle on the same spot every time,just a hair forward of the action. My left hand is holding the rear bag under the stock and I push it forward or rearward to line up for the shot. I have heard that you should press down hard on the rear bag so everything is solid. I was taught to press the rifle straight back and tight against my shoulder. This pressing down on the rear bag has me puzzled. Can someone explain the proper "hold". Thanks, Rusty

[ozark]

Rusty, some people places the left hand on top of the stock directly above the rear bag and apply a lot of pressure downward. I don't do this but I can see where it could be a plus. Ben

[deadon]

Mar 19, 2011 17:21:59 GMT -5 ozark said:

Rusty, some people places the left hand on top of the stock directly above the rear bag and apply a lot of pressure downward. I don't do this but I can see where it could be a plus. Ben

Thanks Ben, I think what I should have added is-----What is the best way to learn what a rifle will do?? Lead sled folks, I mean no disrespect but they are waaaaaay to awkward for me. Rusty

[cuda]

I would say fire it off hand first that will let you know. Then you will have an idea of the jump and recoil. When I shoot off sand bags I keep my hand in between the gun and bag. I grab the the gun just like I do off hand it is just resting on the bag. You can alway pull the down on the front pushing down into the bag. But it will change your groups when you do not do it that way. I see some the just let the front rest on the bag with no hold on it and shoot. I ask them how they do that in the Field? They say they don't I ask why practice that way? They just leave. I shoot the way I would hunting even that big 8x11 sheet at the range. Just the way I do it.

[ET]

Deadon

Trying to develop a shooting form at the range to carry into the field can prove interesting because the conditions are not exactly the same.
My preferred method is often referred to as Free Recoil. Here the front support for the stock sits on a rest and the rear of the stock is tucked snug into the shoulder actually just touching the rear bag to help steady my shot. My body takes the recoil and that reaction from the body dictates my point of impact.
This method is then carried over to shooting sticks and closely matches my range results.
If I should use a tree limb or anything else to steady myself my left hand is used by producing a V between my thumb and finger to place the stock into. Again no gripping the stock with my left hand.

So the question of what do you do when you shoot freehand? Here I have taught myself to use the lightest grip possible to support the stock with my left hand. By doing this my shots impact slightly lower but still within the kill zone if I don’t push this method past 75yds.

What I’m basically trying to express here is that your range method needs to closely mimic your results for field conditions. If there is a difference for one of your methods you need to be aware of how much a difference for point of impact to compensate. There is no substitute for practice and knowing your firearm’s reaction from how you use it IMO.

Hope something helpful has been mentioned here.


Ed

[dannoboone]

Big +1 to what ET said. Long ago, I tried every method that
has ever been suggested on this message board, before the 'net
even existed. Bar none, free recoil works best for me. But it's not
for everyone. A person just has to find what works best for him.

[Richard]

Free recoil in benchrest terms means just that! If shooting the lighter recoiling PPC type of cartridges in 13.5 lb. rifles, then the butt of the stock does not even touch my shoulder. No part of the stock is held what so ever. My hand rests on a leather bag and only the tip of my finger "touches" the 1.5 oz. Jewel trigger. With bench guns such as my 6mm BRX with is launching 108 gr. bullets with more powder than the PPC's with 65 gr. bullets, I let the stock just about touch my shoulder..........but no rearward pressure. Again, no other touching of the stock.
Now with the PN, and the lead sled, I use no hold on the forend. I just group the thumbhole and apply enough pressure in a steady rearward motion until the shot "breaks!"
As far as relating hunting situations to bench type shooting? These are two different games. Off the bench I am attempting to keep everything as perfect as can be to determine the accuracy of a load. You just can't wring out a load sitting on your butt and resting on shooting sticks In my opinion! You are just not as steady as off a proper bench rest......be it a lead sled or front tripod/rear bag situation. I believe that prior to hunting season, the avid bench shooter needs to test his loads the way he will be hunting. If you incorporate your bench techniques into your field positions, you will be a better marksman. Everyone has to do what works best for them. This is just my view
Richard

[deadon]

Thanks Guys, As usual I may have ask this the wrong way, Sorry. What I want to know is--- what is the best way to hold the rifle across a front and rear bag to LEARN what the rifle will do with a particular load, Pre lead sled. Thanks for all the input . Nothing else maybe Newbys will learn how to not ask questions Thanks again Rusty

[dannoboone]

The literal BR definition of free recoil, if used in the field, would
defy gravity! ;D