BCRider
Member
I'm wondering how many folks enjoy the challenge of shooting their rifles for plinking and basic target shooting from a standing free style posture instead of using a rest or cradle?
On top of this I recognize that most of us will switch to using supports as an aid for longer distances or during load development or rifle evaluation. But if so at what distances or circumstances do you switch over to supports/aids to steady the rifle?
For my own case I really enjoy shooting from standing free style at a Caldwell rimfire flip up target set for 25 and 50 yard plinking. This is commonly done using my Henry lever rifle or my BSA Martini with peep sights. Soon to join these two are a Savage Mk II with scope (probably push out to 50 and 100 yards due to the scope) and an older sport style Anschutz equipped with Anschutz rear target peep and Lyman globe front sight.
Once things get past 50 yards though I find that my old guy eyes and old guy nerves make for "generous" group sizes. Like I'm happy to hit the 12 inch square paper at all..... So I go back to seated with a support bag or choose to go prone on a shooting mat where I shoot from my elbows.
For 200 yards and longer? Seated and support bag all the way. Or in the case of my long distance BPCR .38-55 rolling block with long distance peep sights I'm looking at a sturdy folding stool and crossed sticks.
Needless to say I have a HUGE respect for skill and ability seen in the Metallic Silhouette event shooters. To do well at this style of competition with no support and no slings speaks volumes for the training and discipline... along with the good fortune to have nerves that aren't too far gone...
So how about it? Bench supported all the way or 400 yards free style? Or, more likely, somewhere in between?
Hunting is a whole other issue. The desire for a clean kill means that it's not so much about the challenge as obtaining a merciful kill. Also I understand that the sooner the animal drops the less tainted the meat. So I'm sure many use a handy tree or shooting sticks. But do you practice this at the range by using the support posts as a handy "tree"? Yes? No?
On top of this I recognize that most of us will switch to using supports as an aid for longer distances or during load development or rifle evaluation. But if so at what distances or circumstances do you switch over to supports/aids to steady the rifle?
For my own case I really enjoy shooting from standing free style at a Caldwell rimfire flip up target set for 25 and 50 yard plinking. This is commonly done using my Henry lever rifle or my BSA Martini with peep sights. Soon to join these two are a Savage Mk II with scope (probably push out to 50 and 100 yards due to the scope) and an older sport style Anschutz equipped with Anschutz rear target peep and Lyman globe front sight.
Once things get past 50 yards though I find that my old guy eyes and old guy nerves make for "generous" group sizes. Like I'm happy to hit the 12 inch square paper at all..... So I go back to seated with a support bag or choose to go prone on a shooting mat where I shoot from my elbows.
For 200 yards and longer? Seated and support bag all the way. Or in the case of my long distance BPCR .38-55 rolling block with long distance peep sights I'm looking at a sturdy folding stool and crossed sticks.
Needless to say I have a HUGE respect for skill and ability seen in the Metallic Silhouette event shooters. To do well at this style of competition with no support and no slings speaks volumes for the training and discipline... along with the good fortune to have nerves that aren't too far gone...
So how about it? Bench supported all the way or 400 yards free style? Or, more likely, somewhere in between?
Hunting is a whole other issue. The desire for a clean kill means that it's not so much about the challenge as obtaining a merciful kill. Also I understand that the sooner the animal drops the less tainted the meat. So I'm sure many use a handy tree or shooting sticks. But do you practice this at the range by using the support posts as a handy "tree"? Yes? No?
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