Balance is important when shooting from field positions, especially standing unsupported. Make sure the balance point is close enough to the trigger guard so you can tuck your support elbow against your torso so you can use your skeletal structure. A heavier gun has more ballast, but the lighter gun will be less taxing. Both should be balanced to help you steady your aim.
Tips to shoot a lightweight rifle better
- Thread starter rayatphonix
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When I go walking for varmints or deer, I often bring a lightweight folding stool and a telescoping unipod that can be used from either sitting or standing. Sitting on the stool and using the unipod, I'm comfortable shooting out to at least 250 yards on varmints and deer. I hold the unipod and brace it with my elbow on my knee. It's quick and steady, allowing me to swing on moving critters more quickly than when using a bipod. The stool and unipod fit in my backpack, along with other gear, lunch, thermos, etc.
Practice with the thing, off the bench. Try shooting from the positions you will use in the field. See how the point of impact changes with position, as it probably will. It is very hard to shoot a lightweight sporter rifle, the things are twitchy and it does not get better the less supported the position. But, if you practice you will eventually see patterns in the groups and figure out how to align those sights, pull the trigger, without pulling the shot.
After a 100 yard Garand match, where I shot a 482 with my NM Garand, that rifle has the buttstock full of lead and a heavy match barrel. I put most of my prone shots inside a 1.5" circle with that Garand. After the match I decided to try my J.C. Higgins M50 in 30-06, from sitting, with a sling. It was all I could do to keep it in the black. It is hard to shoot the lightweight rifles, with practice I probably could do better, but for that day, I was tired, it was hot, and I wanted to go home.
The rifle shoot well, on the bench, all the way out to 300 yards, but it is still twitchy. I have not shot it at CMP off the bench, most because I don't want to endure the disappointment of not holding the black
After a 100 yard Garand match, where I shot a 482 with my NM Garand, that rifle has the buttstock full of lead and a heavy match barrel. I put most of my prone shots inside a 1.5" circle with that Garand. After the match I decided to try my J.C. Higgins M50 in 30-06, from sitting, with a sling. It was all I could do to keep it in the black. It is hard to shoot the lightweight rifles, with practice I probably could do better, but for that day, I was tired, it was hot, and I wanted to go home.
The rifle shoot well, on the bench, all the way out to 300 yards, but it is still twitchy. I have not shot it at CMP off the bench, most because I don't want to endure the disappointment of not holding the black
cw308
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Witt Machine makes a muzzle brake .
BWS
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For me,and lite sporters(bolt guns)is about all I care for these days;
It's about how well it fits/shoulders/swings first off.Small to modest scope size(3-9x40 seems big).Fast comfortable sling.
Do the whole close your eyes,mount,excersize...... if there's a hitch in that,recoil is only going to make it worse.Now,dry fire it religiously....... then dry fire it some more.Keep at the blind mount.
Then,use reduced loads.Most std cartridges will have at least one accuracy node somewhere around book starting figures.If not,snag some 4895( where appropriate) and go lower. Probably around 2400 fps on a 308 based case,you'll find a node.Now shoot that rig like an overgrown rimfire.
Check cold bore zero regularly,but then get on with field position "beercan" accuracy.Start with hits anywhere on the can @75yds. Then only "ends".Keep moving it further,wash repeat.Confidence is a huge player IMO on making you better at rifle craft.Sporters and benchrest seems to frustrate folks? Because,that's NOT what they're designed for.And save the full house loading for hunting,dosen't take but a few minutes to dial in your scope.Good luck with your project .
It's about how well it fits/shoulders/swings first off.Small to modest scope size(3-9x40 seems big).Fast comfortable sling.
Do the whole close your eyes,mount,excersize...... if there's a hitch in that,recoil is only going to make it worse.Now,dry fire it religiously....... then dry fire it some more.Keep at the blind mount.
Then,use reduced loads.Most std cartridges will have at least one accuracy node somewhere around book starting figures.If not,snag some 4895( where appropriate) and go lower. Probably around 2400 fps on a 308 based case,you'll find a node.Now shoot that rig like an overgrown rimfire.
Check cold bore zero regularly,but then get on with field position "beercan" accuracy.Start with hits anywhere on the can @75yds. Then only "ends".Keep moving it further,wash repeat.Confidence is a huge player IMO on making you better at rifle craft.Sporters and benchrest seems to frustrate folks? Because,that's NOT what they're designed for.And save the full house loading for hunting,dosen't take but a few minutes to dial in your scope.Good luck with your project .
teetertotter
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"Follow Through."
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