Position Shooting the Encore: Request Advice

[shotgun31]

I posted this request for advice on another forum, and didn't receive as much information as I hoped.  Maybe they weren't Encore shooters?
 
I seek advice from you Encore shooters that have mastered the rifle. I have a Bullberry .17AH barrel with Bullberry hangar forend and buttstock and have been range firing it. On the bench, with a nice soft blanket cushioning the forend it shoots beautifully and consistently; 20gr VMax's into 3/8" or less at 100 yds with fire forming loads. However, when I practice shooting as I would on the Prairie Dog hills--position shooting or from crossed sticks--the consistency goes south; strings vertically as much as 3" sometimes. I like to walk, and shoot from the prone or sitting position, or the best way so far is to carry a military rucksack and saddle blanket and shoot from prone position.

The rifle seems to be EXTREMELY sensitive on that forearm. Mine doesn't like crossed sticks.  Does anyone have the Encore perfected? Could you give me some tips?
Sincerely,
Shotgunman

[BobT]

I don't have the Encore perfected, far from it! I do however shoot from crossed sticks quite a lot and I have found that the closer you get the sticks to the frame the better it shoots. The same for my bench rest, I remove the forend stop stud from the rest and slide the gun up as far as it will go without hitting the trigger guard on the rest top.

Hope this helps!

Bob

[shotgun31]

Thanks, Bob.  I did notice that, now that you mention it.  I was getting a group with a flyer or 2 that way, good to know that works for you.  The gun shoots good, I'm going to lay it on technique. 

My Encore didn't like the Harris bipod, a number of combinations of benchrest setups commercial and jury-rigged.  Shoots good with a ricksack and a wool blanket, though.
Sincerely
Shotgun 

[james]

I agree with the others that it shoots better with the rest near the hinge.  I also had problems with sandbags under the stock.  I found I could get tighter groups by placing my left hand under the stock.  Use this method with light recoiling rifles only or you might get a scope in the eye.

[KN]

The trick seems to be consistency. You need the sticks/bag/rest/bi-pod or whatever to be placed in the same spot every shot. As most have noticed, closer to the frame seems to be best.

[Grumulkin]

Consistency is indeed the key.  When shooting off the bench, the forend is resting on a sand bag which is relatively soft.  When shooting of sticks, I don't rest the forend directly on the sticks but put my hand between the forend and sticks.

[30-06man]

when i shoot off hand or on a rest i always put it on the hinge area and i have no problem its a real tack driver that way

[shotgun31]

OK guys, thanks!  I'm going to get to the range this weekend and try your advice.  I appreciate your time.
Sincerely
Shotgun