Range Report - My New .308 Encore

[GypsmJim]

Just couldn't wait any longer.  Although it was 16 degrees and snowing, I had to at least fire a few rounds  since I finally had a day off.

I'm a newbie and this is my first T/C.  Been shooting Colts, S&W and Rugers for years, though.

I was surprized at the recoil.  Not too bad really.  For me, not as harsh as a .44 mag revolver, and quite controllable.

I bore sighted the scope and on a benchrest at 100 yds, it hit within 6" of the bull.  Only fired 8 rounds and my hands froze so I didn't get her sighted in perfectly.  Accuracy looks quite good, though.  My last 2 shots were offhand.

Overall, quite satisfied.  My only question is:  Bench resting is easy, but with the weight of this rig, how the heck do you keep her steady when you're walking thru the woods?

TIA for any replies.

[22hornet]

Well I use a pair of Steady Stix or try to find a good tree to rest on.  The one off hand shot I did take at a deer I missed misseralbly so I then bought the stix.  I also used my holster once as a rest...

[TopGun]

I have sling swivels on a barrel-band and in the grip base, and I use a
 1 1/4" 'mountain type' adjustable sling. It is a very heavy nylon wweb type that is full adjustable. I adjust it  so that it hangs at the 'off' hip by wearing it cross draw. It is set up for my armlength. I am right handed so it hangs from my right shoulder, across my back and chest to my left side. When I grab the Encore by the forend and hold it out at arms length to where it's comfortable with the eye relief, the sling is extremely tight and the gun is very steady. By using this method and I can carry it this way thru the woods or field and when I spot the game I can bring it up quickly. My right hand automatically grabs the grip and it takes very little searching thru the scope to get on target. Thumb the hammer back and let it go! If you know how to properly wrap a military sling arournd your left forearm, you will find this is very fast and steady. I've used sticks, mono-pods, and trees. I still like this way best. It's a way to carry the gun, and less things to carry to steady it. It works for me.