Author Topic: holding steady in the field ?  (Read 1022 times)

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Offline ratgunner

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holding steady in the field ?
« on: May 13, 2009, 12:45:52 PM »
I got my third Contender,this one is a G2 .223 14" with a Burris 2-7x ,the others were G1s.I made some shooting sticks from two wooden dowels lashed together.But I'm still too shaky in the fields when shooting at groundhogs.I'm thinking of a bipod mounted to the forend or maybe a tripod . What do you all use to rest your pistols on for those long shots ? I mostly am sitting when shooting to see over tall grass but sometimes I can get prone. :-\
Thanks.
"Non Gratum Anus Rodentum"

Offline GameHauler

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2009, 01:14:49 PM »
I used a Tripod in a ground blind last year on my deer hunt
I have a little U shaped mount that screws to the Tripod
and was rock solid but allowed me to swivel wherever needed.
For prone I generally set up on my back pack.
Just a couple starter ideas ;)
Mike

Offline Keith L

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #2 on: May 13, 2009, 01:22:48 PM »
It must have gotten moved, because here it is.

I have a bipod that attaches to the forend, or to one of the mounting screws.  I either shoot prone or from a rest, and when I can use a small sandbag to stabilize the grip.  Contenders can be tack drivers when rested.
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Offline ratgunner

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2009, 01:24:55 PM »
Thanks for moving this for me. ;D And thanks for the response. Now what size bipod would I get ? I want to be able to shoot sitting and prone,thank you.
"Non Gratum Anus Rodentum"

Offline MS Hitman

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2009, 01:12:20 AM »
Have you tried lashing three dowels together for a tripod?

Offline xphunter

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2009, 09:07:54 AM »
I will use a combo of the BR bi-pod (notched legs/S-Series w/Pod-Loc) or the 25C for sitting or carry shooting sticks.
I have made connections beyond 1k with this set-up (prone or benched w/BR bipod).
I use a small leather bag filled with either sand or corn-cob media to go under the rear grip and run the handgun with one hand and have the other hand on the bag for elevation adjustments.
Ernie
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Offline Blackhawker

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2009, 09:33:58 AM »
I don't really know how to explain this (without a graphic demonstration) but I'll do my best.  If I'm in the field, I typically bring a collapsible chair and unfold it in the place where I intend to shoot from.  Typically, I'll try to sit at a 45 degree angle in the chair, with the left front corner between my legs.  If I somewhat "slouch" in the chair and cross my left ankle over my right knee (for right handed shooters) I can rest my left wrist and hand on my left knee and then rest the grip of the pistol in my right hand in my palm of the left.  From there, allow your wrist to both rest and hang over the front of your left knee at the same time.  Aside from keeping windage aligned, all you'll have to do is hold the pistol up on the target because you should be allowing the pistol to "droop" over your knee somewhat.  At some point you will find a perfect balance on the pistol and it will hold very steady.  Once you've found that balance, then let her rip!

I hope that made sense. ??? It seems to work very well for me.  I shoot off my left knee almost all of the time and do fairly well like that...on prairie dogs and plinking around.  I wouldn't shoot in any competitions like that but when you're in the field, what else can you do?

Offline ratgunner

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #7 on: May 15, 2009, 02:40:18 PM »
Lots of good advice here,kust like I knew you guys would.Thanks.I got a pistol bipod attached to the forend,but its useless in the field.Gonna add another dowel to my homemade bipod and make it a tripod. ;D Also went to the range today and got consistent .5"-.75" groups with the bipod off the bench useing Hornady ammo.So I know the gun is on.Went hunting afternoon but no Charlies wanted to play today. ::)
"Non Gratum Anus Rodentum"

Offline hoosierdome

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #8 on: May 17, 2009, 06:39:23 AM »
I also need a shooting rest for in the field, I think I'll give this a try. It should only cost around $20.00 to make.
http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/SniperSaddle.asp

Offline GameHauler

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2009, 07:38:01 AM »
I also need a shooting rest for in the field, I think I'll give this a try. It should only cost around $20.00 to make.
http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/SniperSaddle.asp


That is basically my set up.
Works great
Mike

Offline sscoyote

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2009, 07:20:48 PM »
I am a walking coyote hunter and as such i need the steadiest sitting field position i could think up. The problem with shooting from the sitting position with a bipod is that u also need back support to achieve real steadiness. I have made shots (very closely) to 1000 yds. also using this system--

Get a soft-sided stadium seat from K/Wal-Mart. Reattach the side strap buckles (female ends) closer to the seat itself for the tightest fit possible. I also cover mine with a burlap bag (for the best camoflage), cut, slipped in and resewn. Attach another Fastex snap to the end of the side straps so it can be carried hands-free in the field around the waist. Now by fine adjusting the bipod u can support the pistol grip on the knees, bipod on the front, and your back in the seat for a super-steady hold.

Offline Tommyt

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #11 on: May 19, 2009, 02:22:58 AM »
I take a Adjustable Paint Handle its about 3 1/2 foot long closed
I took a Paint Roller Handle and broke off the metal leaving the screw handle I then
JB welded a U hook (the ones they sell for hanging Brooms on a wall) it has a Wood screw end and the U
Of course the screw goes in the handle now I have a cradle for my TC and an Adjustable stick
Works like a charm its at camp I'll try to take a Pic

Offline hunterspistol

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Offline billjoe

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #13 on: May 27, 2009, 07:34:24 AM »
If you can sit and lean back while you shoot here is a technique that works great for me.
Sit in a chair or lean against a tree.  Take a bipod and adjust it for the correct height and distance from you for comfortable shooting.

Here's the deal, take a piece of soft rope or I like a nylon strap and fasten it to the bipod so that you can loop it around your neck to form a third leg.
I like the nylon strap since it has a clip on it for adjusting the length.  When you rest the barrel on the bipod, (I like to rest just in front of the frame), the weight pushs against the strap looped around your neck, and the gun becomes very steady.
Works for me and is easy to carry.
bj

Offline Hopalong7

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Re: holding steady in the field ?
« Reply #14 on: May 27, 2009, 09:22:01 AM »
billjoe, I do basically the same thing standing and sitting only instead of a strap or rope, I'm using the sling that carries the pistol.  The sling is equipped with a quick adjust buckle...Just Sling It designed by one of our fellow members Southern Idaho.  works great with bi-pod or my favorite walking stick mono-pod.