Author Topic: Rest up! (Read 455 times)

New Hampshire · « **on:** July 23, 2004, 10:00:55 AM »

Im here for a testimonial that to truly see what kinda of accuracy you gun potentialy has you NEED A GOOD REST!
My story.....
Just got back from the range. I was testing 165gr Nosler PArtitions in new Winchester cases, winchester Large rifle primers and a dose of IMR 4350. All from my T/C Encore using a BSA 1.5-4.5 Catseye scope and fired at a 100 yard target. I was using the crappy wooden blocks that pass for front rests at the club. I had nothing to support the buttstock except for a couple of stapled together 2X4s. While it did provide marginally acceptable elevation support, the side to side was horrible. I did all I could to keep the target between the crosshairs. At first I had problems because I was hitting waaaaaay over the target, but got it fixed using some rounds I brought for fouling purposes. Finaly got on paper and began firing my first 5 shot group, waiting 5 minutes between shots. The grouping was horrible, but I could only blame the horrible rest :evil: . After trying my damndest I fired 5 shots of my 53 1/2 grain loads (53grs were the the first loads.) To my aggrevation I found one hit high, but 4 rounds were touching in groups of two, and of those two holes they measure 1 7/16"!!!!!! Im so Pissed because I could only IMAGINE what this group would have been like had I had a GOOD STEADY REST :cry: !!!! So Im not wasting another round of my expensive reloads till I get a respectable rest. I should have gotten one to begin with, but my ego got the better of me. So Im here to say.......GET A GOOD REST!
Brian M.

longwinters · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2004, 02:22:04 PM »

I know what you mean. I have been messing around with shooting rests, for bench shooting, for over a year. Probably the two things I have learned is . . . you need a rest that will hold your rifle rock solid. And, you need a rest that is on the softer side if you don't want a lot of muzzlejump.

Long

Iowegan · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2004, 03:11:16 PM »

I agree and would add: you need to position the rifle properly on your shoulder and at the forend. I always try to position the gun on the front stock screw (or forend screw for the Encore). If you have the contact point any farther forward it will cause muzzle rise. Next, don't let any part of the gun touch the bench. Get some small sand bags to rest the forend on. I like the cloth bags that 25 lb lead shot comes in.

After I shoot a round, I like to set the gun aside and totally let go of it. That way it forces me to pick it up and position it properly for the next shot. If you hold the gun after firing, sometimes you change your hold. This is sure to spread the group.

The biggest problems with learning how to bench shoot is letting the bottom butt of the gun touch the bench or changing position on the sand bags. A consistent hold is essential.

Catfish · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2004, 03:37:18 PM »

You definately don`t need an expeccive rest to shoot good groups. If you know a trap shooter get 3 shot bags from him and fill them with sand. I`ve shot quite afew sub. 1/4 moa. groups with sand bags over the years. If you can`t get shot bag, cut the legs off some old pants that your about to trash and put sand in them. Much cheaper and just as good. :wink:

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #4 on:** July 26, 2004, 04:24:26 PM »

Agreed with the sandbags. Two under the forearm & one under the butt. With the left arm in front of your chest, the left hand is holding the corner of the rear bag. Use a little pressure for that final tweeking.
Works great. Even off of a Vehical hood.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #5 on:** July 26, 2004, 09:04:04 PM »

Have you considered a bipod?

New Hampshire · « **Reply #6 on:** July 27, 2004, 12:03:01 PM »

Yes, but Im not sure if I want to go that route just yet. I see the bi-pod as a plus for target shooting, but I think it might get in my way in the tree stand, and I dont know if I want to keep putting it on and taking it off.....but Ive not decided against it yet.
Brian M.

Steelhead · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2004, 07:53:15 AM »

Quote from: Dusty Miller

Have you considered a bipod?

Be careful of bipods. If your range time is spent using one, make dang sure you use it when you hunt. I have had as much as a 5" POI change at 100 yards when using a bipod. No problem if you always use it, but take it off and suddenly the gun that was sighted in 2" hi at 100 is now 3" low at the same distance. But I am sure you already know that, just thought I would bring it up again.

New Hampshire · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2004, 11:50:39 AM »

Steelhead.....yours is yet another example of why Im not quite sure I want to go with a bi pod yet. Ive heard the same type of story before from more than one person.
Brian M.