Couldn't have said it better myself. A lot of people tell me guns are not as accurate when fired with a bypod attached and shoot better off of a front rest. Well maybe I'm just different but I have always been able to shoot better off of a bypod (either from the bench or prone). For most of my coyote hunting / calling situations I have the bypod attached to my Contender and use the Crossed Shooting Sticks if the need arrises.
SD Handgunner
You've got it right in there pard - if they shoot better off a front rest than a bipod then its just their technique with a bipod that is lacking IMHO. When shooting TC's its always been best when shooting off bags to place the bag right up against the front of the trigger guard with no rear bag - same would be true with a mechanical front rest. The forend hanger bar system (I believe Fred started it?) allows you to get away with the bipods mounted farther out front, but I still don't know how anyone ever shot good with the barrel band studs of long ago, or simply resting the barrel itself on either a bag or rest. Its also fairly common for TC's to string vertically if you just rest the grip on the bench, and it can also happen using a squeeze bag under the grip. So my so called "technique" is to use hanger bars on all my barrels, mount bipods within the length of the hanger bar and rest the grip on my non shooting hand. By changing that hands position, squeezing it, or curling fingers under, etc I can raise/lower the grip to zero in on elevation. Makes for a rock solid hold and one that is repeatable from shot to shot if you have enough control over that hand to keep it dead still. BTW, I also only use the swivel type Harris bipods so that I can always keep the pistola level even on uneven surfaces with the bipods instead of having to fiddle with leg heights to get level. A small cant at the pistola is greatly amplified downrange. I've never used the "scope levels" myself, but would think they are a great idea for anyone who might be having canting problems, especially in the kiling fields with sloping terrain. At the 1000 yard fun matches I shoot in, we have to shoot prone. My setup on the 6.5 Super Bower is a bipod and my off hand under the grip while laying on a shooting mat, and it works very well. I tried my mechanical rest and it sucked - so did bags. The 6.5SB is laser accurate and very capable even at 1000 yards, so my only limiting factor is the optics it wears. I am shooting a Burris 10X target pistol scope on it, which is borderline for getting good repeatability on the 10" bull with these aging eyes - especially when mirage picks up. Sure wish someone would come out with a 24X or 36X extended eye relief scope - the 6.5SB has way too much recoil to use rifle scopes on it and besides, it would be harder for me to set up prone with such short eye relief (and I have a mind block against putting rifle scopes on pistols anyway). BTW, I have also modified all my Harris bipods with knurled knobs to attach to the studs and levers to lock the swivel - makes them fast to change or lock in the field and was well worth the cost. I carry in the field with a sling that is easily adjustable so when I am using sticks it can be pulled against to act as a third brace, and that greatly steadies the hold with the sticks - almost making them into a tripod. I first got hooked on Contenders in 1969 and have had countless hours of enjoyment, put tons of wild meat in the freezer by using them ever since. Anyway, just some more thoughts to ponder that may be of help to someone I hope. Do what works for you, and good shooting.
Larry :bye:
