Aw.....I need a rest.....I think...

[cloverleaf]

And maybe a day off too. Seriously, I am beginning to think I need to use a rifle rest (sorry Guy) other than the sand bag. Given the tendonitis in my right hand, the tears in my shoulder, and my 50 year old eyes, I am starting to think that (correction, I know) all my rifles shoot better than me. I dont mind the challenge of old age, (OK I do but what ya gonna do...) but I really want a way prove that its not the gun. Any suggestions on decent cheap rests, or a good resource for better technique. Fortunately I was not schooled buy the USMC. Shot some groups this weekend. A couple 2inch fliers in each five shot group and two or three sub inch. :twisted: Help is much appreciated. CL

This is what I know this rifle can do when a buddy is doing the shooting.... One in the bull and that yellow hole were mine. He picked it up and put another in the bull and the string just to the left. My most recent group was about same size as the one pictured but all over rather than strug together like the one in the pic.

 

[Guest]

CL, I've always used sandbags or filled bags of some sort. I currently use a Caldwell Dead Shot bag in the front and sometimes the tiny companion bag in the rear, but sometimes not. I've had good luck with it, and I think the real secret is finding some manner of resting the rifle where you're not interfering with it when you hunker down in position and line up your eye with the scope. It took me a long time to figure out how to get "into" my rifle without shifting it with my body and my breathing. I still struggle with the breathing part. But, the point is, the rifle should be stable, and the best stability is a bunch of heavy sand in bags, IMO. Good sandbags can be had fairly cheap or made from old jeans legs or from lead shot bags. Either way, use several, and get the rifle nested in them nice and stable. Your best groups will come from a setup like this, I believe.

I'm hoping to pick up a good adjustable rest sometime soon (maybe Santa will bring me one? I've been a good boy this year...) and try that out, but up to this point the only adjustable rests I've used have been less stable than a pile of sandbags.

 

[DrMike]

I use bags my wife makes for me. This is all I use with but very few exceptions. They work well for me. I do understand, however, how muscle fatigue, muscle loss and other matters associated with aging take a toll on shooting performance, however. It ain't no sin to grow old, but it sure is inconvenient.

 

[FOTIS]

Lead sled

 

[onesonek]

As much as I don't care for it, I think with your shoulder issue's Fotis is right with the LeadSled.
Personally I prefer to have more control on the recoil myself, and while not cheap, I love this rest. With length adustable rear for both pistol and rifle use, and ambidexterous windagetop, it's hard to beat.

 

[wildgene]

...this is what I use...

...the Bull Bag, used properly, is steady & absorbs some of the recoil, & reduces muzzle lift, I "aim" w/ the rear bag. The Bull Bag is also convienent for fending off the occassional pdawg attacks...

 

[JD338]

I use good 'ol sand bags.

JD338

 

[cloverleaf]

Just to Add to it. I dont know what order these shots were fired in but the "high and Low" with the group in the middle is part of the reson that I am thinking my technique is suspect. These groups were shot of sand bags with my 250-3000 Savage:

75 Gr Hornady V-max/ 40 Gr 4350

100 Gr NBT/ 35 Gr of 4064

I like the Bulls bags but they are a bit mor than I can afford. CL

 

[nvbroncrider]

Practice is all you need. An easy inexpensive way is to dry fire. This will get you comfortable with your rifle for practicing technique. Other than that I think you are there. Your loads seem very accurate. As they say only perfect practice makes perfect.

 

[Elkman]

cloverleaf says,
Given the tendonitis in my right hand, the tears in my shoulder, and my 50 year old eyes,

Gee I wish I had 50 old eyes! Have you looked at adjusting your sear engagement, how about your shooting technique? Are you staying on the rifle shot to shot, "breathing". I took a good close look at my shooting habits a few months ago and made some changes. Are your elbows bedded solid. Just some ideas. !

 

[DrMike]

All excellent points, Bill. Technique can become overly casual with time. We become familiar with technique, and gradually slip into poor shooting habits. I also notice that as I lose muscle mass, off hand shooting becomes harder. As I've aged, I adjust my range limitations to ensure that I can still take the shot from various positions.

 

[cloverleaf]

Well, I found a Caldwell "zero max" rest and have been using it. Groups no better than the one pictured, at least not much. AND today the bottom edge of the pistol grip of my stock slid back against the rest for three shots before I noticed it. Took the finish off the bottom of my grip and a dime size chip out of the walnut on one side..... :twisted: Now I get to figure out how to patch that as I could not find the chip. No luck at all. Ready to give up on the old 250-3000.
Shot my Savage 22Mag today and put 4 of 5 shots in a half inch dot. But that 250..... she may be for sale soon. CL

 

[tddeangelo]

I use this...

http://reviews.cabelas.com/8815/228233/ ... ort=rating

I put 3-4 sandbags under the toe of the stock as well in the rear. When properly set up the rifle doesn't need me to hold it on target, it's stable and remains on target.

 

[RiverRider]

This is a pretty good setup.

 

[cloverleaf]

Well here's a pic of the rest I bought. Less than $10 from Gander when they were goig out of business near my home. I does work, makes things easier on my shoulder.

Hwoever adjustment is rather arduous (turn each leg up or down). As a result I got into the habbit of sliding my rifle forward or aft to adjust for elevation. I would then just snuggle up to the stock and use my shoulder as a "bang board". Sounds good right? Except the rifle slid back and up against the "fork" intended to hold the stock. As a result I have two chips out of the pistol grip of my stock. Obviously it got down below the heavy nylon padding and took a couple chunks out of my stock :roll:

Now the question is how best to fix the damage? Hard on my vanity ot just oil it up and leave it as is. Right now I am experimenting with some JB Weld wood epoxy mixed with some Walnut sanding dust for color. What a pain! CL