GTA

All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: bownut400 on September 03, 2013, 04:42:57 AM

Title: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: bownut400 on September 03, 2013, 04:42:57 AM
I hope this has not been beat to death.  I tried to search but didn't get my answer.   I would like some tips on proper tips from shooting off a bench rest.  I have noticed when I support front and back does not turn out so good.  I guess I am asking what bench rest would you use for the best accuracy?  Please advise
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: BenjiHunter on September 03, 2013, 05:50:25 AM
I support only the front of the gun with a bag.
Not just a bag, I have the gun in my hand on top of the bag.
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Kailua on September 03, 2013, 06:05:24 AM
If you are using a rest try and lay a smooth type of cloth on it and then a teri cloth or towel on top of that.  See if the riflle fore stock slide smoothly back and forth.  May help the springer from jumping on recoil.  Just an easy experiment to see if accuracy improves.
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: nced on September 03, 2013, 08:09:15 AM
I hope this has not been beat to death.  I tried to search but didn't get my answer.   I would like some tips on proper tips from shooting off a bench rest.  I have noticed when I support front and back does not turn out so good.  I guess I am asking what bench rest would you use for the best accuracy?  Please advise
Decades ago when I sold my brother a R9 he first tried bench resting the gun on two shot bags powder burner style and got 30 yard shotgun patterns. After the placed his "free hand" on top of the shot bag and the stock forearm on the open hand he got real tight groups as long as the stock butt was only resting on his shoulder and not touching the bench. In the past I've done well simulating the "soft rest" by resting the gun on a pillow on the bench and this worked well, however since this method has no resemblance to actual field shooting I nixed this practice.

Now I do ALL my springer target practice hunter class field target style sitting on a modified bucket resting the gun on cross sticks like this..........
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/wved/Field%20Target/RainyDIFTA.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wved/media/Field%20Target/RainyDIFTA.jpg.html)
or occasionally offhand.

Also, with a piston gun it's important to make sure that the shooting form and gun support placement and shooting form is consistent for each shot, and it did take considerable practice for me.

Some folk claim that they "can't shoot a springer" so they migrate to the benign PCPs, counting shots, buying or pumping air, and the hassles of the necessary "life support system" of tank, hoses, adapters etc., however, I prefer the challenges of shooting a good springer!
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Oldgringo on September 03, 2013, 11:59:44 AM
If you are using a rest try and lay a smooth type of cloth on it and then a teri cloth or towel on top of that.  See if the riflle fore stock slide smoothly back and forth.  May help the springer from jumping on recoil.  Just an easy experiment to see if accuracy improves.

Yes, that's the way I like it...uh, huh, uh huh. ;D
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: ChrisMX105 on September 03, 2013, 12:49:53 PM
There was a neat setup that someone made using a small frame made from PVC and a paint roller to allow the gun to recoil freely. Tests proved a discernable improvement in accuracy.
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Paul68 on September 03, 2013, 12:55:12 PM
The best "rest" depends on the gun. When I shoot from the bench, I almost never rest the gun on anything other than my hand. I use the table to "cement" myself into position and hold me steady, rather than resting any part of the gun on anything solid. Makes it easier to practice a consistent hold. 90% of the time, I end up doing a dozen or so shots with a new rifle to determine what it will work best with when shooting this way. Some of my magnums like a tight shoulder weld and a loose forestock hold, others vice versa. Some like being hand rested near the trigger gaurd, others more to the mid point of the forestock. Its just a matter of experimenting.

 To date, the only guns that shot well with the forestock rested on a bag or similar item were an RWS48/52 and my StormXT, both tuned. The RWS just wasn't hold sensitive at all and would shoot off just about anything accurately, and the Storm is a very docile shooter that shoots BETTER without resting on a bag, but will still do well rested.
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Bullit on September 03, 2013, 01:09:49 PM
I also use a bag and rag.  Forestock in hand, or across my forearm, in the different shooting positions.   As Paul's post points out, consistent cheekweld, and hand location is important.    Same with straight trigger pull, and STAYING DOWN into your shot, until the pellet hits home...follow thru.
The artillery hold is very effective with Springers.  Here's THE video/article to learn from. 
Good Luck to You!
https://www.pyramydair.com/article/The_artillery_hold_June_2009/63 (https://www.pyramydair.com/article/The_artillery_hold_June_2009/63)
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: silent_airman on September 03, 2013, 01:43:37 PM
I hope this has not been beat to death.  I tried to search but didn't get my answer.   I would like some tips on proper tips from shooting off a bench rest.  I have noticed when I support front and back does not turn out so good.  I guess I am asking what bench rest would you use for the best accuracy?  Please advise
Decades ago when I sold my brother a R9 he first tried bench resting the gun on two shot bags powder burner style and got 30 yard shotgun patterns. After the placed his "free hand" on top of the shot bag and the stock forearm on the open hand he got real tight groups as long as the stock butt was only resting on his shoulder and not touching the bench. In the past I've done well simulating the "soft rest" by resting the gun on a pillow on the bench and this worked well, however since this method has no resemblance to actual field shooting I nixed this practice.

Now I do ALL my springer target practice hunter class field target style sitting on a modified bucket resting the gun on cross sticks like this..........
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/wved/Field%20Target/RainyDIFTA.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wved/media/Field%20Target/RainyDIFTA.jpg.html)
or occasionally offhand.

Also, with a piston gun it's important to make sure that the shooting form and gun support placement and shooting form is consistent for each shot, and it did take considerable practice for me.

Some folk claim that they "can't shoot a springer" so they migrate to the benign PCPs, counting shots, buying or pumping air, and the hassles of the necessary "life support system" of tank, hoses, adapters etc., however, I prefer the challenges of shooting a good springer!

+1 on the challenges, and avoiding the hassles of PCP. I nearly took the leap into PCP, but then I asked myself if I was willing to deal with tanks, pumps and all, and the answer was no. I went with some high quality springers and I have no regrets. I like the freedom of just grabbing my gun and a tin of pellets and concentrate on shooting and not on pumping or checking this gauge or that gauge. No worries about compressors or tanks. I believe anyone can learn to shoot a springer, unless prevented by a physical limitations. It's all a matter of discipline and technique. Every power plant has its weak points and its strengths. It's all a matter of what you can live with. And life with my springers is good!  ;D
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: phantomshtter on September 03, 2013, 01:49:13 PM
I see your original post states you're very new to adult airguns and undoubtedly have all the questions that comes with the territory.  I believe this would be an rather informative read for you.

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=51555.0 (http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=51555.0)
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: nervoustrigger on September 03, 2013, 02:45:42 PM
As someone who put off making a paint roller rest, I was astounded at the difference it made in my ability to shoot tight groups.  As others have said, the type of rest that works best may vary based on the rifle and the user's style of shooting, but I would encourage you to try it.  It worked well with both my springers with the rifle resting on its balance point and a fairly light touch between my shoulder and the stock.
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Motorhead on September 03, 2013, 03:05:07 PM
Really depends ( IMO ) on rifle in question ?
Some spring guns are bucking bronco's that no matter how gentle or firm you handle them, rest em on bags, roller rests or hand hold just take your POA / POI for a wild ride  :P
Whiles other more tame spring guns do quite well on bags  ;D

I shoot an AA TX200 MKIII on bags occasionally in Formal Bench Rest Competition  ;)
Bag in front ( Set EXACTLY in same place every shot ) and a bag in rear slid forward or back to get elevation stabilized.
* key for me is MAKING SURE gun is well settled into bags and on target, then making sure cheek weld is light but deliberate, Grasp of pistol grip also light but deliberate and a fairly tight shoulder to butt pressure set slowly apply trigger pressure until gun fires.
Keeping relaxed and on target while ya gently squeeze off the shot not exactly knowing when sear breaks is KEY !!

Practice makes perfect and NO, it's not an easy discipline to master ... takes time & practice  ;)
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: bownut400 on September 03, 2013, 03:18:59 PM
Thanks guys, I believe you are sending me in the right direction.  Yes I am new to spring guns.  A short story:  I currently have went through 4 springer's (GAMO)  in the past month thinking it was the guns.  I thought because they were cheap you would get a good one once in a while.  That was until I found this forum.  So now with a new UTG Leapers scope and a nitro piston crosman.  I guess I am addicted to these air guns like crack.  I HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT.  Thanks for all your ideas.  How many different pellets do you guys use to find the right one?
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Bullit on September 03, 2013, 04:01:52 PM
If you do a search in the GTA forum, you'll find what others have had good luck with in that or similar model rifle.  That should narrow it down quite a bit.  The Crosman Premier Hollow Points are a good starter pellet for break in and are a Wmart staple.
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: MikeSSS on September 03, 2013, 04:39:46 PM
I place my hand on the front bag and the rifle fore stock on my hand.  Placing the front bag under the scope bell often works well.  The top of the front hand has a pulse that moves the rifle with the heart beat, the bottom of the hand has less pulse. 

A little talcum powder on the hand lets the rifle slide consistently.  The rear hand must be held the same each shot and the shoulder position and pull into the shoulder must also be the same.  Same for cheek position and pressure.  Body muscle tension needs to be constant.

The sight needs to remain on the point of aim during the shot cycle. 

Cheeking and thumbing will throw a shot.

Guns generate harmonic vibrations and move during a shot, it all has to happen the same during every shot.

All this also applies to powder burners too, some much more than others.

Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Kailua on September 03, 2013, 04:50:47 PM
If searching for the right pellet.  Ebay and Straight Shooters have sample packs to try.  Straight Shooters seems to have better quality choices to try.  Some brands like H@N FTT have different heads sizes so watch for that also when testing.
If you don't like the trigger on the Gamo or Crosman try and take a look a Charliedatuna trigger upgrade will be a good investment in accuracy.   JMO
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: ChrisMX105 on September 03, 2013, 05:16:03 PM
+1 Meeellion on the CDT trigger, Took what felt like a 6" hard pull who's only consistency was inconsistency to a nice crisp break. They are a work of art to boot and easy to swap.
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: bownut400 on September 03, 2013, 10:20:30 PM
Good info.  I did the trigger myself with a R/C bearing and it works great.  I am curios about pellet diameter like mentioned.  I find that premiers fit really tight in my crosman.  The skirts will not go flush with the  barrel.  Does this seem right to you all?
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Chaos2767 on September 03, 2013, 11:37:23 PM
I filled up one of my socks with sand and used that as a rest!
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Tater on September 03, 2013, 11:59:10 PM
I got this bench from Cabelas. Sorry for the long link:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Timber-Ridge-Shooting-Bench/1134794.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dshooting%2Bbench%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=shooting+bench&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Timber-Ridge-Shooting-Bench/1134794.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dshooting%2Bbench%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=shooting+bench&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products)
 
The gun rests on two foam rollers and it's been working great. I tried shooting sticks and various other rests, but only the artillery hold or that bench work for me.
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Kailua on September 04, 2013, 12:03:12 AM
A chamfer can be cut into the breech opening for a better fit for the pellet. For more views from members on cutting a chamfer I think you should start a new post.  Also don't forget to look into the GTA library.
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: bownut400 on September 04, 2013, 03:32:40 AM
Well I have been in the library all afternoon and I think I am almost up to a first grader air gunner.  Luckily my job allows me to do some reading while doing my duties pushing buttons.  I really appreciate the responses even though most were found in the library.  Sometimes it gets worded a little different form the original and then I understand it better.  I did do a little shooting tonight and tried about 30 different holds and 3 different pellets, I might add with some improvement (thank you).  The part that gets me is my son has a gamo whisper and I shot a 1/4" group at 20 yds and my crosman TR77 NP can only hold a 3/4" group at 20yds.  This crosman is about to make me mad, I really like the feel up to the point of shooting it, it kicks and is real hard to hold still.  IT is not that much of a pleasure to shoot, I might be looking for #5 any ideas for about 350$.  I really like the pistol grip or thumb hole stock type.  I am not ready to give up on the springers/NP yet.   Again thanks for all the ideas
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Kailua on September 04, 2013, 05:26:56 AM
Not sure on the TR77 but the Benjamin NP rifles have two weak points.  Plastic barrel block washers and a loose fitting spring piston.  Which Airgun Toys (listed in the GTA Mall) may have fix if the parts are compatible.  Also may want to check the barrel crown there are some bad ones on the lower end airguns.
Title: Re: Shooting off bench rest with springer
Post by: Phoghat on September 04, 2013, 06:41:47 AM
Quote
Also, with a piston gun it's important to make sure that the shooting form and gun support placement and shooting form is consistent for each shot
You really can not say that enough. If your support isn NOT consistent, your groups never will be.