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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: jtallant on November 10, 2011, 12:49:27 PM

Title: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: jtallant on November 10, 2011, 12:49:27 PM
Back in my younger days I learned to shoot in the Boy Scouts (Rifle and Shotgun Merit Badge) using basic military shooting positions of prone, kneeling, and standing.  We were taught to use the rifle’s sling to help steady our shots. When I was shopping for an air rifle, I chose the Benjamin Trail NP Hardwood because, among other things, I liked the integrated sling. 

When hunting, I always seem to naturally use the artillery hold with the sling to help steady my shots.  However, whenever I’m just plinking, I usually find myself using some kind of bench rest for shots greater than 25 yards on targets one inch or less in size. 

Am I just being a whimp or do most of you guys use something to steady your longer shots on little stuff way out there?   

Is that considered cheating?  If so, then why do people always seem to use these new fangled shooting sticks on all of the outdoor hunting shows?

Your thoughts??
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: TOM aka critter99 on November 10, 2011, 12:55:28 PM
naw its all about the fun....if you like to plink that way why not??
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: dpricenator on November 10, 2011, 12:57:07 PM
Well if you are shooting in a Offhand Match, then YES it's cheating.  If you are trying to kill a squirrel at 50 yards, you better have have steady hand or somethifn rest on or against.  So the answer is it all depends.  I would doubt to many of us could shoot ragged cloverleaf holes at 30 yards with out a rest of some sort.  So use what you want, but practice all, you never know what you will be faced with.
Check out the target shooting gates, if you want to try you hand with different guns and stances.
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: amb5500c on November 10, 2011, 01:03:56 PM
If there are no rules stating otherwise, I'm using a prop more often than not.
Richard
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: 0351_Vet on November 10, 2011, 01:16:52 PM

Is this considered "Cheating"
:D   :D   :D

(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73449%3Enu%3D32%3C%3A%3E7%3B7%3E%3A%3A4%3EWSNRCG%3D37553433%3B4336nu0mrj)
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: TOM aka critter99 on November 10, 2011, 01:18:42 PM
would that be considered plinking??? :P
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: 0351_Vet on November 10, 2011, 01:42:47 PM
That would be considered plinking??? :P

I like it.......Nice.   :D   :P   :o
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: dpricenator on November 10, 2011, 01:49:55 PM
would that be considered plinking??? :P

well with a 50 cal, plinking certaining requires a bigger target then abeer can.  Though he could probably hit a beer can with ease at 500 yards.  Thos guys amaze me.
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: Mark 611 on November 10, 2011, 02:00:03 PM
no such thing as cheating when it comes to shooting! now if you want to feel like your cheating shoot a PCP gun! then you'll feel like your cheating LOL!!!!!!! :P
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: RatRacer on November 10, 2011, 02:08:18 PM
now if you want to feel like your cheating shoot a PCP gun! then you'll feel like your cheating LOL!!!!!!! :P

Now that's one that rings true!
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: 0351_Vet on November 10, 2011, 02:10:03 PM
Here Here on that last comment.
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: JimL911 on November 10, 2011, 02:12:29 PM
Whatever it takes to get the round on target.
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: rsterne on November 10, 2011, 02:24:03 PM
^X2.... I use a rest whenever available.... unless the "challenge" is to do otherwise....  ;D

Bob
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: airgun-shooter on November 10, 2011, 02:52:25 PM
When hunting a rest is always advisable, to make the best shot for a humane kill.

When competing in a target match, what ever the rules dictate for that match.

When stump shootin or plinking, what ever you decide is just fine :)

airgun-shooter
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: MustangMike on November 10, 2011, 03:29:29 PM
i preffer a bipod over anything else, weither im plinking or taking a kill shot i like to have a nice steady  support to shoot off of.. if i was in a war or something just give me a m60 and awhole lotta bullits cuz i will spray lead every where
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: 0351_Vet on November 10, 2011, 03:51:24 PM
i preffer a bipod over anything else, weither im plinking or taking a kill shot i like to have a nice steady  support to shoot off of.. if i was in a war or something just give me a m60 and awhole lotta bullits cuz i will spray lead every where

Pray and Spray  ...... :)  :)  :)
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: MustangMike on November 10, 2011, 03:53:24 PM
i preffer a bipod over anything else, weither im plinking or taking a kill shot i like to have a nice steady  support to shoot off of.. if i was in a war or something just give me a m60 and awhole lotta bullits cuz i will spray lead every where

Pray and Spray  ...... :)  :)  :)

they can pray id be to busy spraying
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: cactusrat on November 10, 2011, 03:54:10 PM
OH MAN!!!

I’m a cheater! :o

I shoot them no good, worthless, cheating guns you boys call PCP guns. ???

Well I’m really disappointed in myself.  :-[ After all these years of trying to be a good old boys, I turned out as a cheater. :(

Guess I’ll  go out and buy one of those 50 cal pictured above and use it for a 10 meter gun. :D

Who called me a cheater? Go put an apple on your head and stand about 10 meter away. ;D

Hey the most important thing is to put the pellet/bullet right where you want it. How you do it only matters if your are shooting in a match.

Don’t tell anyone, keep it a secret, :-X I don’t want the forum to know ;), but I do ALL (100%) of my shooting off some kind of rest.

If I didn’t I wouldn’t hit the side of a barn, standing inside. :-[
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: Smackey54 on November 10, 2011, 05:05:22 PM
I once had a commanding officer tell me, "If you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'!"
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: randomgunner on November 10, 2011, 05:30:26 PM
I do both. Benches rest When sighting in a magnified optic, offhand when hunt, plinking, and Sighting in iron sights and red dots.
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: Crosshairs on November 10, 2011, 05:43:01 PM
Shoot what ever way you like as long as there aren't rules involved then shoot with a rest with out a rest and just have fun.When i was younger i could shoot with out a rest and get pretty good groups now i need to wait for the right day when I'm not shaking to shoot a match off hand or bench shooting. And when hunting i always find something to rest my gun for a clean humane kill.
                                         Mike
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: oleman on November 10, 2011, 06:03:13 PM
The objective is to hit the target and the older you get the more help you need.
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: aznboi3644 on November 10, 2011, 08:14:51 PM
if I have to shoot offhand I will...furthest offhand shot I've taken is about 50 yards...and thats concentrating for a few minutes before I take the shot

but anytime I can I use a rest
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: dk1677 on November 10, 2011, 08:21:14 PM
The objective is to hit the target and the older you get the more help you need.
ain't that the truth !  :D
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: OldmanJunky on November 10, 2011, 08:50:17 PM
Pcp??  Break barrel??

If you were a real man, you'd do one-holers at 30 yards with this:

(http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/4193/PreviewComp/SuperStock_4193R-1518.jpg)





 ;D
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: Smackey54 on November 10, 2011, 09:02:03 PM
PCP land is heard from! hehehe!
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: lizzie on November 10, 2011, 09:13:55 PM
As far as I'm concerned, no it's not cheating. God gave us brains to help us find ways to improve things, lol. :D
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: lizzie on November 10, 2011, 09:14:45 PM
Pcp??  Break barrel??

If you were a real man, you'd do one-holers at 30 yards with this:

(http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/4193/PreviewComp/SuperStock_4193R-1518.jpg)





 ;D

:D :D :D
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: cactusrat on November 10, 2011, 09:40:12 PM
Pcp??  Break barrel??

If you were a real man, you'd do one-holers at 30 yards with this:

(http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/4193/PreviewComp/SuperStock_4193R-1518.jpg)





 ;D

Don't know junky.  :-\ No rocks down here in South Texas. :( I could use it for fire wood but that old rubber tire thingy would have to come off.

Tires make BBQ taste like road kills.  ???
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: Bob P on November 10, 2011, 09:47:52 PM
When hunting, I feel obligated to make the cleanest kill possible.
So IMO, no its not cheating..

Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: MountainMan126 on November 10, 2011, 10:00:27 PM
Cheatin' no, but do you use rests on shots you know you can make without them. I don't do a lot of long range target shooting, mostly around 10, 20 and 35 yrds. I like a stable seated position, either on the ground or in a small folding chair. I try and do as much off-hand as possible as it is more functional for hunting with out carrying a lot of gear.
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: aack73 on November 10, 2011, 10:04:57 PM
it would be good to be well versed in all.  friend of mine always said 220...221 whatever it takes. he was a carpenter.  ;D
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: grumpy on November 10, 2011, 10:15:36 PM
I can no longer shoot offhand so without a rest id have to give up a hobby I love.

Dave
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: glassman98 on November 10, 2011, 11:08:11 PM
I can no longer shoot offhand so without a rest id have to give up a hobby I love.

Dave
What Dave said.  Craig
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: dpricenator on November 10, 2011, 11:55:28 PM
Pcp??  Break barrel??

If you were a real man, you'd do one-holers at 30 yards with this:

(http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/4193/PreviewComp/SuperStock_4193R-1518.jpg)

never one hole, but coul still hit a beer can ay 15yds 8/10





 ;D
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: EJB on November 11, 2011, 12:52:30 AM
Whatever it takes to get the round on target.

I second that.
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: MustangMike on November 11, 2011, 02:05:04 AM
when i was a teenager and spent 9yrs on a skate board and a bmx bike all my skater friends gave me poo for not throwing my self down the biggest set of stairs or off the biggest jump.. i had the most fun just messing around on smaller stuff that i had more conifdence in myself to do what tricks i liked and enjoyed doing..

so shoot however or whatever puts the biggest smile on ur face... i enjoy a mix of both benched/bipod and free hand.. but i do favor the rested shooting more as i can hit the broad side of barn but thats about it when it comes to shooting off hand
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: VINNY on November 12, 2011, 12:11:41 AM
Its not cheating. Whatever you are comfy with.
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: 0351_Vet on November 12, 2011, 12:50:59 AM
Its not cheating. Whatever you are comfy with.

(http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n589/USMC7579/Airguns/27695_128065280542983_125571197459058_348277_2988976_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: BenjiHunter on November 12, 2011, 02:04:48 AM
It's never cheating when you try to get a clean hit.
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: pappa on November 12, 2011, 02:25:23 AM
Any form of cheating in any situation only applies if you are performing an activity that has had rules applied and you are legally or morally bound to follow those rules and you break those rules for personal selfish reasons.

If you are shooting in a sanctioned match that requires offhand standing with no rest and you sit down and use a rest, you are cheating.

If you are after a critter for game or sport and you lay down and use a pillow on a log for a rifle rest to kill that sucker, that is not cheating.
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: grimlama on November 12, 2011, 09:51:21 AM
Add another pcp cheater...It just ain't fair to the targ...err critters...

and Vet, I love that 50 cal "can" plinking! 
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: jonnnyboy on November 12, 2011, 09:59:29 AM
My three rules:

1.  It ain't cheating if there ain't no rule against it.

2.  It's never wrong to hit your target; better to hit with a pellet than miss with a cannonball.

3.  A pcp is just another gun so, ENJOY!

joe
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: pappa on November 13, 2011, 03:42:30 AM
Deleted by author
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: aack73 on November 13, 2011, 09:56:42 AM
adrenaline maybe?  just a thought. glad you got that nutter at least. ;D
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: uncle paulie on November 13, 2011, 06:37:43 PM
Actually, the only way that could be considered cheating is if you can out-shoot me! That would definitely be cheating! In fact, I'm sure I read in the rules that I'm the only one allowed to use a rest of any sort!

pv
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: Snaab9-2 on November 13, 2011, 08:47:34 PM
Pcp??  Break barrel??

If you were a real man, you'd do one-holers at 30 yards with this:

(http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/4193/PreviewComp/SuperStock_4193R-1518.jpg)





 ;D

I took a seagull down with one once in mid air, does that count?
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: nc shooter on November 14, 2011, 01:26:49 AM
I once had a commanding officer tell me, "If you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'!"
Hahahahahahaahaha!
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: MustangMike on November 14, 2011, 01:45:19 AM
Pcp??  Break barrel??

If you were a real man, you'd do one-holers at 30 yards with this:

(http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/4193/PreviewComp/SuperStock_4193R-1518.jpg)





 ;D

I took a seagull down with one once in mid air, does that count?

not with out pictures or a video.. claiming to hit something mid air with a sling shot in my eyes requires a video otherwise im gonna have to call bs...lol...just playing.. i used to live out in the country when i was a kid and i always shot at flocks of birds as long as there was no houses behind them.. ive seen flocks open up shortly after pulling the trigger and then close the hole in the group.. i think they moved out of the way of the pellet.. but one time i did clip one crow in its wing about 10ft off the ground when it took off.. one in a million shot but not pictures or video of it so it didnt happen according to some people
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: Snaab9-2 on November 14, 2011, 01:35:39 PM
Yeah, I would be bored and shoot at every seagull I could with my sling shot... using the nice round rocks on the Maine beach I was on.... well, after doing this for a few years... I just happened to hit one right in his gut, he let out a loud squack.... fell into the water and drown... and all of his buddies from about 1/2 a mile around came and flew around him and went nuts!  I was about 13... was a bit freaked out as it was crazy to see... and took off into the woods!  : )

It was total luck though...
Title: Re: Is it cheating to use something to steady your shots?
Post by: dpricenator on November 14, 2011, 02:19:10 PM
Saw a kid, this past summer throw a body boarding fin at seagull that was in his stuff.  He hit it square in the jaw and broke his bottom beak was all jacked up. Sheriffs came and arrested him.  Wildlife preseve on most beaches in my area.  bummer, that will cost his parents big.