Until I can make it to the next THAGC match, I've been making do with quick forays into the woods behind the house to practice and am finally trying to do it right. I'm moving up, literally, from sitting on the ground and using my legs and arms for a rest to sitting on a bucket and using shooting sticks. I picked up some Vanguard Scout B62 sticks, and they have a rather narrow rubber lined V yoke at the top for...what is my question?I'm shooting a spring piston rifle. I've tried resting the rifle fore stock in the V. The sides of my BAM B26 fore stock settle against the sides of the V, but it's more of a 2 point contact with the more generous furniture on my TX200. Regardless, this seems counter to using an artillery hold - the rifle is basically resting on a firm surface, the V, connected to sticks resting on hard ground below. Results were not great. I've also tried resting my wrist in the V yoke, and then holding the rifle fore stock with my hand to cushion the fore stock. This works much better. Little rough on the wrist after a long session, but not too bad. Shooting results are not significantly better than a seated ground position with no sticks though.So, how does one use these things called shooting sticks anyway? It sure is nice to have a bucket between me and the forest critters (ticks, biting ants, etc.), so I'm motivated to figure these things out
Technique on a bucket ideally is having your rump at a height to bring your knees up so your elbows can rest right behind your kneecaps and arm extending into correct position on rifle. ( Both arms )Rifles height set via the trigger on sticks Scott
I tried out my shooting stick arrangement at the DIFTA field target shoot last weekend. My first time out I hit 7 out of 60 using the monopod and sitting on a thick towl. This time I shot 37 out of 60. Getting the right hight bucket and sticks made a big difference. Spreading my legs out helped stabilize things with my elbows resting on my knees. I only had problems at 15-20 yards. Because that is the half mil dot range and I need to practice more.
Some time back I took Scott's advice and ordered the trigger sticks. Problem was I couldn't find the short ones. I took the long ones appart and shortened them 8 inches. They work great now. The rubber V worked good for the TX. The HW100 would not sit stable on the rubber. Shape of stock I think. Put pipe insulation over the ears, and it cradles the HW perfectly, but the foam won't work with the TX. One more thing, I shortened up the bucket 6 inches. Now my elbows rest solidly on my knees. Will know how well it works out at this Sundays FT match. Funny this post covers everything I learned this season. Tom