Leaning FT shooting and Building a 'Hamster' for Diana 34

[Fred J]

I am taking a break from plinking with m RWS 34 while I am recovering from back surgery. The day before my surgery, a friend of mine (Steve) came over to shoot paper targets and silhouette's at 30-41 yards. Great day to shoot: virtually calm. I did my all time best at 40 yards (5/16" group at 40 yards, see attached). Steve shot some great targets, too, with his Marauder. Ended the shooting session by shooting a silhouette with a 1/2" kill zone at 35 yards. Steve and I manage to hit the kill zone about half the time.

I'm hoping to get back to shooting next week. In about 6 weeks, I am going to give a try at field target shooting. I need to master the freestyle sitting position. I am hoping that the removal of the large bulge on my L5/S1 disk will give me more flexibility. Any good UTubes on FT positions would be appreciated!

In the meantime, I would like to build a Field Target  'hamster' for my D34 to raise the gun a couple of inches on my resting arm. I was thinking of using the rear action mounting screw as the mounting point for the hamster. This will accomplished by using a longer rear stock screw (1 1/2" longer than the stock screw), a 1" long spacer, and a 1/2" piece of 3"X4" walnut with a slot cut in the front to accommodate cocking.

Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

[farmerjoe99]

Well here are a few of the Utube vids I found helpful:
I really enjoyed all of TeamWildTV's FT vids be here a a few:

[chiro972b]

Get a harness from mac1. I simply cannot begin to get steady in the seated position without it. What about hunter class? The d34 is an ideal hunter piston gun and you can shoot off a bucket and sticks.

[Gear_Junkie]

What about hunter class? The d34 is an ideal hunter piston gun and you can shoot off a bucket and sticks.

+1

Those WFTF guys look like pretzels when they are shooting!  However, I have also seen them steady as a rock.  I shoot HFT because I have a bad back, and it's a bit more comfortable.  I'm still sore at the end of the day, but not as sore as I would be if I was in the pretzel position all day.  Getting up from a bucket is also a lot easier on your back than getting up from the ground when switching lanes.  You might want to consider trying HFT first.  It's also a cheaper initial investment.  Just use a milk crate for a seat, and a cheap $30 pair of sticks (or make your own).

Good Luck!