least hold sensitive springer?

[D14Jeff]

a XS-12 from MM with is basic or full tune would seem to fit the bill , easy to cock , minimal recoil and with one of mike's tunes should be ready to go and trouble free out of the box . i believe he can add a TO5  or R9 "clone" trigger to it also .

http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=53

[chito]

What about a springer you can actually use for hunting. The 54 is heavy and needs to be level. It's not ideal for shooting bird's out of trees. How about those LGV's anyone using those?

[drewciferpike]

54 is definitely heavy. Not my idea of a field gun (I carry the Talon SS in one hand when I'm walking orchards. My 34 clone is light enough for field work, and the R7s  I've shot seem like they'll float away). I was shooting walnuts out of trees, this evening, so I guess that counts for not being level. Granted, it just got its peeps, and a scope could change how the sled brakes.

I think it's a moot point, though. For the LONGEST time, I couldn't shoot that clone well. After letting the springers sit too long, I took it out the other day and could actually make groups. Find a rifle that fits you and feels good, and put in the work.

[anuthabubba]

I am just starting to work with my new Phantom. I use a small portable rifle rest and a rolled up towel to put under the rifle. This seems to get me the better groups so far. I did try the art. hold, and it seemed to open up the groups. So, I am resting the forstock on the towel in the rest. I barely touch the gun with my left hand (I am right handed). I put the butt lightly into my shoulder. Right hand lightly reaches around the grip area behind the trigger guard. I try to pull straight back on the trigger. I try to let the air rifle move as it recoils. I then follow through, as in maintain the hold looking through the scope.

This is a great description of the 'concept' of the so-called howitzer/artillery hold! Substitute your forward hand for the towel on the rest in your description by supporting the rifle on the heel of the forehand and/or ball of that hand's pointer finger which is pointing straight ahead along the bottom and do everything else the same and watch your percentage of hits go up.

Will have to adjust the forehand fore/aft position some to fine tune the rest/hold on various rifles. The thumb and last three fingers of the forehand are up, alongside but not (or very lightly) touching the fore end in case the rifle tips. Where the forward pointer finger touches the cocking slot allows repeatability of the position. Helps to have the forward elbow/upper arm against the ribs for support.

Rear/trigger hand is barely touching the grip with the trigger finger pulling nearly straight back against the thumb that is laid along the top of, not wrapped around, the grip.

[chito]

What about when your out hunting? Seems like the artillery hold is only good for bench shooters.

[anuthabubba]

Only use a rest anymore for initial zeroing. Am a standing plinker, pester/hunter and use this hold or a slight variation to suit, on every type of airgun used. Including vintage pumpers, PCP, Co2, pistols and home tuned .177, .20, .22, .25 springer rifles. Don't generally make moving target shots but find it easy to swing and aim up or down a few degrees on the occasional one and in the heat of the moment might actually firm up my grip. If there is a really high, up a tree shot I divide the weight/forces between the major points of contact.

This hold evolved over time/use and will still vary it a bit to suit the shot trying to maintain as many of its elements as possible. It is kinda like old school/social dancing, in contact with a partner. You gotta remain fluid and be ready to adapt.

[Brazos]

Hands down the HW30S (R7).  I just got a HW35E and it is not hold sensitive with hardly any recoil.  I also have a TX200 w/ a 12fpe Vortek kit that hardly moves at all (it did in stock form).

[Bullit]

What about when your out hunting? Seems like the artillery hold is only good for bench shooters.

The "Artillery Hold" concept, is to let the rifle "breathe" and move ... It doesn't matter where or what you shoot from...

[DonH]

The best First. Walther lgv .177 the most accurate and less sensitive. Then the R7 .177 and next my Gamo Whisper Fusion in .177.
My RWS 34p very accurate and very hold sensitive, along with the Stoeger x20.