No more artillery hold

[nced]

The "artillery hold" for ME is more than simply resting the stock forearm on the palm of the hand. It also includes a light grip at the "trigger area" and light pressure on the shoulder so the R9 recoils rather freely.

This discussing has piqued some interest in my trying the "firm grip" again with my .177 R9 to see how it affects the accuracy with my current tune (CPLs at 890fps). I do know that some holds I've tried give a more stable AIM POINT and the firm hold is one example for me, however at times the most stable aim point doesn't (hasn't yet) given the best accuracy at the target.

[silent_airman]

After trying springers and the cursed artillery hold, I am happy to report no more artillery hold for me. Why? NO more springers. All sold and traded away and I say good riddance. I'll leave the artillery to the Army and Marine cannon cockers. 

[David.Soliman]

I have tried many holds on many different guns and found that most magnum springers shoot better with an artillery hold. Low to medium springers shoot better with a firmer hold.
sights also affect the hold, scoped guns shoot better with an artillery hold while when using open sights it is better to hold the gun firmly

[Tommy]

what is considered a magnum springer?
Tommy

[Calmark]

I've found I shoot better in general without an artillery hold.  At first, the artillery hold helped me shoot my springers more accurately, but as I've improved, I've moved away from it in favor of a firmer hold.  I like to be ready to use my springers in the field while pesting or hunting and I found a loose artillery hold is often impossible while on uneven terrain, leaning against odd objects or trees, where unlike bench shooting, your shot isn't consistent.  But, a consistent hold, cheek weld, eye to scope alignment and trigger control I've developed over time have improved my ability to shoot springers accurately, despite no longer using the artillery hold.

It takes experimenting with what personally works best for YOU, but find what works and consistently use that.   I've found the artillery hold isn't always necessary and in certain situations like in the field, can actually make me less stable and ready to take a quick hunting shot.  Keep trying new things and your springer shooting will improve!     

[Ken T]

This thread is a surprise.I thought I was about the only one who didn't use the artillery hold.I hold all rifles like I'm shooting a magnum centerfire and get excellent accuracy.Cheek weld,calling the shot,and follow thru are most important.

[zeiss3]

I to find the Artillery Hold hard to use. I have shot .22 Silhouette for many years and to me there is no way to use the Artillery Hold. I realize Air Rifles are different breed and maybe for some it works and I have tried it on 4 or 5 Air Rifles and either I don't know how to use it or ??.

[JonnyReb]

 I too have almost completely given up on the artillery hold. All my springers shoot best with a firm hold...plus the artillery makes me shoot high and to the right, resulting in odd scope adjustments.. Might be guns that do best with it but i don't have any. of um.. 

[Lightninrod]

I use a 'modified' artillery hold. I've seen videos where the air rifle is laid in the palm of an open hand and another where it's placed on top of the hand . I place it in my slightly closed hand,  a V if you will. I put the butt plate lightly against my shoulder 'pocket', and grip the stock just enough to be able to squeeze the trigger so, it's not a pure artillery hold.

Dan

[GarthThomas]

After lots of practice my artillery hold has changed to a semi firm grip but when I first started shooting the loose hold was the best for me. Maybe some people have the ability to hold their rifles evenly so the recoil doesn't affect their aim but it's taken me a lot of shooting to firm my grip to where I'm balanced and perfectly in line and not pulling or pushing for the recoil to amplify such differences.

[birdmove]

   I hear that!!  I'm now 60, and I do love my coffee. I'll give up my coffee when they pry the cup from my cold dead hands.

for me what is MOST important is limiting my coffee intake to only 1/2 a pot of so....  anymore than that and my shots are lucky to even hit the paper!!!

[Tater]

Good post Mark, especially the part about being in the field. I've used the artillery hold for a while now but I'm hoping to do more outdoor shooting at some point. I think it's time to start experimenting with different holds.

I've found I shoot better in general without an artillery hold.  At first, the artillery hold helped me shoot my springers more accurately, but as I've improved, I've moved away from it in favor of a firmer hold.  I like to be ready to use my springers in the field while pesting or hunting and I found a loose artillery hold is often impossible while on uneven terrain, leaning against odd objects or trees, where unlike bench shooting, your shot isn't consistent.  But, a consistent hold, cheek weld, eye to scope alignment and trigger control I've developed over time have improved my ability to shoot springers accurately, despite no longer using the artillery hold.

It takes experimenting with what personally works best for YOU, but find what works and consistently use that.   I've found the artillery hold isn't always necessary and in certain situations like in the field, can actually make me less stable and ready to take a quick hunting shot.  Keep trying new things and your springer shooting will improve! 

[Flyboy]

I recently switched to a gas ram air rifle and have experimented with holds. I got a bipod with my combo package, a Stoeger ATAC Suppressor, but have decided that it is totally impractical for my style and location of shooting. Right now I am getting away with a loose hold or a firm hold, depending on how tired I get. I hardly ever hold the rifle mid-way down the stock for support though, I find it too tiring, especially on this rather weighty air rifle. I actually, more often than not, find myself supporting the rifle just past the trigger guard... that may seem weird to some of you but I find that's where a good balance is and I can also support my elbow close to my body, normally on my ribs.

[Not The Brightest Bulb]

that may seem weird to some of you but I find that's where a good balance is and I can also support my elbow close to my body, normally on my ribs.

Who cares if it's weird to others, you the one doin the shootin, your job is to make shooting unweird for you. Just keep on shootin.

[nced]

that may seem weird to some of you but I find that's where a good balance is and I can also support my elbow close to my body, normally on my ribs.

Who cares if it's weird to others, you the one doin the shootin, your job is to make shooting unweird for you. Just keep on shootin.

X2.....good advice since guns AND shooters are individuals!

[mcoulter]

Just thought I would share a test I did last fall regarding tight vs. loose holds while shooting.  I was able to consistently alter the Point of Impact up to 3-4 inches by changing my hold on my RWS 34.  Tighter hold = higher POI.  In *my* case a tighter hold also equated to smaller groups.

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=53485.msg509748#msg509748

[SamTheMan]

On my Beeman Silver Kodiak x2 (springer) I use a light forearm hold. I tried a completely open, flat palm and that seemed to open up POI.

[RedRiderF26]

I have a .22 umarex octane springer, pretty powerfull, pretty good recoil kick. When I try the artilery hold I do HORRIBLE. When I put a firm grip on it and press the but against my shoulder firmly and have it resting on something solid I do great! Guess it works for some people/guns and not for others.

[1216bandit]

my .177 rws 34 with vortek kit shoots dead nuts on with anything between the artillery and gorilla hold, while my .22 rws with the ARH kit demands a very light hold.  Before I put the vortek kit the .177 it liked a loose hold.  I had a Crosman .177 phantom with an e3650 arh spring that shot really nice IF I was loose on the fore stock,  loose on the cheek, but tight into the shoulder.  So don't be afraid to try something different to get the results you are looking for.  Then when you toss in the difference in pellets you can drive yourself bonkers trying  to find the right combination!  Sure is fun though

[PaperPunch1]

I too use the firm hold on the pistol grip and open palm under the forearm......whatever you wish to call it
GRUNON, that is the only way my springers will hold good groups too. I prefer to call this position by a term which you would not agree, so I'll just say that your way is best.
PaperPunch1