Author Topic: Dropping the sticks (Read 6933 times))

Racer X · « **on:** November 15, 2014, 09:21:29 AM »

I have been shooting Field Target just this year. I shoot a Browning Leverage in spring piston Hunter Division. I use a set of sturdy shooting sticks and a bucket. The gun shoots well and we have our moments. Though I have been shooting for years. Competition is a whole new level. So I practice a lot. Last week I missed all the off hand shots. That was no good. So I began working on my weakest thing. Trying to find a good hold is a challenge. And a ten pound gun is a workout. So I switched to shooting sitting down and began looking for a sitting position. One with the gun resting still.
As I began practicing I noticed the gun shoots better off my folded arm that is on my knee. Than the sticks. Not as consistent yet. But definitly shooting tighter groups. So I think I will enter the open class next time. Now I have something new to practice. It's like graduating higher level.

Motorhead · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2014, 12:25:34 PM »

Indeed the gun and its firing behavior makes one hold better than another ... Open Springer also allows you to UP YOUR OPTICS to greater than 12x

Always have FUN no matter what

Good luck in 2015

Racer X · « **Reply #2 on:** November 15, 2014, 06:47:14 PM »

Shot about 250 shots today. Tired arms and lead covered fingers. Life is good.

I got a little hunting seat. It was 18 bucks and is made of steel with canvas straps. Out of the box it was eight inches high. I thought I could cut it down. No need. As soon as I sat on it the whole thing collapsed! Down to four or five inches
Just perfect. The pins are made of aluminum and bent like butter. But it could only go so far. So I am going to use it. I can redrill and use long bolts if or when the pins break.

I definitly need a new scope. The scope and a chronograph are on the wish list . I don't have the money for a scope over 500 dollars so I still want to use mill dots. Clicking is going to have to wait I think. Probably till I get an Air Arms s400 ft

Dockey 454 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 15, 2014, 07:44:56 PM »

If I could make 1/2 the off hand shots I would be thrilled.
Tom

darren · « **Reply #4 on:** November 15, 2014, 07:57:14 PM »

Shooting offhand can be a challenge.....but get a good sling, and shoot with the from arm wrapped through the sling....it is leagle and will tighten up your shots

http://www.gundigest.com/shooting-articles-advice/rifle-shooting-basics-loop-sling

Racer X · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2014, 01:06:40 PM »

I have a bag and I am definitly needing to try everything. One BIG thing I noticed is the thumb hole stock I have been lusting over may not be the best idea. Getting a stable body position is challenging. Experimening will be fun.

Racer X · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2014, 10:16:46 AM »

Ya ,the regular stock allows me to cradle the rifle in a balanced comfortable position. Even the substandard trigger is not hard to control. I shot two five shot groups back to back and they are both my tightest groups ever. I saved the target.

But that is 13 yards. Let's see how it does out to thirty forty and fifty. Also how well I hold up with 72 shots. This is an endurance sport. I might start to lift weights over winter. Can't hurt.

Racer X · « **Reply #7 on:** December 16, 2014, 11:58:00 AM »

I went to the last field target shoot of the year. It was the DIFTA monthly get together. Always fun. Up to this point in hunter class my goal was to shoot 50% and then a lofty goal of clearing a lane. With out the sticks I did that with a real wind factor and very cold. Sadly that is the last shoot I will do with my Browning leverage. I bought a tx 200 go next year. Shooting a springer without the sticks seems to be much easier . And more consistent. I need off hand and practice in the wind now.

Racer X · « **Reply #8 on:** December 16, 2014, 06:21:29 PM »

It a slow progress of my shooting skills. First I shot from a bench. I was surprised how accurate I could shoot. Then I tried the bucket and sticks. This was better. So I started to compete in Field target. My weakness showed up. As I worked on my weak points I found it to be more stable sitting down holding the rifle. I am surprised I can hit the barn door from inside the barn. Now with the TX I have to relearn the trigger. It will be a fun winter.

Motorhead · « **Reply #9 on:** December 16, 2014, 07:24:16 PM »

I'm with ya brother !!
Been practicing with a hamster fitted on accessory rail resting on the knee, sitting on a bag in a pretzel kinda hold.
Weird is just the beginning !! ... tho stable as all get out.

nced · « **Reply #10 on:** December 16, 2014, 07:32:50 PM »

Quote from: Racer X on November 15, 2014, 09:21:29 AM

I have been shooting Field Target just this year. I shoot a Browning Leverage in spring piston Hunter Division. I use a set of sturdy shooting sticks and a bucket. The gun shoots well and we have our moments. Though I have been shooting for years. Competition is a whole new level. So I practice a lot. Last week I missed all the off hand shots. That was no good. So I began working on my weakest thing. Trying to find a good hold is a challenge. And a ten pound gun is a workout. So I switched to shooting sitting down and began looking for a sitting position. One with the gun resting still.
As I began practicing I noticed the gun shoots better off my folded arm that is on my knee. Than the sticks. Not as consistent yet. But definitly shooting tighter groups. So I think I will enter the open class next time. Now I have something new to practice. It's like graduating higher level.

There isn't any problem with shooting hunter class using the "pretzel position" if it works better for you and some even shoot "road kill position" (prone). Whatever works best for you is the key!
LOL....I'm not too good at offhand OR kneeling shots either and if I hit 50% of the forced position shots I'm pleased!

Dockey 454 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 16, 2014, 09:13:00 PM »

I started shooting of a full size bucket, using trigger sticks. I couldn't find the short version so bought the long ones and cut them down 6 inches. This was ok but wasn't as stable as it could be. I cut the bucket down 4 inches. That meant that I needed to take the sticks apart, and cut them down another 4 inches. I'm able to get a better connection between my elbows, and knees. My scores went up considerably. Now if I could improve my offhand, that's awful at best.
Tom

Racer X · « **Reply #12 on:** December 16, 2014, 09:16:56 PM »

I really believe it's all about personal preference and practice practice practice. I tried the hamster twice ,really wanted it to work. But it just didn't work out. I don't really know why. The sticks I made are great and I thik with a PCP or even a better springer they will work just fine.

nced · « **Reply #13 on:** December 16, 2014, 11:38:44 PM »

Quote from: Dockey 454 on December 16, 2014, 09:13:00 PM

I started shooting of a full size bucket, using trigger sticks. I couldn't find the short version so bought the long ones and cut them down 6 inches. This was ok but wasn't as stable as it could be. I cut the bucket down 4 inches. That meant that I needed to take the sticks apart, and cut them down another 4 inches. I'm able to get a better connection between my elbows, and knees. My scores went up considerably. Now if I could improve my offhand, that's awful at best.
Tom

LOL......I also cut my bucket and Stony Point cross sticks down so my elbows rest on my knees when the R9 is sitting on the cross sticks. Here's my cut down bucket that I bought at Gander Mountain well over a decade ago..........

Uploaded at Snapagogo.com

cdd1983 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 17, 2014, 12:21:59 AM »

Racer X-I noticed you are from Maryland. Where are your field target comps held? I live in the panhandle of West Virginia and have been curious about this wonderful sport. Anyway you could point me towards some info? I've looked around on the aafta website but didn't see much around me. Thanks

Racer X · « **Reply #15 on:** December 17, 2014, 01:32:58 AM »

I shoot with the DIFTA origination. Great Bunch. The range is is Damascus MD just east of Frederick.

http://www.damascusiwla.org

cdd1983 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 17, 2014, 02:23:47 AM »

Quote from: Racer X on December 17, 2014, 01:32:58 AM

I shoot with the DIFTA origination. Great Bunch. The range is is Damascus MD just east of Frederick.

http://www.damascusiwla.org

Thanks I'm only a 1/2 hour or so from Frederick.

Racer X · « **Reply #17 on:** December 17, 2014, 06:09:27 AM »

That's great, The next shot is in March

nced · « **Reply #18 on:** December 17, 2014, 08:21:15 AM »

Quote from: cdd1983 on December 17, 2014, 12:21:59 AM

Racer X-I noticed you are from Maryland. Where are your field target comps held? I live in the panhandle of West Virginia and have been curious about this wonderful sport. Anyway you could point me towards some info? I've looked around on the aafta website but didn't see much around me. Thanks

I lived at Berkeley Springs, WV for 23 years before moving to North Carolina and would make the 2 hour trek to DIFTA for the FT matches, but now I make a 2 1/2 hour trek to Mt Pleasant, NC for the THAGC (Tar Heel Air Gun Club)matches. I may be able to take in a couple DIFTA matches this year with bucket, cross sticks, and R9 in tow and hope to meet you there!

In 2010 I shot the National FT match at DIFTA and using my HW77k in a combined PCP/piston hunter class (back then hunter wasn't divided between PCP and piston) and took 4th place.

Uploaded at Snapagogo.com

Uploaded at Snapagogo.com
That year there were 17 hunter class competitors and of the 17 only 5 were shooting piston guns, the rest PCPs.

I attended the 2014 National FT match in Heflin, AL and was the sole hunter class piston shooter ........it does seem that the piston shooters are "going the way of the dinosaurs". My HW77k was sold a couple seasons ago and now I only use my break barrel R9!

Racer X · « **Reply #19 on:** December 17, 2014, 09:18:03 AM »

I hope to attend the 2015 field target nationals. The Tare heel air gun club is hosting it next year in October. I will shoot with open or hunter with my TX. Depends what works best.
It would be great to meet you.

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Dropping the sticks

Author Topic: Dropping the sticks (Read 6933 times))