Technique Question: Cheek Weld

TargetNorth

Regular
Rating - 100%
23   0   0
Location
Southern Alberta
Hi All

Here's a technique question for everyone. How do you get perfect cheek weld? Any ideas and comments on how it affects your shooting?

I used a sock under a cloth tape that worked pretty well, but I had trouble pulling my bolt all the way out (I keep it stored seperate when I lock up the rifle). I find I don't get consistent cheek weld and was looking for advice.

Thanks for your time,
Barry
 
Lots and lots of time behind the trigger. I have a crap load to learn but took on online training that helped and that is what I found so far. Takes time. I know there are alot of guys on here that have alot more expirience then I do that can help out. Good question BTW.
 
"...perfect cheek weld..." probably cannot be acquired every time one shoots.
As a technique or that part of the position it will become more easily repeated with more and more frequent practice.
The gun should fit the shooter - adjustable cheek pieces help considerably.
Mounting the gun the same way each time will help with the repeatability.
Dry holding may help to obtain a consistent feel for the position. Even in prone shooting. The cheek position should be such that one can view through the sights or the scope without strain or discomfort. A side to side upright head position should be aimed for. Forward tilting is not so much of an issue but lateral tilting which can affect the balance mechanism of the inner ear may cause varying degrees of imbalance and inconsistency in the position resulting in the shooter fighting for a position.
Some light reading
"The Way of the Rifle" - Buhlman/Eckard/Reinkemeier
"The New Position Rifle Shooting" - Pullum/Hanenkrat
"The Rifle Shooter" - Tubb
 
Are you shooting prone/off a bench, or off-hand? With a scope or no?

I don't use cheek weld. I just barely touch the stock with my cheek and minimze body parts that affect harmonics. I shoot prone with a scope.
 
In the prone position when you shoulder the rifle and rest your cheek on the stock and look through the sights/scope, there shouldn't be any strain and your body should be relaxed. Close your eyes, relax then open your eyes. If you are not perfectly still on target you need to adjust the stock/cheek piece until you can stay on target.
I have a nifty little device that I use to store my bolt when I leave the range. It is called a rifle:p You could try one of those strap on cheek pads.
 
I think that if you rephrase that to: Cheek feel or cheek pressure, it would sound better.
Personally, I just touch the the cheek rest to know I'm there. You don't want to cause a "push-away" upon recoil. At least that's my throw at it.
 
That’s like asking “How do you get to Carnegie Hall”. Short answer, practice. In my experience the only way to become comfortable with a firearm is to use it. You don’t have to shoot it all the time but you should pick it up a couple of time a day and dry-fire from the same position you will be using it.

My $0.02, hope it works for you!
 
I try to maintain the most upright position I can with my head. I have a fairly square set jaw so I lower my bottom jaw about halfway to create a pocket that contours over my Blackhawk strap on cheek riser/pads (have em on everything I shoot seriously). Best alignment for my eye and easy on the cheek with the pad. My two cents. Every aspect of body positioning can affect your shot. To check overall position I take a point of aim, close my eyes, inhale/exhale as part of zoning in, open my eyes, if alignment is good I should be back on target (within reason). Then it's time to do some triggering.
 
I used a sock under a cloth tape that worked pretty well, but I had trouble pulling my bolt all the way out (I keep it stored seperate when I lock up the rifle). I find I don't get consistent cheek weld and was looking for advice.
Start with 3/4 pipe insulation, or foam sleeping pad taped in position. Find what works for you, then you can move on to commercial devices that are similar once you find what works for you.

As Obtunded mentions, the technique you use will vary depending on the recoil of your rifle, what kind of pistol grip is on it, and how you shoot it. A 20lb 223 shot from a rest will use a much different technique then a 10lb 300WM shot seated, or even off a harris.
 
Back
Top Bottom