Proper benchrest technique.]

A

Andrewe

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Winnipeg, Manitoba
I'm not in competitions but I would like to ensure that the loads I develop are as accurate as possible. Certainly my technique at the bench plays a huge part in my accuracy. I'll outline my method and perhaps someone can offer me tips or tell me just how wrong I am. For the record the smallest group I have shot is a 5 shot 3/4" with my wife's Remmy 700 SPS in .223. All shooting is at 100 yards.

The rifles:
Browning micro hunter in .243. A very light short barreled rifle. 4-12 scope.
Remington 700 SPS in .223. Standard fare. 3-9 scope.
Savage 93R17-GLV .17HMR. 6-24 scope.

I use a front tripod rest and bag and a rear rabbit ear bag.

I placed the forestock on the front rest and the stock on the rear. I kind of push them down into the bags untill my aim is correct and everything feels tight. Then, holding the forestock I pull the rifle back into my shoulder. I leave my hand on the forestock. This seems to be the most solid way to hold the rifle. Unfortunately I also find that sometimes I end up putting a lot of pressure on the rifle I would assume this affects accuracy.

When I fire the recoil usually causes the rifle to jump up off the front rest a couple inches. I have not found a way to avoid this and I don't know if it is something to avoid.

Any tips?
 
What make of front rest are you using? If it is a hoppe or caldwell they are not solid enough to use a proper bench technique. The calibres you are shooting should all work with what is called free recoil. This is when you use your left hand (right hand shooter) to squeeze the rear bag and leave an inch or two of gap between the butt of rifle and your shoulder. If you have a heavy trigger pull you can place your thumb on the back of the trigger gaurd to help pull the trigger without moving the gun. The thumb would be the only thing other than the trigger finger touching the gun. This means you keep your cheek off of the stock. Bench technique will depend on the gun. Some like free recoil and some like to be held lightly. Are you using wind flags, if not you are likely getting the best you will get out of a gun......Tony
 
I'm using the Hoppe's rest and bags. I understand that they are not the same as a true bechrest rig.

I have shot using a technique simlar to the one you mentioned but gave it up because of the amount of rifle movement due to recoil. The only difference was that I held the rifle to my shoulder using my trigger hand. I will definately try it your way. I'm curious though why the stock is kept off the shoulder.

Your method seems counterintuitive as there is nothing holding the rifle in place to offset recoil. Kind of the opposite of a vise.

And no, I am not using wind flags. I tend to only shoot groups when the wind is favourable which is most often.

Thanks for the help.
 
Thats what they need is more weight! I have a hart and am thinking of beefing it up this winter. The less your body touches the rifle the less chance of unwanted movement. Try it both ways and see which one gives you the best group. Usually the lighter the gun the more it will like to be held. I shoot my rem 700 6br (8 pounds) free recoil, the trigger is around 3 pounds and I have managed to pull shots just using my thumb on the back of the pistol grip. I am a bit of a flincher though so there you go!!! Tony
 
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