Tikka T3 Sporter - learning the ropes (large pics warning! 56k modem alert!)

trav70

Regular
Rating - 100%
9   0   0
So, since I was lucky enough to be off work today, decided to go put a few more rounds through my new (to me - though I bought it used) T3 Sporter in .308

Weather was hot (about 30 degrees C), with a fairly strong wind from almost straight ahead, and luckily the bugs weren't bad today (still covered in bug bites from last week's outing!).

Target range was about 120 yds (as calculated using my mildot scope - don't know how accurate that method is in my hands). Again, I was using the cheap Sellier & Bellot 180gr FMJ ammo. I know, I know... I really need to get myself some better ammo. But for the price (until I start reloading!) it's good enough for me to practice the basics, like positioning, breathing, trigger control, not flinching, etc... Within the next week or so, I hope to buy some better ammo.

First up is a pic of me, and my ultra-fancy shooting mat (bought from Canadian Tire for about $10). The rocks are there to keep the tarp from blowing away in the wind. Even though it sort of looks like the front of the rifle is resting on a rock, that's just a trick of the camera angle. It's actually on a sandbag. I set myself up too close to the right edge of the tarp, and when I went to shoot, my right elbow was in the dirt! Since I had taken time to line up my chrono, and didn't want to move everything to the left, I just stuck a piece of cardboard under my elbow, and held it down with a brick!


Prone1.jpg



Here's my first group... about 1.5"
I was happy with that.

UL2.jpg


Second group was even better, probably just barely over 1".
I was really happy with that one.

LL2.jpg


And third group. A bit wider than the other two. Again, about 1.5" or so, but none touching each other.

LR2.jpg


On the whole, given that it was only my second time shooting this rifle, I was incredibly happy with these results. I feel that in a short span, I've improved my technique a fair bit (though I know I have a long way to go.... but getting there is all of the fun!)

A great day for being outside, enjoying our all-too-short summer season.
I feel bad for all the folks who had to work today!

Here's a pic of where I was shooting.

MySpot3.jpg
 
Nice gun...now the fun of trying to work on a load for your rifle and the countless combinations once you start reloading! Nice pictures...
 
Helpful hint - bend your right leg up so your knee is out to your side and above your beltline. The way you're situated in the picture will affect your breathing - all your torso weight is over your diaphram. Bringing the leg up will distribute the weight better and ease your breathing.
 
The rifle is a .308, and I think the trigger is great! (Though I don't have much to compare it with.)

By pulling the right leg up, do you mean like what they call Olympic prone, vs the flat military prone style? I plan on trying that, and then seeing which feels better, as my understanding is that it often comes down to a matter of people preferring one style over the other.
 
By pulling the right leg up, do you mean like what they call Olympic prone, vs the flat military prone style? I plan on trying that, and then seeing which feels better, as my understanding is that it often comes down to a matter of people preferring one style over the other.


yes thats what he means, basically right foot comes , almost as if you trying to touch the inside of the left knee with it..

and it really is a preferance based on comfort and body type. for the longest time when i shot rimfire precission, i actually used to cross my legs at my ankles, was it the most stable, probably not. but it did net me 4 top 5 finishes in the bc youth summer games when i competed many many years ago as its what i felt the most comfortable.

now i shoot how you have yourself pictured, but with my legs further apart
 
Back
Top Bottom