"WTF?" PRS Scope Handling

N0M4D

N0M4D

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Ok, so I'm trying to go in to this as open minded as possible so I want to hear it out before I say anything but I have a question regarding how people handle there optic in PRS (Specifically I'm looking at the CRPS/ORPS folks but I know they do it in centerfire as well), so throw some wisdom at me!

1: Why are people carrying there rifle by the scope tube in front of the mount to set up on to there shooting stage and moving from position to position? Most scopes are made of aluminum, yes is quite strong yes, but those tubes are actually thin. Even if it was a steel main tube, most of those rifles are 12+lbs. Maybe this is some sort of Tacti-Cool culture thing because some sniper dude did it once, or something derived from Hollywood... so why?
ScopeCarry.jpg

2: Also allot of PRS shooters tend to rest there off-hand on the top of the forward bell of the optic, some even say they push down. At longer range every micrometer moved on the optic at range has a very large effect in its POI and putting any stress on the optic will put you off your intended POI. Is it because there is a lack of place for your hand to rest? I doubt that because I can think of many other places my off hand can go to support the rifle, or again is this some sort of Tacti-Cool culture thing?... so why?
ScopeRest.jpg

Would love some feedback, as I cant seem to understand why its being done. Last ting I would want to do is damage my outrageously priced scope, or put myself at a loss in a competition due to negligence.


Wes
 
I admit to cringing at the thought of picking up my 20lb rimfire by the optic. Likewise to putting pounds of force on the optic while breaking the shot.
That said, a large percentage of the top performers in PRS use these techniques, so we can't say that the results demonstrate that it is a real mistake.
 
I thought everyone carried by the scope? Have done this while hunting and range shooting for years
I even have a hasty string I use to hang a hunting rig by the scope when stopping to glass with binos

As far as the resting hand thing I agree it can effect poi, but for PRS often there is no proper place for the support arm/hand to rest and grip the stock. Holding the scope bell can add lots of lateral support without adding much down force
perfect? maybe not
 
Buy better gear if your equipment fails from being moved like that. Scopes get knocked and banged into obstacles and barricades during matches all the time.

Sometimes you are shooting in awkward positions and the top of the scope gives you most stability.
 
I guess it is a case of each to their own . I have never seen anyone carrying their rifle by the front bell of their scope , and I have seen very few ever carry their rifle by their scope in general . As far as shooting with their hand on their scope , I have seen some with their hand on the center of their scope as they believe that it steadies their rifle ; but I have never seen anyone shooting with their hand on the front bell . Different strokes for different folks if it works for them I guess .
 
I'm very hard on my gear.
My match rifles are all around 20lbs and I frequently:

-Carry by the scope.
-Not only rest my hand on the bell, but sometimes jam it sideways into a prop with considerable force for more stability.
-Fall into prone so fast the rifle literally bounces off the ground when the feet of the bipod hit.
-Carry these rifles in the bush and transport in a poorly fitting gunboot mounted to an ATV riding on rough trails.

..among many other abuses that make people cringe...

Not once has an optic failed. I'd happily compete in a small groups competition immediately following any of these abuses.
 
carry rifle by scope tube Not something I would do... These rifles are commonly over 20lbs. Aluminum bends.. not the first, not the 100th time, BUT it will eventually bend.

wrt to putting hand ontop of the bell... again, not something I do nor recommend for the reasons you have described. There are places to put your 'weak' side hand on the rifle.. there are widgets to help with this. Those who feel this is the most comfy position have also added 'diving boards' using the top of the scope ring. At least, there is no pressure on the scope tube.

I have found this position to be less stable to handle the torque during recoil.

but this game has alot of 'customs' that I don't do

YMMV

Jerry
 
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Grabbing the top of the scope seems to be the country boy equivalent of holding a Glock sideways. It feels cool and Operator and is believed to impress the young ladies.
 
i carry my 26lb centerfire rifle, and my 27lb rimfire rifle by the tube.

i start stages, move my rifle through stages doing this. i have been doing it for 4 years, never had a POI shift.
 
Paparickzi said:
I'm very hard on my gear.
My match rifles are all around 20lbs and I frequently:

-Carry by the scope.
-Not only rest my hand on the bell, but sometimes jam it sideways into a prop with considerable force for more stability.
-Fall into prone so fast the rifle literally bounces off the ground when the feet of the bipod hit.
-Carry these rifles in the bush and transport in a poorly fitting gunboot mounted to an ATV riding on rough trails.

..among many other abuses that make people cringe...

Not once has an optic failed. I'd happily compete in a small groups competition immediately following any of these abuses.
Click to expand...
That sounds intense! I’d love to hear more about your setup—what are you running?
 
What an interesting thread, having never really strived for accuracy excellence let alone competition I still treat my scopes with the utmost care, to me they are a precision instrument and the last thing I would want to do is manhandle them.

It's rather amazing to hear extreme precision shooters working with sub moa accuracy admitting to carrying any rifle, let alone a 20+ pound beast, by the scope, I would have assumed they would all be cradling their scopes like a newborn.
 
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