Hi, so after the very interesting thread posted a few weeks ago about needing higher standards of marksmanship recently, part of the conversation shifted to being able to place a group in a 4 inch circle at 100 yards while unsupported, if I remember correctly it was to be with a 308 or larger. I had a bit of time available today and my 308 out with me. As the conversation was based around stalking I left my rifle set up for the stalk I was about to go and do, so sound mod on and bipod still on. I have to say it was hard so please be kind, here is the video I took (filmed myself on phone so not best quality)
Shooting freehand
- Thread starter Dave881
- Start date
I wish it was, but thanks for the vote of confidenceCor, that was good...all three shots through the same hole!
Loved the suspense that was the walk-up!
I think you were a little high and left?
Well done.
K
Hereford
Well-Known Member
First shot was a dead deer/fox. Next time: set up at 50 and shoot quicker (not as quick as you can) but quicker than you were - then move out to 100 and shoot again with that speed and I reckon you’ll see improvement in the 2 follow up shots. In my experience offhand needs to be more instinctive - I would personally prefer open sights over a scope offhand too, if that’s how I was doing most of my shooting.
Again, just my opinion
Again, just my opinion
I used to shoot both pistol and rifle competitively but had to give up pistol due to arthritis in my shoulder. I still shoot 20 yards and 50 metre free standing comps with a .22 rifle and I agree with you that it's great for keeping your technique honed. Every so often I'll shoot a string of four lots of five shots, keeping the rifle shouldered for each five. The group sizes are not much bigger than those I shoot in the comps.
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
Personally I always drop the butt out from shoulder when reloading. Several reasons
1) my mount is part of the aiming process - see target up with the riifle pushing towards the target with trigger squeezed as sights align. i use same technique with shotgun, and usually drop the butt between shots.
chances are in real life the 2nd target will be in a different position so you need to move feet, body etc
2) after the shot i want as much visibility as I can of the animal and what is around. You cannot get this looking through a scope.
3) i am left handed abd reloading a right handed bolt is much easier with it dropped. Ditto for left handed. You also see in the corner of your eye if empty is ejected snd new round picked up.
4) and in a long actioned rifle - 375 h&h you smack yourself in the face with you hand if you are not careful. Ok we are not using 375s, but real intro to rifles was in the African bush.
in practice its not the reload that takes the time - its getting onto the shot and making it accurate that counts.
1) my mount is part of the aiming process - see target up with the riifle pushing towards the target with trigger squeezed as sights align. i use same technique with shotgun, and usually drop the butt between shots.
chances are in real life the 2nd target will be in a different position so you need to move feet, body etc
2) after the shot i want as much visibility as I can of the animal and what is around. You cannot get this looking through a scope.
3) i am left handed abd reloading a right handed bolt is much easier with it dropped. Ditto for left handed. You also see in the corner of your eye if empty is ejected snd new round picked up.
4) and in a long actioned rifle - 375 h&h you smack yourself in the face with you hand if you are not careful. Ok we are not using 375s, but real intro to rifles was in the African bush.
in practice its not the reload that takes the time - its getting onto the shot and making it accurate that counts.
Weight, and balance of rifle aside, I find the longer you take, acquiring, & thinking about the shot, the more the reticle starts to wander around.
Ps: I thought moderators were supposed to do just that?
K
K
Woodsmoke
Well-Known Member
I'm gonna have a crack at this later if I get out as I have never bothered at 100yds but it looks fun. I personally keep my offhand shooting to 50yds and inside as I know from lots of practice that any further than this and I just cannot keep it inside 4inches. The odd shot but certainly not with any consistency. Very similar to your findings.
Thanks for the inspiration and kick up the backside. We should all practice more.
Thanks for the inspiration and kick up the backside. We should all practice more.
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
and use a reactionary target. Clay pigeons. turnips or potatoes or parsnips all make very good and fun targets. Much much more fun.
foxdropper
Well-Known Member
Excuse me if my ignorance is noticeable but why does anyone need to shoot offhand .Surely nobody on here is recommending the offhand shot for live quarry .Most of you seem very dedicated to deer welfare from what I’ve read so far .
Why? Where is the problem with it? Nothing better than snap shooting a deer, close and personal. If you can then there's no problem, I like keeping my eye in shooting squirrels free hand. If i can hit a squirrel at 50 yards i can drop a deer at 50
foxdropper
Well-Known Member
Some difference in 50 to 300 though mate or even 100 .
Anybody shooting deer offhand at range dosnt inspire me one bit .
Anybody shooting deer offhand at range dosnt inspire me one bit .
Thanks for all the tips and responses, I was definitely eye opening and something I will be practicing, this was my first attempt at shoot offhand properly (apart from one shot a few years ago). If nothing else it was just nice to try something different. I might take the bipod off next time just to try and help balance the rifle while I am learning and then put it back when I have got better at it.
Dave
Dave
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