Canadian Airgun Forum

I have been practicing seated at a bench resting on a sand bag and starting to get reasonable groups. If I then sit on the ground FT style, either holding the rifle with knees up or on a monopod (thanks again Rodney) the groups obviously get a lot worse compared to the seated position and rest I am used to. However, apart from that the point of impact is around 2 mildots higher at 30 yards...
What's the best way to deal with this?
It's a springer by the way that is jumping around.

I'm a beginner too, but I do shoot a springer.

Try adjusting where you're supporting the stock, and make sure that it's well-padded where it is supported. Also pay attention to how the butt is engaging with your shoulder and to your cheek weld.

Worst case, as long as it's repeatable you can compensate for it.

2 mildots is pretty substantial at 30yds

I do all of my shooting from a FT position, so I would adjust my scope to suit that position if that is the main purpose of the gun, as you obviously won't be shooting FT off of a bench/bags.

I always try to impart as little strain, pull or squeezing to the gun/stock as possible when shooting springer, and any contact with the gun I try to keep repeatable both in position and force. Once in position I normally reach my trigger hand forward, as if to stretch past the trigger, then ease up my arm and move my hand back to the trigger guard, I find this relieves stress from your arm and clothes getting stuck/pulling on the gun while steadying on your target.

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"It's just a springer..."

Thanks for the input. Sounds like the best thing to do is develop a stable FT shooting position then adjust the scope into that.

You'd be surprised how stable a seated FT position can be once you 'figure it out'. Everyone's body is different, and so is their seated position.

Try developing your seated position while not shooting, as this will remove the 'pressure' of wanting to shoot. Do it at home, just sit down with your rifle and try different things while looking through the scope. Try wearing long sleeves and grabbing your right sleeve with your left hand as you wrap them around your knees, try crossing your arms after they're wrapped around your knees... Try a bunch of stuff.

Google photos of FT shooting - you'll be able to see 100's of different techniques, and may see something that you want to try.

With a springer, the key is consistency. Do the same thing every time. Typically this means trying to hold on to the rifle as little as possible, if the rifle is just 'sitting there' it's easier to reproduce. But don't get too hung up on not holding it, as long as you can reproduce the same hold.

Finally, finding your 'natural point of aim' is critical. Aim for a spot. Then close your eyes, take a few breaths and relax your body. Open your eyes. Are you still aiming at that spot? If not, adjust your feet/legs/butt slightly (not your upper body, as it should be consistent!) and try again. It takes a bit of practice.

Do this dry fire practice often, only for 10min or so at a time. You don't want to fatigue your body and start forcing things. You'll quickly figure it out and build up some muscle memory. Then when you next go shooting, you can see how it's working and make adjustments.

Shooting a springer accurately is tough, and can be very frustrating. But it's also very rewarding!

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Tom
past CAFTA Governor

did you give up on the monopod?

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Rodney

No Rodney, but with the help of the nice elderly lady next door who is an expert with a sewing machine, I am fabricating a "mini sand bag" on a flat mount for it as an alternative to the hard plastic V...!
As I said before though, if you are thinking you might have use or want to try it again then you can take it back, no problem matey.

hate the thing lol. cool lady.

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Rodney

I'm not sure what a FT position is.
I guess I'll have to Google it.

I choose to sit on a seat and rest my rifle on a Dollarstore travel cushion.
Or I rest my elbow and use a light artillery hold.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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As Tom said, there are probably hundreds of techniques so it's really whatever works for each individual.