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Bench rest free hand question

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nightranger View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nightranger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Bench rest free hand question
    Posted: September/04/2009 at 11:29
Question about what to do with your free hand (non trigger hand) when shooting from bench rest.  I have seen a variety of free hand positions.  Iam looking to increase my accuracy on a much more consistent basis during bench rest shooting.  I understand that are so many variables in accuracy which I have already read about in other post.  I want to start by working on my bench rest position and free hand position.  Is there any benefit to holding the forearm with my free hand?  Does this lead to any increase or decrease in accuracy.  Or how about supporting the butt of the gun with my free hand.  It this generally a better position than holding the forearm.
 
Thanks again for any help
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pyro6999 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2009 at 12:25
i usually put mine on top of the stock just in front of my right shoulder, is that proper, i doubt it. if i were to take a logical approach at an answer for you i would say to put your off hand in either a position that is most comfortable, or in a position that causes the least amount unwanted movement.


Edited by pyro6999 - September/04/2009 at 12:27
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Trays 7940 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trays 7940 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2009 at 12:41
I use a rabbit ear bean bag.  I can press the ears together and it gives me a steadier base.


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Dogger View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dogger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2009 at 12:48
I use my nonfiring hand to support the butt.  Two ways; just make a fist close to my chest and rest the tip of the butt on it, or grip a small sandbag.  By squeezing my fist I can raise or lower the rifle butt.
 
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RONK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2009 at 12:52
 Personally, using my weak hand to squeeze the rear ("bunny ear") bag under the buttstock to make minor elevation corrections works out pretty well for me.
edited to add:... Pretty much the same as Dogger, who posted my most intimate thoughts as I was typing them!


Edited by RONK - September/04/2009 at 12:55
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hunterwingler View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hunterwingler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2009 at 17:27
all these are good ideas but what most comfortable for you as a shooter
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2009 at 17:32
Originally posted by Dogger Dogger wrote:

I use my nonfiring hand to support the butt.  Two ways; just make a fist close to my chest and rest the tip of the butt on it, or grip a small sandbag.  By squeezing my fist I can raise or lower the rifle butt.
 


+2
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Dogger View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dogger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2009 at 18:05
Does this mean that RONK, mike 650 and I all share intimate thoughts?????
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pyro6999 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2009 at 18:05
no just means that all of you older wiser gentlemen know your stuff.
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

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God Bless Chris Ledoux
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote big boar Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/06/2009 at 17:35

Set up your rifle, front and rear bags, so the cross hair is just above the target aiming point. Then use your "offhand" to squeeze the rear bag and bring the crosshairs "UP" so the crosshairs are on the centre of your target. Very comfortable and easy to do.

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