Using Hard Rests

[Arin]

I remember reading somewhere that if you were to rest your gun on a rock, tree, etc it would bounce and your shot would be off.. Would your hand between the gun and the rest be sufficient to stop this? Would be a lot steadier to rest it on something if possible than going off hand.

[skipper34]

Arin,
Most of the info you have heard regarding resting your gun has probably meant for the barrel of the gun. It is okay to lay your foreend stock on a firm support, but with your hand under the stock it is perfectly okay also. Just remember to rest your gun on the stock, not the barrel.

[SmallGameStalker]

"In observing the recent rifle class, I note again that the use of the 'Hawkins Fist' is insufficiently emphasized. This is probably because it does not fit itself well to the firing line, but better to a single shooter wandering the woods, or a man firing out of a hole or over a berm. To use the Hawkins Fist you grab the forward loop of the sling tight up against the forend and use the side of your hand as a rest on anything convenient."

-- Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, USMC (Ret.) & Founder of the Gunsite Institute

http://www.dvc.org.uk/~johnny/jeff/jeff11_5.html

[Huntsman27]

I usually have a Harris Bipod on all my rifles, but that is a very good way to shoot in a pinch. I have used that position many times, but didnt know it had a specific name!

[unclecbass]

I will try that this year.

[john warren]

many people don't know how to use a sling properly to steady their weapon. its a good thing to learn. can make a big difference in freehand shooting.

[carp_assasin]

My buddy was a sniper in the marines. He showed how they shoot free hand, it is very awkward and uncomfortable for me. He wraps his arm around the sling and then tucks his elbow in and down, while holding the rifle near the receiver. It looks like he's a contorsionist, but he shoots good.
ben

[Arin]

Well, I don't use a sling and I can't really picture that very well in my mind.. If it's ok to rest on sticks and such I should be fine. I asked this because I have been using small ground blinds made out of sticks and logs and figured I would be steadier to rest it on that. Don't remember where I read that it will bounce, but that's good that it doesnt.

[john warren]

he's doing it right. if you look at it you'll see that everything is locked into position and there is dynamic force woking to steady his aim.My buddy was a sniper in the marines. He showed how they shoot free hand, it is very awkward and uncomfortable for me. He wraps his arm around the sling and then tucks his elbow in and down, while holding the rifle near the receiver. It looks like he's a contorsionist, but he shoots good.
ben