Longrange blog 187: Position experiments

[@robkilcollins310]

Well done. Amazing how much position plays into the point of impact. Your findings with the spine/rifle alignment is very interesting.

[@THLR]

Don't go for it. It is a workable position (many use it) but straight behind really is a better position as you'll see in next episode where we bust through 0,5 MOA accuracy. Up until now I have bascially only figured out the outer position (things that can easily be seen and demonstrated) and in next episode I am working on the inner position (pressure, timing, breathing, aiming, breaking trigger) which is really difficult to show on film, but at least it is a smaller problem to grasp if the outer position is ok.

[@cratxn1]

I did something similar 25+ years ago from; prone, seated with elbows on knees, and standing but leaning against a tree. To have a larger universe in my sample I shot my air rifle 50 shots in each position[ the clump or knot of POIs was more discernible with that large a pattern ]. I did find that I pulled my shots in all three positions but in three different directions. I just compensated when hunting by moving my crosshair to the bull from the offset direction i.e. if I pulled low right ..I came to the bull from low right and fired as my wobble touched the bull/POA. I did not adjust within each position. Your analysis is superior and will lead to a resolution. Good on You !

[@THLR]

I have currently passed 0,5 MOA accuracy (editing that film now). I did introduce another shooter error in removing the existing ones, but I got it under control and should be able to remove it alltogether. Being honest and aware of your shooting really helps if you want to improve.

[@peterlovett5841]

I note that the offset position was very similar to the position recommended the the US Army Marksmanship Training Unit, even down to the 20 deg offset although this can vary between 10 and 25 degrees. However they also recommended that (for a right handed shooter) the right leg be drawn partially up and the left foot is turned in. I should also note that this is shooting Target Rifle where a bipod is not permitted.

[@THLR]

I put in a fair amount of experimentation in this episode. What I ended up with for my current shooting style (ep354) is being as straight as squared behind the rifle as possible. Thi gave me most consistency across positions.

[@peterlovett5841]

@@THLR I have to admit that a friend of mine who has extensive military experience uses exactly the same shooting position that you do; square behind the rifle with legs splayed.

[@emeryemond7904]

Not only is the content GREAT (again !), but the scenery and humor are really entertaining ! Point of interest - if you have the opportunity find (Amazon ...) or borrow a copy of Magpul's Precision Rifle DVDs. They confirm using rear bag for small elevation adjustments, and how straight behind rifle is best position to mitigate recoil. Cheers, thanks again :)

[@THLR]

Thanks for that, glad you like it. I think there will be one more episode on shooter development and then it's all hunting for me. Yes, I have seen parts of that DVD, I think they could have edited it together better - the skill is there.

[@UmbertoLivani]

Great tips,does mirage effects afect accuracy,in my country Brazil is hard job

[@THLR]

Yes, it becomes very hard to aim precisely as the target image wobbles.

[@philippefrater2000]

Hi, i do my bags myself, using old Jeans and cheap rice, i got a near perfect elevation control doing so....

[@THLR]

That should work. Any stable content will do the job. It's not a complex thing to make.

[@tylerparnell3176]

Hey Thomas first off really enjoy your videos. I always learn something. Can you tell me your reasoning for the different style targets. Like the square, triangle, star? I don't shoot groups often but when I do I always shoot at basically the smallest dot I can see well. I'm sure you have a reason I'm just curious as to what it is. Thanks for your help.

[@THLR]

Thanks for that Tyler. There's no complex reasoning behind the choice of shapes. It is just that I am a hunter and it is important for me to shoot into the vital area of the animal, and not just what I assume/ perceive to be the vital area. The different shapes (and lower contrast) are there just to force myself to really look at the target and find the center.

[@oordning]

Do you ever practice shooting standing up? Like on moving turrets or something. Would be awesome to see some good tips and ideas

[@THLR]

No not really, I don't use that position for my hunting so I don't really practice it either. My rangetime is scarce, so I need to focus on what I actually use. I don't have the time to grow proficiency at all rifle disciplines/ positions.

[@hennaduplessis8238]

If you had to choose between the Minox ZP5 you have in this video, a S&B PMII or the Kahles K624i, which one would you choose for long range shooting?

[@THLR]

The cheapest one I could get my hands on. I'd also look at who represents the brands locally - having a warranty is not very useful if no one will handle your warranty claim.

[@HitAndMissLab]

Did you test ball of shoulder vs shoulder pocket? My rifle suddenly started shooting inexplicably tight groups after I switched form holding the butstock in a shoulder's pocket to holding butstock directly on the shoulder's ball.

[@THLR]

I'm not sure exactly where ball of shoulder is. I hold the rifle fairly close to my neck.

[@HitAndMissLab]

THLR.NO ball of your shoulder is right on top of your arm, where it joins with torso. It's a front rounded part of your shoulder. I shot 4 inside bull's eye first time in my life when I moved butstock from neck pocket to ball of shoulder. and from then on many times.

[@THLR]

Got you. I can always give it a try. Hunting season here now, will resume my training in February earliest.

[@jgebauer9684]

Thomas, is your vision 20/20 uncorrected, or do you wear contacts? Just curious as to how "crisp" you're seeing the targets. Also, I love the velcro idea for your grip!

[@THLR]

I am farsighted, +0.5 vision. I see the target ok, but not crisp.

[@Kiwi_270win]

I always find it strange that your bi-pod swivels so freely, I know it is to level the rifle easily but i always like a bit of tension in the swivel so I am not constantly fighting to keeping the rifle leveled - thoughts?

[@THLR]

A stiffer bipod is easier to learn and gives less torque in the rifle, but once learned a looser bipod has benenfits for me (hunting) that outweighs the drawbacks. Next episode will show better the accuracy I'm getting with the loose bipod.

[@yuriys.6352]

what you can say about Minox rifle scope quality?

[@THLR]

Not much. It works for me and does the same job my S&B PMII did, both are above the "good enough" threshold.

[@yuriys.6352]

can i find you on facebook?

[@THLR]

Yes

[@yuriys.6352]

i cant find your account...

[@THLR]

Just try my name. If no luck, I can't help you.

[@macrocha5251]

Lol! The wife say you speak dog??? I haven't heard your voice just yet... Just joking! I have... Great video once again, I wish I could shot as much you do, even in the rain and wind conditions!!!

[@THLR]

Apparently I speak "dog" far better than "wife". Just consider that all my shooting is lack of other activites, so perhaps not so much to yearn for after all. I'd much rather spend the year hunting than shooting paper.

[@ssaaee468]

vire good👍👍👍👌

[@THLR]

Thanks, glad you liked it.