Longrange blog 211: Raised recoil pad

[@philippefrater2000]

Ambidextrous shooter, we have that in common... This afternoon this is my left side training session... Great video again! Regards from France.

[@THLR]

I'm not really ambidexterous, but there is a match up North next month so I wanted to check if I could at least fire the rifle from "wrong side". A little awkward, but not too bad.

[@deathcommando1]

My family moved to Stave, near Farsund when I was 12. Never had so much fun as a kid. Learned lots about shooting slingshots and carving propellors to make wind vanes. Don't leave. It's a great place.

[@THLR]

Farsund is down south, a completely different world as far as climate goes, really nice part of Norway.

[@MrMalicious5]

I'm really liking the new setup, Thomas. It really seems like you took all the lessons learned from the last Blaser and applied them to this one. Much more sleek now.

[@THLR]

Thanks for that. My shooting and reloading has actually changed a fair bit from viewer input and the Shooter Error results.

[@AllTimeHunting]

Thanks for great video again ! I watch your videos several years from blog #0 and learn. And after watching your video Im always found something new for me. Thanks alot and hello from Russia.

[@THLR]

MrHunterBN Thanks for taking the time, glad you find it useful!

[@JimFleming1953]

Fabulous quality video, Thomas, thank you sir! :-) I love how nicely the new camera works for you.

[@THLR]

Thanks Jim, it was certainly a lift for me to work with it.

[@1972Putte]

Alltid lika intressant att se dina filmer. Ser fram emot nästa👍

[@THLR]

Mange takk, flere filmer er definitivt på vei.

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

Very good. Something I've always wondered about, having the shoulder nearer the line of the barrel to reduce the muzzle lift.

[@THLR]

I have filmed extensively now, and muzzle jump from prone is basically eliminated even with the hefty 300 NM. It was all described in match shooting literature, so a little surprised this product didn't exist.

[@forestalfrank1074]

Some Steyr rifles have it. Hmm, never used it befor. Mybe I should do some experimenting.

[@THLR]

Bring it up to the height of your cheekrest or bore if you don't have a cheekrest.

[@forestalfrank1074]

So, now I think I know why I never used it. Cheekrest is on the lowest position. My scope is mounted very low. Silly me. gg^^

[@erlingsolberg8948]

You can think of it like you do with the bipod. You want the center of gravity as low as you can but stil have good position. If you raise the butstock you can lower the bilpod angd get the rifle closer to the ground but still have good contact between the shoulder and the butstock.

[@pistolpeta]

Dang, That was 300 Norma Magnum? That muzzle climb comment was spot on, looked like it hardly moved!

[@THLR]

pistolpeta No, the muzzle climb comment was with the 6,5x55. Next film will show that I have achieved basically the same with the 300 Norma Mag as well. Really big difference with the raised recoil pad.

[@JimmyGunXD556]

Nice shooting off hand!? I am looking at a Luth MBA3 for a little better shoulder placement. I made a brace for rifles with a picatinny rail that you can lean into barricades/tree for the rifle. I also made an adapter for the Vektor and Versa spig so you can run an Atlas or Harris bipod. Hopefully it sells.

[@THLR]

That's a technical looking AR type buttstock? Adapters and the following versatility is a good thing as it offers more choice for the end user. Good luck with that product!

[@jaycupples4362]

Got some paint on the blaser I see, good shooting and video

[@THLR]

Jay Cupples Oh, it's nothing to what it looks like now. I had some Cerkote leftovers, so applied all of it to anything that can rust.

[@lostucu1840]

great shooting very nice rifle.

[@THLR]

Many thanks for that!

[@Josefselvadek]

The standing was some serious shooting ! (y) But what is that lizard greenish paint job on the stock ? Perhaps to match the square pole nearby ? Or your hat ? ;-) :-)

[@THLR]

It was only the beginning, the rifle has a lot more colour and pattern to it now. Imagine rock moss.

[@Josefselvadek]

THLR.NO Ah ah ah....that makes sense (y). Looking forward to see the final "product". ;-) Do you use standard paint or something dedicated ? Out of curiosity....what was the reason that made you choose the "standard" professional Blaser stock over the "hyped up" :-) "pro success" ? I agree with the choice btw... ;-)

[@THLR]

Giuseppe Zoppetti It was just Cerakote leftovers basecoat, trimming was some Humbrol oilbased hobby paint I splashed on - it got a very artsy look now. Stock choice? I knew my hand could handle the normal stock, I do not know if I can handle the thumbhole. I took the safe bet.

[@tonystewart7287]

Over here in NZ the club members would be fighting over that brass, nice shooting

[@THLR]

Tony Stewart Thanks for that Tony. I think you'd find buckets of 6,5x55/ 308/ 30-06 here. My local club only have 40-50 (?) members and that milk tin fills to the rim every summer.

[@MikeJones-iy3hf]

Great videos Thomas. Must admire a man who “assaults” an R8 with aerosol cans ! I’m amazed to see you throwing lovely Norma brass into the bin … Don’t you reload in Norway ? We would fight for a bin of once fired Norma brass in the UK !!

[@THLR]

Thanks Mike. Originally I painted the rifles as not to confuse the camera's lightmeter (it would overexpose the image if it measured the rifle in AUTO setting). These days I film manual (which gives me more control over image quality), so it's not a problem anymore. But my Blaser's looks equally ugly. 6,5x55 is at a uniquely cheap pricepoint in Norway due the shooting organisations, so I cannot justify reloading that caliber. It's "cheaper" to bin & buy factory ammo rather than spend the time reloading. It's simply not worth the hours, I need that for editing. Unless there is something specific, for example I still reload my hunting ammunition, but I don't need thousands of cases for that.

[@99Jeep2008]

Great vid! Keep them coming.

[@THLR]

99Jeep2008 Thanks for that, willdo. Have at least 10 more films planned.

[@shaneengelberts120]

All that brass!! Give my eye teeth for it.in South Africa its as scarce as chicken teeth. Love your vids.

[@THLR]

And a lot of it is recycled as trash... Thanks, hope there's been something useful.

[@MasonStormSunny]

The first three shots were to the left because of the clean barrel?

[@THLR]

That is my assumption, yes. Normally a shot that much off would be a silencer not properly attached - it was. When Three shots printed like that, it would be reasonable to think my scope windage setting was off - it wasn't. So I just took a coffee, and I tink by shot 5 or 6 it was shooting were it was supposed to. So I don't really know what happened, but the squeaky clean barrel was the only variable this time from previous shooting. I have not experienced this before (or after).

[@MauserM03Blog]

Hi Thomas. Thanks for this video. Good shooting! Your comment on cleaning was interesting. I've heard that Norway's competitive target shooters (DFS?) are in the habit of not cleaning their barrels for up to 700 rounds. Is this true?! I've certainly noticed that my Mauser M03 rifles are more likely to be accurate with the first shot if the barrels have not been cleaned. But if cleaned, after that first shot which could be 30mm high at 100m, they're back to normal. I do like to get the copper and powder fouling out with WipeOut/PatchOut every 20 to 40 shots or so. Regards, Rick.

[@THLR]

No. They don't clean at the same frequency as I do, but not at 700 rds intervals. Last Monday I was explained the very phenomena you describe by one of Norma's ballisticians. The short version was that you are highly unlikely to be able to remove all cleaning solvents and oil from the barrel by using patches - there will be some small residue that can affect a copper bullet. By using coating (moly?) on some bullets, one is able to reduce this effect. Personally, I clean after every shooting. Both because I like to keep my barrel "same level clean/dirty", but also because the saltwater climate I live in is extremely invasive.

[@MauserM03Blog]

Ah, right. You're near the coast of course. Cleaning and oiling after every shoot is essential. I have to say, even though I'm lucky enough to have spent a few weeks in your neck of the woods, when I'm watching your videos it just doesn't occur to me that those beautiful waterways are salty! Funny, that. :-) For me it is the opposite. I'm inland and elevated, with a dry, cool atmosphere. Good for barrels but tricky for wooden stocks. They can warp from lack of humidity. Still, I think I have the easier conditions to deal with. Regards, Rick.

[@THLR]

They are not only salty, they are so cold they literary kill you if you don't get out in a hurry!

[@MauserM03Blog]

I know what you mean! My kids and I went swimming (up to our knees only!) at a little sandy beach near Henningsvaer, above the Arctic Circle! It was August and lovely 'warm', sunny weather. We got out pretty quickly! Very refreshing indeed. Any time other than full summer would be dangerous. Mind you, some of the surf beaches near Melbourne can be like that.

[@THLR]

I swam in the Pacific when I visited New Zealand (South Island). It wasn't all that warm. But magnificent beaches though! Long stretches of sand with the forest immediately behind, absolutely loved it.

[@elcascarudofer]

so the increased height in the recoil pad helped in the muzzle jump?

[@THLR]

Correct. Has the same effect as bringing the comb higher. The recoil force gets a "backstop" in the rifle as the pad now is almost at height of barrel.

[@tonybird4633]

Nice shooting.

[@THLR]

Thanks for taking the time Tony!

[@knieja37]

I understand that you are training before the agricultural competitions And seriously, it's a good result standing position 250 m

[@THLR]

No it is for the upcoming hunting season. I used to hunt roebucks a lot, quite often shooting from some awkward position into a field or similar. Really? I wouldn't know, I shoot too much alone. But I do no I am not competitive by Norwegian DFS standards, my scores would be way too low to win anything.

[@claudiotenreiro3111]

Ok, good teachers/coachers are not necessarily top competitors, your videos are great, and thanks again for that. Actually you are giving me ideas to modify competitions to make them more challenging and demanding.

[@emeryemond7904]

EXCELLENT, raised recoil pad = reduced muzzle rise ??? Also, do you bin 300 Norma brass ???

[@THLR]

Yes, correct. I shot with a bare muzzle today and there was very little muzzle rise. No, the 300 Norma brass is pure gold and treated as such.

[@danmacdonald1291]

Great video Thomas! Very impressive result with the recoil pad being raised up. I think I'll give it a try with my R8, the stocks ergonomics aren't really that spot on for me... this looks to be a very nice solution!Is the recoil pad adapter for sale?

[@THLR]

Dan Macdonald It will be shortly Dan, Vertebrae will produce it for me (this summer). I've made them in size increments to to provide a good fit for most shooters, but not so large they'd be a handicap in other positions than prone. Larger than 20mm offset and methinks you should use an adjustable version. I'm not sure if I'll make something adjustable, too much weight and you'll change the handling characteristics of the Blaser.

[@danmacdonald1291]

That's great Thomas, I will contact the lads at Verterbrae and let them know I will be interested in one for my rifle as soon as they're available. I'm sure this modification will even make shooting my 6.5x284 more pleasant... Were you shooting your 6.5x55 in the video also? The recoil impulse when you were leaning on the post looked a little tame for the big Norma.. ;)

[@THLR]

Yes, from the frame where you see the 6,5x55 package and the moderator change, I'm shooting the 6,5x55. I'm not sure how much it'll do for a 6,5mm, I've been shooting ok for years without one but with the 300 Norma level of recoil it was simply not doable.

[@derkeiler6811]

Hey Thomas, thank you Dir another great Video. I‘ve tried to find this Product. May you help me?

[@THLR]

Are you refering to the raised recoil pad? I had that made. It is in production now and should appear in the Vertebrae store in not too long.

[@Tralala7512]

How does it work ? The Alu plate with two screws in the original holes in the Stock. But how you fix the recoilpad ?

[@akakigobronidze2182]

Hi. Great videos? Can u put a link (if its available for purchase) for that rising recoil pad? Trying to solve issue with Blaser R93wm recoil pad

[@saze86]

Another great video!! How did you do with the bipod friction lock? Worked well?

[@THLR]

I quite like it. The function is perfect, but the design of the friction lever could have some minor improvement. I believe the PodLock system sold for the Harris does much of the same.

[@saze86]

+THLR.NO Thx, is that the new version of the bipod or "home made" solution with the lock? What do you wish could have been done better?

[@THLR]

No, I suppose this was a testrun for them. I personally would have prefered a smaller lever to tighten the friction, and once I have found my "setting" I'd like to be able to restrict the lever movement to about 70 degrees. Now it can travel 360 if you make it. It is not a problem, just a preference.

[@marshallshelton6262]

What bipod is that in the video, RPS?

[@THLR]

Marshall Shelton Yes that is the RPS bipod.

[@Mj-CWO4]

Nice shooting

[@THLR]

Thanks. There's an online shooting tutorial farther ahead where I go through most of the basics.

[@mindaugask1]

After reloud - check what is happening with the smoke out of silencer when you are standing :) magic

[@THLR]

Dragon's breath!

[@Gateone38]

Hi Thomas! Thanks for sharing your good work. I've been enjoying all your videos so fare. I was wondering if raising the recoil pad made you switch place from shoulder pocket to collar bone to contact the recoil pad? If so did you have to move the optic to adapt eye relief? And if using collar bone how does it handle such heavy recoil?

[@THLR]

No, the only thing this recoil pad does is lenghten the rifle 5mm and raise the "centerline" which reduces recoil muzzle jump. I did move the scope a little further back.

[@Gateone38]

@@THLR Thanks! I have seen you often recommend places where to hunt. Would you know one in Norway’s southern part? I’ll be in Norway (Tønsberg) for work in December/January. Or maybe this will be just too late in the season...

[@THLR]

Too late. South of Norway is not too good when it comes to public hunting. I used to live in Tønsberg and the only options was sea ducks or hire a piece of land. I had to travel for my own hunting .

[@Gateone38]

@@THLR Thank you ! Hope to have the opportunity to meet you some day; maybe hunting in France if you want

[@THLR]

@@Gateone38 Mountains? I'm there! Jokes aside, visited Normandy once, all the historical D-Day places and into Caen (plus Paris and the coastline). Very nice holiday, not too warm!

[@andersmen6365]

Hey Thomas. Why did you get the new Blaser and why in 300 win mag? Cheers

[@THLR]

Anders Møen This requires a long answer. Later.

[@THLR]

I don't have the 300 winmag, but the 300 Norma Magnum. A simplified explanation "a magnum version of the magnum". I really like the 338 Lapua Magnum, but it is a little too brutal for my rifles (light hunting rifles). With all the new bullets coming out, 300 Norma Magnum is able to duplicate the characteristics of the 338 LM without all the recoil. It is actually perfectly managable in a hunting rifle. With the 300 Norma Magnum I want to explore if the larger error margin in windcall will have any noticable effect over my 6,5mm, or if recoil will negate any theoretical advantage. Why a new Blaser? Look at the calibre lists for R93 and R8. For me, R8 was a necessary change to use the calibre I wanted to try. I have been perfectly happy with my R93, can't fault it.

[@juanjoseermakimix1728]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@THLR]

Thanks!

[@tobiastorsi]

So when will it be ready to purchase? ;) Is it quickly adjustable without tools?

[@THLR]

It has already been through the system for drawing and "beautification" and is sent off to production. It will be available as single units or sets of 3 depending on your need. Priority on this version was function, low weight and quick/ drop-in mounting. I have scheduled the engineer to draw a quick adjustable version, but the current obstacle is to get the weight low enough.

[@tobiastorsi]

THLR.NO does it fit the Professional Success Stock aswell?

[@THLR]

I don't know. Is the measurement/ recoil pads for that one different? If it's the sme, it should fit. But make sure you settle on you cheekrest height first.

[@tobiastorsi]

THLR.NO ok, so the hight is fixed and cant be changed? I will probably use different scopes with different mounts and hights. Would be a problem then.

[@THLR]

Correct. To change height, you would have to put on the next sized shim in the kit. Loosen 4 screws and replace, it is not tool-less.

[@stsekse]

What type of suppressors do you use?

[@THLR]

Well I made a priority of weight over moderation so I put a normal Atec Hertz on it. I figured if it worked for the 338LM on the Zeiss shoot, it should work on the 300 Norma as well. Since then, I have replaced this with the even lighter Atec Optima (correct name???) which is another 100 grams off the tip. I don't think these suppressors are made for big magnums, so I'm not sure this is a smart choice. But I'll find out soon enough when it breaks. The CTM4 (alu) lasted "forever" and now lives with a new shooter, so not too worried.

[@stsekse]

I use one from Schultz and Larsen for my 3006, and just use it for a few rounds each year for hunting. Nice to know what to maybe get next time around.

[@THLR]

I don't think you should worry about wearing out your silencer. They seem to last a really long time.

[@stsekse]

...next time/different caliber. Would be great to have an r93 in 6.5 swe for more long range endeavours! Thx for the answers and the great videos! Keep it up.

[@steyrman2]

Hi have you started to reload for the 300 norma mag yet

[@THLR]

steyrman2 Yes well on my way. 208gr Amax, 210gr Nosler ABLR was excellent precision. Final tuning for 225gr ELD M tomorrow and will also try the 212gr ELD X. I have so far only tried Norma 217 powder ( the one powder with official data) but I also have some H1000 I will try.

[@LastCaress7]

Thomas, how would you describe your grip with the shooting hand? Do you apply firm grip? Or very light grip? Ive been going back and forth on that for quite some time now. Ive for a while now, use very light grip and let the gun go off. Curious to hear your take.

[@THLR]

Eeehm, that is kinda difficult for me to answer these days. I have too much nerve damage in the hand, so I strive to recognize "a feeling" and shoot on that but I do not know what "that feeling" is actually doing. You will see that I sometimes have a huge performance swing, most often caused by this. But it is definitively not a light grip, I can lift the rifle with my shooting hand should I need to. My current focus point is trying to have as neutral grip as possible (not applying directional force that will shift the rifle in recoil) and being consistent with the precise placement of my trigger finger. It helps, I have shot some really nice groups now during load development. MEC: The Art of the rifle is the book I use for a reference manual for developing my own shooting skill.

[@AndreasNkleby]

Den nye mikrofonen er faktisk helt gull. Må være ålreit for deg óg i redigeringa?

[@THLR]

Andreas Nøkleby Det blir bedre, har fått profftriks fra årntli filmskaper og har kjøpt inn en dedikert lydopptaker i tillegg til de to kameramikrofonene. Tror ep 219 el 220 blir første hvor jeg begynner å jobbe bedre med lyd.

[@predatortt7694]

Thomas, what mean we "bin it" ? (the brass) ?

[@THLR]

PredatorTT Thrown away as garbage.

[@BlatFlattery]

THLR.NO not in Australia, even the milk can would be gone.

[@THLR]

:D

[@predatortt7694]

Ahh ok. Now i understand. U don´t reload this Kaliber? Ah ok, ich verstehe. Du lädst dieses Kaliber nicht wieder?

[@THLR]

No, I do not reload 6,5x55 to any meaningful scale.

[@ablestation6706]

What camera did you get?

[@THLR]

Able Station Canon Powershot SX60 HS as it had a 3,5mm audio in and I could re-use all my (expensive) batteries.

[@stabgodx]

Hei Thomas, hvilken jakke er det du bruker i denne filmen ?

[@THLR]

En no-name militærjakke med en Polartec membran.

[@timmey1978]

Hei Thomas! Hvor fikk du tak i den recoil padn?

[@THLR]

Thomas Fjørtoft Hjemmelaget. Hør med Vertebrae, kommer i produksjon etterhvert.

[@crazysection]

how much do you pay for a box of 20 300 norma mag

[@THLR]

Factory ammo is approximately NOK 60 in Norway and SEK 34 in Sweden if you buy 200.

[@richardorsulich4698]

We bin it ..... if I ever visit, you will have to check my pockets 😁

[@THLR]

Bring a backpack...

[@drd1924]

I like this video, love all your vids, but I'd like to offer one lesson to learn here for others watching.... A person may be able to shoot an awesome 1/4" group.... once you're set and settled in. It is a different story when each shot has to be placed at a different position, and you have to move the gun for each shot. Moving changes the way the rifle recoils into your shoulder...everything must stay the same for each shot for each shot to be placed perfectly. There are no second follow up shots. This is the most difficult thing to do......put each shot in the black as you move around the paper. I practice this way also....6 one inch black squares set out at 100 yds. Almost always I will flub one out of 6....teaches proper follow through and execution for each single shot.

[@THLR]

Well put Dugan!

[@cratxn1]

Wonderful except ...@ 4:15, I would like to see you stay-in-the-rifle and practice double taps rather than lifting your head to reload and follow-up. You are so close to hunting perfection or I would not critique such an otherwise good example. It is just the ole pilot in me...getting back on airspeed and altitude. Yet another well edited video.

[@THLR]

CR Rains I know, the follow-ups are for a later lesson. This year the films will be step-by-step for the viewers to follow & experience the same when they try.

[@ddyoder]

::sigh:: oh a world where the Norma or Lapua brass is just left for anyone to take...

[@THLR]

ddyoder The region is called "Scandinavia" ;)