After getting skunked at LD's challenge shooting WFTF springer I'm having an internal debate about shooting positions. Depending on the elevation of the target at times it seemed more comfortable shooting off the knee and other times over the arm. What the match really highlighted for someone of my less-than-stellar skill level was just how important ergonomics are.
So I'm curious - those of you that shoot springer FT, which position do you prefer and why? Or does it simply come down to personal comfort? I did find that when shooting over the arm I needed to push the gun further forward than was probably optimal to get the proper eye relief. When off the knee the eye relief seemed OK. If I was to shoot over the arm I'd probably push the scope forward a bit more and pull the gun rearward to my eye so that the front-heavy nature of my TX isn't exaggerated even more.
Lessons learned for ME (so people don't think I'm making general statements):
1. Ergonomics need improvement (my neck still hurts today).
2. Front/aft balance of rifle has to go hand in hand with the above
3. I need an adjustable butt pad with the factory TX stock. The comb is too low otherwise
4. A deeper fore-end can help with the ergonomics. I shot with Leo Duran on day 2 and kept wishing we could trade stocks
5. A stock with a thumbs up position would I think help me with repeating my hold. Or a thumbhole (or both)
6. I need to lighten my trigger. I'm not consistent enough with the weight it's at to have a repeatable pull.
7. Lose about 15 lbs and get more exercise. After shooting hunter PCP last year, shooting WFTF with no straps is harder on the abdomen, back and hip flexors than I thought.
8. Get one of those foil sun shades and convert it for use with my rifle. The best springer guys at the match had them or kept the gun in a case. If they are doing it, I should too.
9. If you are going to click, you'd better darn well have it all mapped out in advance. I had some good references but was lost on in between stuff.
10. The Bushnell 6-24 is a great scope for the money. I was comparing notes with other shooters and I never felt like the scope's ranging ability was giving up much if anything to much larger sidewheel scopes (though I was drooling over Leo's scope)
11. PRACTICE. You can't shoot once every 2-3 months (or I can't anyway) and expect to do well. Also I can't look through other shooter's scopes but I think I still move around way too much. Goes back to point 1, I have to find a setup and position that is repeatable and something I can somewhat lock in.
12. A great shooting partner helps overcome crummy scores - if it wasn't for Eric and Leo this weekend I think I would have been very disheartened. Thanks guys for the tips, smiles and laughs.
13. Getting to shoot in a 51 yard tunnel is awesome. It's not FT shooting but it's very reassuring to see your gun group. The TX shot pretty darn well off a Tackdriver bag - it allowed it to just shove straight back upon firing.
14. The jury is out for me on my short stroke piston. I will need to shoot a lot more to know if/how it has advantages over the long stroke Mk3 with a softer spring.
15. Invest in a Camelbak for hot weather matches.
Thanks for reading this book
-Casey
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CASA Member - California Airgun Shooters Association:
http://socasa.org
