I guess I shouldn't be surprised by that. But I respect his columns so much, and agree with him so univerally, that it gave me pause. (I got a G&A while I was stuck at the airport and read his current column.)
He says "Please remember that there is no use whatever for a shooting sling in an unsupported position, either offhand or standing...[useful only if] your left elbow is resting against something solid."
Absolutely untrue.
Try holding a rifle offhand, with a scope on the target, and "measure" your wander. Now try the same drill with your sling used properly. Should cut your "wander" in half.
Try sitting position, no sling. Measure your wander. Try with sling. Wander again should be cut in half.
If you are used to a shooting sling, you can wrap that arm as you raise the rifle and the time penalty for using it is nearly zero. Accuracy is improved. Its the best way to shoot offhand.
Tried it a coupla times this spring when I was doing the "walking for priarie dogs" routine. When they got skittish, and I didn't think they'd stay up while I sat down, I shot offhand with sling. Didn't hit 'em all, but got more than I would have if I had not used a sling.
When they were not so skittish, and I could sit, elbows on knees, and use the sling, I didn't miss much at all. Sitting with sling is a lot more stable than sitting with no sling.
I still love the Colonel, but he was wrong on that one.
He says "Please remember that there is no use whatever for a shooting sling in an unsupported position, either offhand or standing...[useful only if] your left elbow is resting against something solid."
Absolutely untrue.
Try holding a rifle offhand, with a scope on the target, and "measure" your wander. Now try the same drill with your sling used properly. Should cut your "wander" in half.
Try sitting position, no sling. Measure your wander. Try with sling. Wander again should be cut in half.
If you are used to a shooting sling, you can wrap that arm as you raise the rifle and the time penalty for using it is nearly zero. Accuracy is improved. Its the best way to shoot offhand.
Tried it a coupla times this spring when I was doing the "walking for priarie dogs" routine. When they got skittish, and I didn't think they'd stay up while I sat down, I shot offhand with sling. Didn't hit 'em all, but got more than I would have if I had not used a sling.
When they were not so skittish, and I could sit, elbows on knees, and use the sling, I didn't miss much at all. Sitting with sling is a lot more stable than sitting with no sling.
I still love the Colonel, but he was wrong on that one.