A few pics from today

OK, I like those type of matches. What range was this?

no target pics?

Cool!

How come you weren't using that sling?

Yes, they do really help.

Don't know how to, but does it really help? Guys were hitting their targets pretty well without them. In fact, I can't recall anyone else there using a sling at all come to think of it. Most of the guys there didn't even have a sling.

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Yeah, they help. Shoot a couple groups with, and then without. I think you will find they do help. Here are a couple of pretty good (IMHO of course) videos on how to use slings. The first one is about leather slings, but the basic concept is the same on all of them, just the mechanics are different.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRPfj-6bRZM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaRCFpH27-w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Y67Jkfu48
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrKyU2mPWIY

Looks fun, but what's the story on that haircut? (Sorry I had to ask)

Any Lee Enfields there?

If I was there I would definitely have used my Lee Enfield.

I participate in service rifle shoots every so often with it. Nothing over 200 yds though.

I agree with the previous posters, slings can make a huge difference. Kinda tricky to get the hang of, but well worth it in the end.

By all means, use a sling. Makes a HUGE difference. You won't find a position shooter who doesn't use one for sitting, kneeling and prone.

Get thee to an Appleseed shoot and you can learn all about the sling.
Best,
Rob

plus the shooting glove and 2 elbow pads

RockyMtnTactical

Looks like a lot of fun. If I went to something like that I would probably opt for an '03 Springfield. What were some of the different rifles being used?

A sling is helpful, but often overrated.

If you cannot make shots at distances without the sling, but you can with the sling, you have not yet learned your NPOA.

If you cannot make shots at distances without the sling, but you can with the sling, you have not yet learned your NPOA.

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The point of sling usage is to manipulate NPOA. Without a sling or other support device (such as sand bags or bipod), it's practically impossible to have repeatable NPOA without readjustment between shots.

^^^^ Looks to me like he should have an Enfield!
Best,
Rob

The point of sling usage is to manipulate NPOA.

Click to expand...

Correct.

Without a sling or other support device (such as sand bags or bipod), it's practically impossible to have repeatable NPOA without readjustment between shots.

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Incorrect.
It has been accomplished by several. The most often situation is a highpower competitor who either forgets the sling, or has one break/malfunction. Most report slightly lower scores... but rarely that much lower - usually just a few points.

Use of sand bags / bipod does not keep the rifle in the same position shot after shot. It is necessary to readjust the rifle each time when using them, too.

Fact is, that (very) minor adjustments will be needed after each and every shot with most rifles in most shooting situations (not the case when they have the heavy concrete setup with a barebones bolt action and barrel; or when the shooter uses some of the top-of-the-line shooting rests).

Without the sling, the NPOA is there. NPOA will have smaller variances with the sling. With the sling, the NPOA variances are larger than variances off a sandbag or other rest. It's all about squeezing that little bit of extra precision out.

That said, it is completely understandable that an expert shooter will have smaller variances without a sling than most hobbyists will have with a sling (some exceptions, of course).