Steadying Heavy Scoped Rifle While Shooting From Shoulder?

[Swifty Morgan]

I got myself an air rifle so I could shoot squirrels somewhat more safely than with a .22. I got a cheap scope to go with it. Problem: the rifle is so heavy (10 lbs. without the scope), I have a hard time holding it on target. The crosshairs wobble around within a 4" circle at 25 yards. There is a lot of weight toward the front.

Is there something about technique I don't know? I tried moving more weight to my rear foot, and that helps some, but I'm afraid this thing is not going to work out.

Wondering if a monopod is a good idea, but I hate having one more thing to carry, and it would be slow to use. Also, I have to wonder how easy it is to use a monopod when shooting upward.

 

[Klint Beastwood]

Sniper cradle? Use to be a technique doing standing shots with a long gun. Using a sling makes it easier but getting a good over under toe support on the rear of the gun is usually the most important part of getting good leverage. After that it’s breathing, trigger and self control. Idk if that will help, but if it’s something you haven’t tried, it might surprise you.

Added image. I do it a little modified since my support hand/arms are long enough arms a long enough put a little downward pressure on the stock to balance the rifle

 

[someguy2800]

A pair of shooting sticks may work best. You can also try using a sling wrapped around your left arm to take some tension off your arm or try bracing your left elbow into your hip like below. These are common techniques for match shooters shooting offhand. They both work well for me

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Slide your left (supporting) hand back until it touches the trigger guard. Keep your left forearm vertical -- and shoot a few thousand practice shots.

 

[Corn-Picker]

I like the “Ching Sling,” though it requires a third mounting point. It allows you to draw the butt into your pocket real snug. FWIW the only air rifles I could ever consistently hit anything with were PCPs, the nitro piston/springers wounded a lot of game with poor hits. If a nice PCP setup wasn’t three times the price of a nice rimfire I’d have one for backyard duty.

 

[Skylerbone]

With safety vs a .22 (rimfire) being mentioned I am assuming backyard critters are what’s being shot. For me, I sit down on the back porch, left knee up to support my left elbow, and right knee usually angled off to the side to support the other elbow. If I can lean against the house or railing I do.

My cheap Crossman nitro has thinned the nuisance population of squirrels, rabbits, and ground squirrels considerably. With 16.2gr pellets the flop time is minimal; about enough to grab a plastic bag from the kitchen for disposal.

 

[SharpDog]

I tend to shoot front heavy rifles as 2/3 of my rifles are in the scout configuration which mounts the scope forward, in addition, most have mounted lights. My suggestions about using a sling are already well-covered by someguy2800 above. I have never really had a problem with front weighted rifles and I mostly use the sling (Ching Sling technique) to steady the rifle and not support it.

 

[WestKentucky]

For awkward rifles, I use a hold I can only describe as being scrunched up. Upper arms straight down toward hips with elbows bent nearly as far as they can bend upward. It’s a really short stance, but it transfers weight down to the torso rather than the arms. With this method I can shoot tiny guns like a crickett rifle, or I can shoot long front-heavy guns like my TC Hawken more accurately than a traditional stance. I really enjoy shooting my ARs this way (and pistol buffer tucks nicely too). It’s wierd but it works. You just have to figure out what to do with your shoulders to get you into the scope.

 

[entropy]

SInce it's an airgun, the position that someguy2800 is shooting the AR with in his pic would be the best position, slung or unslung. This is the one I teach for 4-H for those who can't hold up the rifle they are using.

 

[Danoobie]

I also use a sling for all my offhand shooting. Get that elbow in there, and draw that sling good and tight.
A steadier aim will come with practice.

 

[Steve S.]

All good advice; as discussed, shorten your firearm grip into your comfort zone - you will still experience pulse, breathing and wobble. Practice will allow you to pattern your wobble; as you approach the bull in your now familiar wobble pattern, apply pressure to your trigger with a timing that will activate the trigger at the same time the crosshairs cross the bull. As was also discussed, lots of practice is required.

 

[readyeddy]

If it's a heavy air rifle, then it's probably a springer, so it's probably not a good idea to use a sling when the artillery hold may be needed.

Anyway, to shoot a springer standing, off hand, first find the balance point and place your weak hand under (don't grip, just lay gun on open palm), bracing your weak elbow against your torso to use as much skeletal support as possible.

To approximate the artillery hold, allow the gun to rest on your open palm, very lightly grip the rifle with your strong hang, place your check lightly on the stock, and barely touch the stock to your shoulder. Allow the gun to recoil freely in order to obtain consistent shot placement.

 

[Swifty Morgan]

This is an RWS 54, and I read that I am not supposed to use the artillery hold with it.

 

[readyeddy]

That's great as it makes shooting much easier. Just use classic standing, off hand technique.