Shoot better freestyle than with it benched, Any tips? Options

[ben b.]

I was at the range this AM, testing a new load for accuracy from a 4" revolver. My primary test for pistols is to run a few mags/cylinders worth of ammo freestyle at 12 yards, and if I can blow out the 2" circle, that ammo passes. Today I decided to follow up with a bench test at 25 yards, and set up a stack of sand bags, at the bench rested gun hand on pile, weak hand wrapped on strong hand but not tight, mostly just there as support, with single action fire. I was very disappointed with the results, big spread, wild shots. My trigger control looked good, as I loaded a few cylinders with 4-5 rounds, spun it and checked for flinch. The gun jumps when it fires, and I'm getting a surprise break.

Then I shot it double-action standing, freestyle and put up about half the size, with 3" and 4" groups. I have encountered this discrepancy b/t bench and freestyle before in pistol, and generally I just scratch my head, shrug and shoot freestyle, since it is what I am working for, anyway. But I'd like to solve this. Any tips or ideas?

Thanks,

Ben



(PS My entry into shooting sports was 4 years of competitive benchrest, so I'm acquainted with careful procedures at the bench with that gear, at least with rifles, FWIW.)

[benos]

Ben,

It sounds like you know what you are doing... I don't have much for you.

My only suggestion would be to shoot double action from the bags. I never shot single action.
be

[gfmun]

I have the same problem, can't do anything from a benchrest. When testing reloads or adjusting sights I have to do it freestyle. I hope someone can come up with some suggestions that will help.


George

[bdpaz]

I've never found a good way to bench test a revolver - can't find a way to support it that doesn't interfere with my grip - but I'd try gripping firmly with your support hand. Duplicate your standing freestyle grip and use the bags just to minimize the wobble.

I need to compare the accuracy of .356 and .357 Billy Bullets in a .38 super 627 so report back if you find something that works.

[ben b.]

I'll try next time double action with a regular grip that "just happens" to be resting on some sand bags. One theory I have is that it is the hold I have on the bags is moving more in recoil, and perhaps irregularly at that.

I've never used a Ransom Rest, but have heard that there is more to using it well than just bolting the gun in and yanking the string, despite what you might expect.

Thanks for info and tips.

Ben

[AlamoShooter]

I was taught to test loads and sight in from a rest by using the sand bags under you wrist and with your upper body as close to normal shooting position as possible. = as in get on your knees in front of the bench so your arms are over the table. this position lets the gun recoil into your hands and roll the same as when your are standing.
The gun ends up floating out in front of the bags so the trigger and grips are not influenced. This also lets you practice honest trigger control.
But remember I may not know nothing

[boz1911]

If I'm making any sight adjustments I use a 12yd and 35yd bench rest, but I always follow that with some freestyle groups anyway. The freestyle part will decide any final adjustments.

[L-10_shooter]

Hey ben,
I have found that my trigger control is different on my glock when pulling the trigger the entire pull vs riding the reset. Kinda single vs double action. I pull shots low and right when riding the reset.

[benos]

I've never found a good way to bench test a revolver - can't find a way to support it that doesn't interfere with my grip - but I'd try gripping firmly with your support hand.

Sorry, I forgot this yesterday.

When shooting a revolver prone or off a bench, I'd use a completely different grip than for freestyle. I would "open up" my left (weak) hand so the butt of the revolver was flat on the bench, and also the left hand side of my left hand and the little finger would also be on the bench. (Learned that shooting PPC.)

Then bag the gun so that only the barrel is touching the bags, and roll the trigger straight through.

Having the revolver's grip touching the bench did not change the POI at all, compared to shooting freestyle.
be

[ben b.]

Kinda single vs double action. I pull shots low and right when riding the reset.

Jan,
I'll be counting on that at the next steel match. You are moving too dang fast for my taste in IPSC.






Brian,

I'll try that method. I was shooting with gun hand on top of a loose support hand, both resting on bags. Rifles can shoot differently depending on hold and contact points, pistols may do the same.

Thanks

Ben

[L-10_shooter]

Kinda single vs double action. I pull shots low and right when riding the reset.

Jan,
I'll be counting on that at the next steel match. You are moving too dang fast for my taste in IPSC.

Bring it on, I look forward to some competition at the next steel match.

[kamikaze1a]

I think you will find that if you setup your sandbags so that your elbows are well anchored to the bench you will get much better results. If you just rest your hands/butt of grip/barrel with your body or arms floating, your grouping will suffer... Having some sort of THIN pad under your elbows will be good so that you may press them down for a solid anchor without chafing your elbows under recoil...

[Toolguy]

I can shoot tight groups off the bench by setting up like this - both hands gripping the same as offhand, hands resting on bench. Butt of gun
not touching bench. Barrel rested firmly on sandbag(s). The trick is to stabilize both ends of the gun. Shoot single or double action. I only shoot
double action for everything. For me, if the butt of the gun is on a solid surface, recoil makes the gun bounce and throws the shot.

[LPatterson]

When teaching new basic pistol shooters we use a medimum size carpet roll and have shooters get their wrists beyond the carpet roll. What we are trying to do is get the shooter in the same position from the bench that they would be in if they just stood up from the bench position. With the feet flat on the floor outside the chair they should be able to just stand up without changing the arm/shoulder/head alignment. A 100+ shooters and counting.

[leemoe83]

You could try shooting prone, I have always grouped better shooting prone rather than off of a bench.