Discussion Forums

Konrad

Just wanted to thank you Nathan for providing solid practical advice in your latest book "Practical guide to long range shooting".

Reading through the early chapters about shooting form and position was sobering. I'm used to shooting at longer distances (out to 1000m) but knew my form wasn't conducive to consistency. Yes, I was one of those plonkers who would do the arms under the chest routine.

After recieving your latest book as a birthday pressie, it spurred me into following your advice and not only 'holding that forend' but also to get my body in a better position. The book methods really helped to smooth out the effects of breathing - I could definitely control the crosshairs on the target much better.

It's funny that in your book, you state there will be people at the range who try to poo poo these methods. I had one such insistence recently when shooting on a 600m military range. One chap, big beard, looks like he's been round the block a bit, comes over after seeming me head shot those military man size restive targets 10 for 10 using my 6.5x47 in a 20mph right to left wind, and says "your form is all wrong. We taught the army snipers to forget about the forend and double grip the rifle. That's the key." He then proceeded to demonstrate a grip that resembled those 1970's cops holding their Smith & Wesson revolvers, one hand on the grip, the other supporting underneath.

I approached it with an open mind. I let another 10 rounds down and I had some misses. I definitely felt way less stable, especially as I felt the rifle cant in my hands (bipod wasn't loose at all).

Needless to say, I went back to 'holding that forend', and even though I didn't have a sling and was off a bipod (I am meaning to get some sand bags for the front), I went back to almost boring accuracy.

Many thanks Nathan for pushing me to do better!

Konrad