The latest issue of Rifle magazine (Wolfe Publishing) has an article on how to properly shoot from the bench using either manufactured rifle rests or bags. Highly recommended reading for those of you experiencing difficulties shooting from the bench and suspecting something wrong with the firearm.

Its all a matter of proper technique using supports and firearm handling, plus trigger control.

I have a Remington Model Seven that has been customized with a 20" Shilen light sporter barrel, action bedding and trigger work. Mounted a US made Burris 3x9 Compact scope in Redfield Jr. base and rings and have been handloading to establish best loads/accuracy.

The rifle has been the most challenging of any rifle I've ever owned trying to get that "sweet spot" for accuracy. Began to suspect bent barrel, offset scope mount tap holes, screwed up bedding, etc., etc. After reading the article and trying the recommendations on use of the rest, its amazing how the accuracy has improved! :D

The article recommends the forward support for lightweight rifles and whippy barrels be placed just forward of the trigger guard and under the action. My mechanical rest has provision to adjusting this support, so I did as the article said. VIOLA! What was once a disconcerting varying group rifle has become a steady l.10 MOA shooter! Owing to the nature of the rifle's light weight and thin barrel, I'll take the grouping and run!

All this to say - If you have a rifle that doesn't want to behave on the bench, don't give up. Read the article and see where you might improve on your technique.

Lever actions and falling block single shots can also be real fussy when it comes to bench shooting. I'll look for the magazine.

most people dont realize is that even placing a finger beside a barrel can drastically widen shot groups, and quickly a barrl can cool and heat up even not recognizeable to the touch, and even free-floating barrel can be put in the slightest twist by holding the forend

It is hard to over emphasize the importance of having a solid bench and good bench rest equipment. I have so often seen guys come to the range for thier "once a year sight-in", who rest their rifle on a rolled up jacket or old pillow, fire a few rounds, fiddle with their scope, and then leave with their rifle in worse sight-in shape than when they came. Worse yet - some of these "inaccurate" rifles are then taken to a gunsmith to have the action bedded in glass.

I ran a small gunsmith business for almost 30 years and can't even begin to tell you how many guns I've fixed that were perfectly fine rifles. Glassbedding was one of the things I did a lot of and I had a flat rate fee for sighting in folks rifles. They always got a target back showing what the rifle was capable of with their ammo of choice along with a disclaimer that it may shoot to a different point of aim depending on the way their eyes see the target. Most modern factory rifles are capable of excellent accuracy out of the box.

Fixing unbroken guns is one of the biggest moneymakers for gunsmiths. What kdub and several other posters pointed out is the main reason folks may be unhappy with the way any rifle shoots. That and taking an off the rack rifle and not cleaning it before taking it to the range.

I haven't seen the magazine your referring to here in Australia.

Wondering if anyone could tell me where to position the rear bag going by the article?

I have always placed it an inch or so in front of the recoil pad. I have seen pictures lately of people placing it just behind the small of the butt, just behind a right handed shooters trigger hand. This has had me in 2 minds for a while now as it differs to how I started doing it. I have never been shown correct technique from a bench rest shooter,so maybe I'm doing it wrong.

Thanks
Rick

I have never been shown correct technique from a bench rest shooter,so maybe I'm doing it wrong.
Thanks
Rick

I've never been shown the correct technique either, don't think there is one. Just have to find what works best for you. Best advice I can give is be comfortable. Make everything come to you. I like to be sitting almost straight up and lean forward slightly and then I build everything around me. I can't shoot good if I have to crouch down or pull the rifle towards me to much. Some people turn at the waist to mount their rifles, I angle my whole body and I split the angle between what my head turns to come back in line with the rifle. BTW, some of the best money I ever spent was on a good heavy mechanical front rest.

Over the years I've watched a couple of shooters rest the barrel on the bag or even the surface if the bench rest without a bag. Sometimes they listen to advice, usually they don't.

But shooting for load development, I worry about a rifle that won't group consistantly with minor variations in position, it usually means something has too much movement or play. And the worst case rifles definately won't respond well to a sitting position with or without a sling to stabilize the shooter.

Usually a bedding job does the trick, and I usually start with a thickness or two of a playing card to see it that will help. It isn't a long term solution, but a quick diagnostic trick.

AFTER you get your load that does the rifle and you proud.....

And I will add that if you do find the sweet spot at the bench, remember it in the field. When you brace against a tree or over a post, try to get as close to that spot as you do on the bench.

If you wrap the sling when shooting off hand, wrap it on the bench. Try to shoot in as many field positions as possible. I am no bragging rifleshot, but when I do have a place to rest for a field shot, I try to make it comfortable and close to bench shooting as possible.

Another thread explains follow thru. It is most important when we are shooting to terminate than when we shoot to group!!!!