Give the springer a well earned rest.

[hedd-wyn]

Could any of you guys clarify what they consider to be an appropriate rest to be for a springer?

 

I've just bought myself a nice AA T200HC and want to save myself a lot of bother in the field and risk fluffing a shot. I have been using a packed sleeping bag for zeroing in the garden, but don't fancy lugging that with me whilst out and about.

 

I've been reading a lot of threads about air rifles lately and have noticed that a lot of members say 'never rest a springer on a hard surface' but little is said about what is deemed suitable and what is not.

 

Are there any useful tips around?

 

Cheers

 

Hedd

[aga man]

hello hedd, i think the not resting on hard surfaces is to do with the recoil you get from a springer as oposed to a pcp, which causes the gun to jump. you can buy various resting bags etc but i would imagine you could make your own. if you have to rest on posts etc, just rest your hand on the post and then the rifle fore end on your hand. i think a lot of it is what works for you. nice rifle btw the tx200.

[lewj]

when i had my monsterous hw 80 i shot that from a hard surface and i could get all shots with in a £1 coin size group

so just give whatever you want a go and see whats right for you

[chrisjpainter]

I THINK the thing with a springer is the recoil is part of the action, so if you stop the recoil, either with a bipod or something like that, you risk throwing the shot off. When you just use your hand as a brace, your arm gives with the action so there isn't an issue with it. The thing you might try is something like a bean bag type of rest or something like the Garlands rifle rest (link below).

 

http://www.ronniesunshines.com/index.php/shooting-equipment-1/gun-accessories/accessories/garlands-rifle-rest-front.html

 

i've not used one of these myself though, so i don't really know what they're like; I shoot a PCP with a bipod so it's not really an issue!

[durbsguy]

My 97 has had the Bonnie and Clyde Blue tune and when sighting it in I use the bench rest bags with no ill effect.

[demonwolf444]

used those cheap clip on bipods and also shooting sticks.. all worked fine, if your springer has a decent barrel lock up as long as you clip the bipod on round really close to the breech you should be fine. I manage half inch groups with mine at 30 yards.

[bruno22rf]

Try and use the rifle the same as you intend to hold it when hunting-place your hands in the most comfortable position(and practice doing so)and avoid holding a springer too tightly.Hold the gun the same way when zeroing but allow your forearm to rest on a stable platform - doesn't matter if its hard or soft as long as your hand is between the two.A lot of hunters seem to use sticks these days-easy enough to make and try if you are walking long distances with a heavy gun.