My first f class rifle

higginsdj · Post by **higginsdj** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 7:36 am

Well I purchased a Savage 12 F/TR then this second hand Omark 308 came up (new barrel) so I got it as well. I still have 3 weeks of the PTA's to serve out but at least the club dealer can bring the Omark to the club each week for me to shoot.

Shot it for the first time yesterday over 600m with factory ammo. It was a bit of a rush mounting the scope and then rough adjusting to 600m. First shot was on target but I foolishly thought that U on the scope meant move the shot up (like on my pistols) so put the next 2 shots off the target. 3 shots later I was on centre and a very sore shoulder. Second lesson, I was too prone and the recoil was into my collar bone. Stage 2 was better, after adjusting the bipod up and putting the rear bag on a stand and fitting the butt to my chest - just one 4 - So I'm happy.

Cheers

David

Woody_rod · Post by **Woody_rod** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 10:27 am

Good job mate. There are plenty of rifles around like this that perform well enough.

Southcape · Post by **Southcape** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 11:59 am

No turning back now.

What are you using under the bipod?

higginsdj · Post by **higginsdj** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 7:48 pm

Thanks guys. I was hooked from my first shot with the club 223 some 4 weeks ago

I'm not sure what you mean Linda, I just adjusted the bipod to it's maximum height. I did't put anything under it as such, although here in canberra there are thin rubber mats put on the concrete slabs that we put the rests and bipods on, is that what you mean?

The bipod in the picture belongs to the club. I have a Davies F/TR one on order but also have a Caldwell BR rest that I will try next week at 300 m.

Cheers

David

Southcape · Post by **Southcape** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 9:02 pm

I was hoping your answer was going to be better than "nothing"

and it was. Yep, if you are using rubber, then that is what I mean. You may find the rubber has a bit too much grip. Just see how you go. The bipod needs to move smoothly.

The Davies F/TR bipod was a good choice. I use one of these as well.

higginsdj · Post by **higginsdj** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 5:49 am

Ok, the rubber is a bit grippy so I will buy a small carpeted car mat. The rifle recoils up and left each time I shoot so I am always having to shift the bipod right.

Cheers

David

johnk · Post by **johnk** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 7:47 am

Bunnings sell some nice bathroom mats at fair prices.

Barry Davies · Post by **Barry Davies** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:01 am

David,
We use Marine Carpet, rubber backed. Is water proof, weather proof, hard wearing and sufficiently slippery - even better with talc. Not expensive either.
Barry

johnk · Post by **johnk** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:49 am

Barry,

That's an even better idea.

I guess you can sweet talk an offcut from a seller too.

John

Southcape · Post by **Southcape** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:24 am

I shoot on some very uneven mounds. I tried carpet, and found it was still not suitable for me.

My search lead me to the Plastics Shop, where I had some very helpful assistance from the staff. We found some 3mm thick plastic sheeting which is slightly rough on one side, and super smooth on the other.
It is flexible and light, and works like a dream.

higginsdj · Post by **higginsdj** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:28 am

If thats the case one could simply use a small sheet of masonite - even cheaper!

Cheers

David

Woody_rod · Post by **Woody_rod** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:32 am

higginsdj wrote:If thats the case one could simply use a small sheet of masonite - even cheaper!

Cheers

David

I think you will find that a hard sheet will give you elevation problems from bounce during recoil.

higginsdj · Post by **higginsdj** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:42 am

Oh boy I've got a lot to learn........

Southcape · Post by **Southcape** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:48 am

Well, you are learning already.

If changing what you are using under that bipod doesn't help with the recoil. (left hand movement after firing) Then we need to look at your position.

higginsdj · Post by **higginsdj** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 10:29 am

Hmmm, probably my position. On the weekend, when shooting at target 4, post recoil the scope and rifle were pointing at target 3 (I still managed a 53.2 though)

I had no "grip" on the rifle - just pulling the stock back into my 'shoulder' with my right hand, right thumb resting down the side of the stock whilst I 'pulled' back on the trigger. Not really sure of what my head was doing as I was just trying to position it well enough to see through the scope.

But maybe I should raise this in another topic. Is there a more appropriate place to discuss this?

Cheers

David