Advanced Marksmanship Dry fire issue, need a tip

[TimK]

The problem is with my Savage MK II trainer. It's in a Boyd's Tacticool. My other rifle is a Rem 700 in an AICS, and I do not have the same problem with it.

I just put this Tacticool on, and it's immediately better than the tupperware stock that it came with. However, I get vertical movement (crosshairs move up) on the break and I can't make it go away. I've tried everything I can think of, mostly having to do with trigger hand position, all to no avail.

Somebody give me something new to try, will ya?

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: Dry fire issue, need a tip

Your discription is kinda vague, so, you might try to re-build your position with focus on the elements and factors of a steady position.

 

[SPAK]

Re: Dry fire issue, need a tip

Are you putting a lot of downward pressure on the stock with your cheek??

 

[fdkay]

Re: Dry fire issue, need a tip

I have two .308's.
One a Savage Model 12 that I installed a L-W match grade barrel on and put it in a B&C varmint/tactical stock. It is a HEAVY beast for a tactical rifle.

The other is a stock Rem 5R. It is lighter than the savage.

When I dry fire, I have a very noticeable jump (up and slightly left) as viewed through the scope with Savage and none with the Rem. I was attributing some of this to lock time, but am not really certain. It is a very noticeable difference though and one of the reasons I prefer the remington, though the savage shoots pretty well.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: Dry fire issue, need a tip

You're really lost. Shots typically on call but not right-in-there are about NPA, follow-through, and/or trigger control issues. Think about it, either you're disturbing aim with something other than smooth trigger control, you are not following through, and/or you are holding the rifle steady with muscle tension instead of bone/artificial support. The upward movement can come from the butt slipping, greater relaxation of the cheek on comb, and/or head movement. My suggestion, align sight, adjust NPA, focus on sight, smooth trigger control, and follow-through.

 

[TimK]

Re: Dry fire issue, need a tip

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sterling Shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You're really lost. Shots typically on call but not right-in-there are about NPA, follow-through, and/or trigger control issues. Think about it, either you're disturbing aim with something other than smooth trigger control, you are not following through, and/or you are holding the rifle steady with muscle tension instead of bone/artificial support. The upward movement can come from the butt slipping, greater relaxation of the cheek on comb, and/or head movement. My suggestion, align sight, adjust NPA, focus on sight, smooth trigger control, and follow-through. </div></div>

Yup, that's just what I try to do. I've worked it out on a few other rifles in the past and have always been able to eliminate any movement. This one I just can't seem to fix no matter what. I'll look at the butt slipping, but I honestly think it's a trigger hand issue.

To the other question, I do have lots of pressure from my cheek. My cheekweld is very solid.

 

[SPAK]

Re: Dry fire issue, need a tip

If you're putting a lot of pressure downward pressure on the stock then most likey there is some muscular involvement that is probably not natural and the rifle doesn't agree with it. Either way it is making your npoa off. Your trainer is lighter than your heavier rifle and more sensitive to your position and muscle tension. You might still have the same problem with your heavy rifle but the reticle doesn't jump as much and you don't notice it.

That being said try not putting so much downward pressure on your cheek weld.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: Dry fire issue, need a tip

Your sight height may just be simply too low, forcing more than a muscularly relaxed stockweld.

 

[SPAK]

Re: Dry fire issue, need a tip

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sterling Shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your sight height may just be simply too low, forcing more than a muscularly relaxed stockweld. </div></div>

This and/or your bipod height might be too low as well.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: Dry fire issue, need a tip

That's a really good point. To avoid too low a position, bring the rifle to the head rather than the head to the rifle. This will help determine proper bipod height. Remember too, the higher the position, the higher the butt in the pocket formed in the shoulder.

 

[TimK]

Re: Dry fire issue, need a tip

_9H fixed it for me. It was a grip issue. I had my pinkie involved in gripping the stock. As soon as I relaxed it, the problem disappeared.