I made 2 trips to the range last weekend to try my new sticks. I was quite disappointed with my results. I am hoping that it was because of a basic mistake. I was shooting a 7mm WSM (with a brake). I didn't bother with a recoil pad and was just wearing a t-shirt. I finally realized that even though it wasn't painful to shoot, my right shoulder had been pretty thoroughly tenderized and was more likely quivering jelly than muscle.
I've made an appointment to meet another member at the range on Monday. He is an old hand at African hunting and will hopefully be able to tell what I'm doing wrong.
Is it realistic to expect to be able to get a 2" group at 100 yds? The rifle that I was shooting is capable of sub MOA.
Although the groups that I shot had greater spread than I want, there was some consolation. When I got home, I held up one of the targets against a large bodied bear mount. It appeared that all but one of the shots would have been fatal (heart/lung) or disabling (shoulder). However, being a perfectionist, that' not good enough for me.
A few observations from that very revealing post. I hope my comments and suggestions are taken as constructive.
1) Forget MOA off a bench. Your shooting will determine accuracy in Africa not the rifle. If you want MoA then you have to be an MoA shooter. You probably won't ever achieve MoA from field positions and if you do, it will be after years of practise. As you have noted on your bear target, it doesn't matter. Minute of animal is all you need. This is a good thing.
1a) Set up the sticks so they 'firm' up if you lightly lean into them. I place a hand between the rifle and any other object.
2) Your PH may want to use his sticks or is unfamiliar with yours so be prepared to adapt.
3) If you have a sore/reactive shoulder with a 7WSM then you are holding the rifle wrong before you even start. It is back to basics for you. Pull it into your shoulder. I use my forward hand and use the trigger hand for only squeezing the trigger. You should be able to walk around the range (or house) with rifle into the shoulder, supported by your forward hand only and your trigger hand hanging by your side.
3a) When shooting at the 'wee beasties' for real you won't notice it anyway but muscle memory is important.
3b) Get to the range as often practical.
4) Meeting an experienced (experience does vary and isn't absolute) is a good idea, however adapt what they do to suit yourself.
5) 7WSM is an excellent cartridge for Africa if it doesn't have the WSM feed issues. If it doesn't feed like excrement off a shiny shovel, get it to a competent gunsmith.
5a) Take off the muzzle brake. The extra noise will make you perceive more recoil and your PH probably won't want it on either.
6) Also practise shooting from sitting, freehand and kneeling positions, supported and unsupported.
7) Use a .22lr to practise dry and live firing in field positions.
8) Forget about picking up empty brass until ALL your practise is over. Looking for empty brass in the field is a BAD habit. The cost is negligible and the trackers can find it later if you really want it back. Look down range and practise cycling the action and firing.
Have fun. If you aren't enjoying the practise you are trying too hard. relax.
Good luck in Africa. Looking forward to the hunt report
