shooting prone

[BJG56]

OK guys, here comes another really, really stupid new-guy-to-LR-shooting question.

I just read Marc Taylor's article "mechanics of the Firing Hand" here on SH. In it, he stated "The reason that the pad of the buttstock is raised when shooting prone-position shooting is to allow the recoil to travel on a more straight line to the shoulder. A butt pad that is too low will cause the recoil to exploit an angle weakness and the bore may rise as the rifle recoils. The raised buttstock is an equipment advantage and prone shooters should demand a chassis or stock that lifts in the rear. "

I purchased a CZ 457 Varmint MTR and as a future upgrade may put it into the Oryx chassis. However, It does not have an adjustable buttpad for height. Is this a concern for a 22lr rifle? I mean, there is next to no recoil from it. TIA.

Bill

 

[clcustom1911]

Yes and no. 22LR has essentially no recoil at all, so no it wont matter at this particular point in time. But, if in the future you want to get into more or high power rifle shooting, it would be better to build a proper stock/shoulder position from the outset and you'll be used to feeling everything where its supposed to be once you get behind a rifle with more recoil.

Does that make sense?

I have several rifles, only 1 has a butt stock with a vertically adjustable butt pad. My highest-recoiling rifle, my 7mm Remington Magnum doesn't. If I am shooting prone and shooting toward targets that are angled 5 degrees or so up... the recoil slips the butt pad down. I still get my hits, but it sucks and hurts after 20-30 rounds. I could overcome this with buying more bags and pads, or another stock. But that costs money, and I'm cheap when it comes to certain things.

 

[FLguy55]

I really wouldn't sweat it with a 22.

 

[1813Benny]

It is more than just recoil for having vertical adjustments for the buttplate.

Yes, the .22 recoil is minimal however it is enough to increase shot dispersion with a poorly fitting stock. The vertical adjustment also allows for maximum contact to the shoulder and also optimizing your head position.

Regards,
Ken

 

[Steel head]

I wouldn’t worry about it on a 22.

 

[usafa77]

Follow through is more important in your .22 than your centerfire- so I think it matters.