The "hard hold"?

[ChrisBCS]

What's everyone's opinion on using a hard hold for positions with bags as the artificial support?

It seems counterintuitive to the total relaxation frame of mind, but I feel something is necessary to keep the rifle tight in my shoulder without a sling or bipod to load as artificial/bone support.

Anyway, this almost certainly belongs in this forum.

 

[Deadshot2]

What's everyone's opinion on using a hard hold for positions with bags as the artificial support?

I find it works well with one of my rifles and not so much with another.

I do find that a hard hold does lead to shooter fatigue more rapidly and for me, once that happens it's pretty much the end of accuracy.

I agree that it's counter intuitive, especially if you are trying to achieve a good natural shooting position.

I guess that in the end it's "Whatever works for you".

 

[Graham]

The "hard hold"?

What do you mean by "bags"? Benchrest bags need free recoil.

In practical rifle shooting you might have to hold the rifle harder into your shoulder depending on your available stock placement location at the shoulder. Because bi pods don't lend themselves well to free recoil.

So it's what actually works, meaning that it depends on body mechanics, shooting equipment, your position above the ground and the resting surface, but that's not the same as saying 'whatever works for you'. Because there is a "why" as to what works for everyone in a given situation.

To answer your question: Loading the bi pod is what keeps the rifle in the shoulder.

 

[ChrisBCS]

Graham, simple sandbags (usually bags for shot that are refilled with sand) that are commonly available at ranges to use on the typical wooden bench.

 

[Graham]

The "hard hold"?

Using a front and rear bag on a bench: Hold the rifle, with your shooting hand, only hard enough to the rear that the stock doesn't fall out of the shoulder pocket.

 

[M40_A1]

In general, hard holds seem to work best with light rifles and/or heavy triggers. As always, consistency is king, and consistency is more difficult to achieve with hard holds.