Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

[dknox]

I'm a "casual shooter" (meaning I'm basically worthless!), but I've noticed that I shoot my AR-10 better prone off a bipod than off a bench with sand bags. I can generally get sub moa groups at 200 yrds prone, but only 1.5+ moa (sometimes much worse) off the bench. I can't seem to find a way to hold the gun (with or without a rear bag) such that I can get good follow through. The gun seems to jump sideways more (usually left). Any suggestions (besides practicing more)? (My rear bag doesn't fit the gun well & may be part of the problem.)

Thx!

 

[RyeDaddy]

Re: Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

I have the opposite problem. I shoot my 308 AR better off the bench with a bipod and rear bag better tgab same setup prone.

What rear bag are you using?

 

[dknox]

Re: Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

It's a Caldwell - short, low slanted thing. Works ok for conventional rifles, but maybe the AR recoil pushes it off the bag causing POI to change?

 

[Temp9]

Re: Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

Watch your body position. Make sure you're square behind the rifle like you should be when shooting prone. Here's a video by Lowlight demonstrating how position can change POI shift.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8-zTfStha4&feature=plcp

 

[excess]

Re: Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

OP, I'm not surprised you shoot better prone off a bipod. For me that's a much more stable position.

You are right handed correct? If so it's probably as Temp says, body position. Could also be that your trigger finger is pushing the gun - lots going on in the firing sequence of that gas gun. Is your trigger finger 90 degrees to the rifle?

 

[dknox]

Re: Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OP, I'm not surprised you shoot better prone off a bipod. For me that's a much more stable position.

You are right handed correct? If so it's probably as Temp says, body position. Could also be that your trigger finger is pushing the gun - lots going on in the firing sequence of that gas gun. Is your trigger finger 90 degrees to the rifle? </div></div>

Right handed, yep. Not sure what you mean by 90 degrees to the gun. The tip of the finger? I use the pad of the finger tip, but it's sort of pointed back a bit, not 90 degrees.

 

[excess]

Re: Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

You need to be pulling straight back on the trigger. To do this your finger should be making a 90 degree angle to itself. If the motion of that pad is not straight rearward then it's applying some lateral force, and the gun will react accordingly.

 

[dmpowder]

Re: Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

Don't feel bad I shoot my Creedmoor better prone also. Also make sure you keep you body off the bench. The biggest problem people have is they tend to sit more off to the side of the rifle instead of getting behind it like your suppose to and I blame that on how most benches are made T style. Arms only on the bench keep your chest off!

 

[maggitas]

Re: Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

What type of handguard do you have on your AR-10? If you have a rail system of ridges it you be catching on the sandbags when recoiling. My suggestion is buy some panels and completely sand the ridges smooth. Next align the whole bottom of the rail. This way the rifle will recoil smoothly.

 

[jdr724]

Re: Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

I guess I'm wondering where the shots are going off the bench before I recommend anything.

Without knowing that the following general observation of the difference in those 2 positions may help.

When shooting prone I stand directly behind the rifle and lay directly in line with the rifle. Once im in position I lift up my feet to prevent them from pushing me forward. In that position the follow through is natural

Shooting from a bench by default puts your body to the side with your head turned to the side and your arm reaching around the rifle instead of laying beside it.

Benches are usually shaped to get you sitting on the side. Try sitting behind it at the back of the bench.

 

[dknox]

Re: Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Maggitas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What type of handguard do you have on your AR-10? If you have a rail system of ridges it you be catching on the sandbags when recoiling. My suggestion is buy some panels and completely sand the ridges smooth. Next align the whole bottom of the rail. This way the rifle will recoil smoothly. </div></div>

No quad - it's just a smooth tube (Armalite AR-10T)

 

[dknox]

Re: Trouble shooting AR-10 off bench

Thanks for all the input! I will try some different positions as suggested, work on my trigger pull, and maybe try a different rear bag. I'll see where all that gets me.