max accuracy from a trigger stick-Gen3 Jim Shockey

[gene so]

Hello,
I have just started shooting a Gen3 Jim Shockey trigger stick. Vertical shooting, my first impression, is that this device is very handy. How do you set up so you reduce the lateral movement? At 400 yards it was particularly difficult to stay on the Aodad target I was using. I am fortunate to have access to a 800 yard range, but want to use this stick for shots to 400 yards and the prone for beyond this distance.
I would appreciate experienced help, not opinions, on dealing with this challenge.

Thank you for your attention in this matter.

W.W.

 

[butchlambert]

Gee guy, I've never heard of it. I guess that google may be my friend.

 

[KMart]

There is a Primo's Gen 3 Trigger Stick. Didn't see a Jim Shockey.

 

[338 dude]

Hello,
I have just started shooting a Gen3 Jim Shockey trigger stick. Vertical shooting, my first impression, is that this device is very handy. How do you set up so you reduce the lateral movement? At 400 yards it was particularly difficult to stay on the Aodad target I was using. I am fortunate to have access to a 800 yard range, but want to use this stick for shots to 400 yards and the prone for beyond this distance.
I would appreciate experienced help, not opinions, on dealing with this challenge.

Thank you for your attention in this matter.

W.W.

I like the tripod it helps with movement in all directions

 

[K22]

I've been shooting off a shooting stick for some 20 years now primarily for varmint and predator hunting but also deer hunting. While my stick may different slightly in design to the one you're using some principles apply to shooting sticks in general in my experience.

First, it takes a lot of range time to become proficient with a shooting stick. The more your practice the better you'll become and develop a technique suited for you but don't try to shoot too much in one range session. About 12 to 15 focused and concentrated shots is about right for me for a range session. Shoot, analyze the shot, make corrections, shoot again, etc. Don't rush it - get into the mind set that you're shooting a game animal of a life time.

My experience is the similar to yours, most of my poor shots reflect lateral movement, i.e. horizontal error. This is one of the reason I prefer to take crawler shots on ground hogs and broad side shots on predators, those orientations are more forgiving for lateral errors.

One way I found to minimize lateral movement is to lock my left hand around the stick with the index finger curled over the stock and barrel. I apply a slight rearward pressure to the stick thus "locking" the rifle into my shoulder. The idea is to develop the feel that the stick / rifle / shooter is one homogeneous unit. Riding the recoil is a common mistake shooting off shooting sticks - to eliminate this error you must learn to follow through with the shot meaning maintaining your position / hold / sight picture through the shot.

Of course all the normal fundamentals must be observed, i.e. positioning with your natural point of aim on target, positioning your trigger finger consistently at the same position, focusing on the cross hairs, trigger squeeze and follow through.

For really long range shooting for the ranges you listed I'd opt for bipod in the prone position. A prone bipod is far superior to any shooting stick in my experience. However I prefer a shooting stick because it gives me greater field of view than lying prone. I shoot sitting on a portable sportsman's chair that also enhances my performance using a shooting stick by giving me four points of contact, elbows on knees, feet flat on the ground. When I'm in the zone I can place five shots in a 1" circle at 100 yards in this position. But honestly, 300 yards is about my limit with shooting stick on varmints and predators. Shots on deer here in eastern PA rarely are over 200 yards where I hunt.

 

[gene so]

Hello,
I shall be more specific, my Gen3 is a Primos manufactured, Jim Shockey model. Since I am so new to this shooting device K22's insights are especially valuable. Coming to New Mexico from Washington and Minnesota, I realized that long range here in terms of practicality, would seem absurd practically anyplace else.
I do use my Atlas bipod for really long shots, when due to distance, terrain and situation demand its usage.
But I realize fully the shot to be taken on this Aodad hunt may be less than 400 and then attaining skills with this shooting stick is mandatory. I shall try the ring finger suggestion, except for wrapping it around my free floating barrel.

 

[K22]

All my barrels except one, are free floated. The index finger "wrap around" I described does not change point of impact since it's wrapped around the stock/barrel about 6" from the recoil lug. The main pressure is applied by the lower four fingers to the shooting stick not the barrel. The index finger over the stock / barrel aids in locking in the rifle to the shoulder and preventing riding the recoil during the shot. The reason the index finger is placed here is so I don't extend the left arm (non shooting arm) too far forward on the rifle which creates and unstable hold for me.

The hold / position should feel comfortable and natural to you. Practice setting up at home before you go to the range. Develop a position and technique that feels comfortable to you. I also found that if my legs are placed in a wider stance (but don't over do it) I have more stability and less lateral movement. It took some experimentation to find the technique that worked for me - one size doesn't fit all in this case. But once you master it you'll love it and you'll be able to shoot reasonable accurately anywhere no matter the terrain.

I wish I could post a picture so it would better illustrate it for you but my old computer or old brain hasn't figure out how to do it on this web site.

 

[46and2]

I have a Trigger Stick, not sure what generation it is. It took a while to develop my form. I spent about four or five range sessions fire forming about 250 7wsm cases.
I've found if I sit on my 15" folding stool with both elbows on my knees. The yoke of the trigger stick in front of my left hand. Holding the rifle with a medium hold ( not gripping the crap out of the rifle). Breath several deep slow breaths before letting the crosshairs settle (down) onto the bullseye.

Also tie strap a small rag or small towel over the yoke to let the stock slide naturally instead of sticking on the yoke.
Here's three shots at 200 yards with my setup. 8.5 LB 358 Grant on a one inch dot. Just over .5 MOA.