Scope orientation questions

[bow shot]

Looking for scope mounting advice. First the scenario (right hand shooter, conventional right-hand bolt guns):

1) Method: Bipod and bag, always. On a bench or on the ground.

2) Rifles: Bull barrel and varmint contour, 12-15 lb rifles. Mild recoiling such as 6.5 Grendel, up to 6.5-284.

3) Ability: For my part I consider myself an adequate shot. With my hand loads (and the above tools) I can expect to print 0.5", and when wind is steady I can expect 0.3". I'm not a competitor (against anyone other than myself).

4) Form: After fussing for a few years, I've found my best recoil control (and best groups) is with the body almost perfectly straight-behind the rifle, and almost no cheek contact. Head position is...a bear.

5) The problem: item #4 above. At my age, though I get the results I want at the target, it is painful on my neck.

6) Question #1: Is anyone using a scope mounting system that positions the scope so that it is off to the left a tad?

7) Question #2: Is there a reason other than left/right up/down complications at the target that such an orientation would be...stupid?

I realize that if I just went with solid cheek weld, and angled my body, I could get much more comfortable. I gave that form my best over a few years, but just couldn't get control of the recoil (and groups), the reaction of my shoulder was just to "squishy".

For me anyway, straight back, the rifle is against a solid stop on the shot and I get predictable recoil.

Advice? Ideas?

 

[tazzman]

Bowshot,

Using an offset scope mount setup could be made to work but using it at different distances will induce left/right impact changes to your POI.
Have you considered using higher rings than what you have now, knowing that you are already favoring a light cheek weld? That way, your neck would not be tilted as much? This might help you but consider that any cant of your rifle using higher rings will affect your horizontal.

Cheers,

Phil Fortin aka tazzman

 

[bow shot]

Thanks for the reply Tazz', that's a good call right there.

Yup, I've been experimenting with different heights, and over the years have found that I do indeed prefer the higher sets. I have Warne x-high on one rifle, and an ADM mount that is unusually high on another. They do provide relief!

Cheers, mate

 

[cdparker]

Thanks for the reply Tazz', that's a good call right there.

Yup, I've been experimenting with different heights, and over the years have found that I do indeed prefer the higher sets. I have Warne x-high on one rifle, and an ADM mount that is unusually high on another. They do provide relief!

Cheers, mate

Have you considered an adjustable cheek piece?

 

[bow shot]

Well, on one rifle I was using a Magpul PRS, but often found that with the light weld (almost no contact) I was dialing it down to no-rise to get a good sight picture. I may have to visit that idea again. I'm thinking I may just have to have a more erect position when prone; yet higher scope mount, high cheek piece and maybe some upper torso support.

 

[Zero333]

Another thing to consider would be a 4-way adjustable buttplate to offset the whole rifle instead of the scope.

 

[bow shot]

Another thing to consider would be a 4-way adjustable buttplate to offset the whole rifle instead of the scope.

ahh... that's good right there!

 

[CharlieNC]

Comfort = accuracy. After MUCH experimentation with different techniques, I use relatively heavy cheek pressure whereby most of the weight of my head is rested. For precision like Ftr, I read a technique whereby the reticle is lined below the target on the 8 ring so that the amount of cheek pressure to raise to the X is consistent. This works well for me. You need a rigid bipod and firm rear bag to minimize deviations, and the hold will be rock solid. After practice, this carries over naturally to tactical shooting from varied positions. Heavy cheek pressure gives the most comfort, and steadiest hold for me. Everyone is different, try radically different methods to find what works best for you.

 

[bow shot]

CharlieNC, that is excellent intel, thanks very much. I had moved away from heavy cheek weld in order to control recoil (get it regular/consistent) but may have to get back to it.

I'm putting some time into form changes lately, starting with .22lr, moving to .6.5 g, then will go to 6.5-284.

For now (with .22lr) I am finding that most comfort (shooting prone) comes from lowest scope mount, raised bipod/bag. but recoil is a bit irregular. I see that I have some trigger arm placement work to do to make the pocket consistent. this will take some time...