John Wayne can still swing two .44 caliber lever actions in circles, on horseback. He is preserved on film.....many a bad guy falls to his shooting. I have explored un-aided off hand shooting, the basic kind with feet set on Mother Earth. My Choreographer is not as skilled as Mr. Wayne's.
Alas, resting my rifles helps my score and one handed riflery is no longer sought for my bag of "man" tricks.
Kids focus on results. Trust me, you want results because kids need Midol when they miss. Especially if the rifle is bouncing around with a case DT's before the shot. In a typical blind or "hide" set up I suggest sand bags or your back pack. Bed that gun down solid like you are cheating - Mr. Murphy has enough options you cannot control.
On our ranch in Texas, we participate in the aimless wander. Before I continue, let me just say many people fail to address the wander correctly. Wandering has subtle nuances. There is the pointless wander - meaning you don't really care where you end up. The meaningful wander - you are going to do something, somewhere but final destination many change. Then there is the purposeful wander - you are going somewhere ending in a measurable result. This one is known as chores.
The aimless wander has no destination, no clearly defined goals, but may become pointless if nothing happens or purposeful wander should a snake or crawdad is available. At least that is the best way to wander. Pigs and seasonal animals of pursuit are included in the "option" list while still retaining aimless status.
Aimlessly messing around with a water moccasin, in a place you weren't planning to end up, the distraction allows a sounder of feral hogs (the pinnacle of aimless wanderers) within 150 yards of your snake. Your son's rifle upgrades you to a purposeful wander. The 10 pound rifle offering minimal recoil is available (because you are smart and maybe I influenced you a bit) but you have no rifle rest. Damn rules - forgot to tell you, a rifle rest is a purposeful part of being aimless but not pointless.
Shooting sticks are a nice option, I made these after a norther turned my Double Bull blind into a sail. Added a bit of duct tape, perfection. We have wandered up on all kinds of critters and whacked them with these.
Should you have no extra fiberglass poles around, go to Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops and look for a Bi-Pod. The unipods are okay, marketing literature is full color, tidy, and convincing. I don't think the marketing team actually uses them - total crap. Tripods are better than bipods. The one below is a camera tripod. I cut a piece of 3" PVC in half, and modified it to mount just like a camera. (I'll post details of the assembly later on) It stays in the back of the truck for purposeful wanders begun aimlessly and brush blind hunting. Notice how the gun just sits there, kid stands behind and it requires very little work. It swivels as far as you can go. This Model 700 ADL 30.06 is content.
Pointlessly aimless and all that has passed, it is time to wrap up. What I have noticed using a bi-pod or tripod most people use the barrel as point of contact. I had one of our cousins Caleb demonstrate stupid for us. He was just following my advice......so, uh....? This is the stupid way to do it - it causes misses. Very simple - physics. The gun is heavy in comparison to said youth hunter. Said youth hunter tends to look up and drop the rifle at trigger pull - shot goes high because all the weight is behind the "rest". (Adults do the same thing but just forget that because it isn't you - just other guys).
Rest the rifle on the balance point which is usually about the middle of the scope and you'll get accuracy! If the gun leans a little barrel heavy - fine.
This is the way to do it.
The rifle is balanced and yes, the kid (or adult) may look up and all that. We addressed Mr. Murphy earlier,
When you are playing "Bwana Gun Bearer". Stand to the side, hang on to the bipod and cover your gun side ear. I know it looks like yoga.
This yoga move retains proper hearing and a secondary benefit. You will often hear the bullet hit the animal with your off side ear. It is a delightful "POP"ing sound. Not covering your ear gives you a reason to avoid conversations at home....for a few days.
In closing, remember to purposefully take the essentials for being aimless. Rest the rifle in the middle and get close. You will get results.
Small Boy with Laugh Lines
A.D.D. is AWESOME
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