In this final piece on the art of shooting a springer, we shed some light on shooting from the sitting position, and the most dreaded stance of all-standing shots!
Sitting Positions
Field Target shooting allows the shooter to sit down, and with timing of normally two targets per lane a further consideration, it’s an easier position from which to navigate. The majority of shots are taken from what the sport terms a ‘freestyle’ position, and this means sitting of one sort or another. With both arms raised, and an elbow on each knee, a reasonably supported position can be arrived at. However, all these positions rely upon the physique of the individual. Stability also relies on getting the legs fairly straight under the knees. Fail to get this right, and it may not work too well.
Again, the same basic principles apply here. An inconsistent position will result in the gun’s recoil being absorbed by the body differently, shot for shot, quite possibly altering the impact point.
An alternative position to try is the FT ‘over-the-arm’ stance, and if it suits the physique of the individual, then it can seem like a significant breakthrough, as it allows a complete tripod to be created, with impressive stability the result.
However, it just wont suit everyone, and if it seems a real stretch and muscles are twinging, then it’s time to look for an alternative variation on the theme. If it is comfortable, then you’re half way there. Just ensure that the gun’s exact point of contact over that front elbow is the same each and every time.
In this over-the-arm position, note that we are effectively only gripping the gun with the trigger hand, and allowing it to recoil and jump unimpeded. The impact point is notably higher than when fully gripped either from the kneeling or prone positions, and again that data needs to be logged.
A far more common position with top Field Target shooters these days, is actually the supported knee stance, and this involves sitting on the ground, then resting the gun across the knee, cushioned by the lead hand inside a padded target glove.
Just try this position too, and see if it can be adopted without stretching or muscle strain. Again, note the effect on POI, if different from the zero position.
Standing
And so we arrive at easily the most feared shot on any Field Target or HFT competition course – the freestyle standing shot. However, with some hints, pointers and proper technique, that feeling of dread can be minimized. Assuming the target stands with no great degree of elevation, then the best approach for many will be the target stance.
For this to work, stand sideways on to the target, legs apart, roughly the distance between the shoulders. Push the front hip forwards in an exaggerated manner, and place the elbow of the supporting arm into the hip. It should feel like a form of support. At this point, obviously if it all feels awkward and straining, then don’t persist.
If however, there’s no pain involved then it can be highly effective. Ensure you are supporting the same point of the gun’s fore-end every time, and ideally use a target glove which can dramatically improve padding and comfort in the aim.
As for the contact grip, this can be an extended fist, raised fingers inside the glove, a twisted hand, or just the ‘V’ of the open supporting hand. Let personal preference and comfort guide this one, and again practise will pay dividends.
Elevated Shots
Sometimes high targets present themselves, and whether that’s a knock-down target in a Field Target competition, or a pigeon sitting pretty at the top of a tree, in a live hunting scenario, principles apply and the approach will be identical. Once the target goes over a certain angle and is so high in the tree however, forming a supported target stance just becomes impossible.
In this instance, an unsupported freestyle, elevated sporter stance is needed, and sometimes the art is to identify when this radical approach is to be utilised, and not just try and get away with it! Practise is key here, but we also need to be honest with ourselves. An extreme and awkward target may well make for exciting variety in an FT or HFT tournament, but when live quarry shooting, we need to know our limitations – sometimes having the decency to pass up on taking the shot!
Satisfying Journey
So there we are. Spring powered airguns remain super popular for a variety of reasons, whether you’re bored of soulless PCP’s, or just appreciate the self contained power source, free from charging paraphernalia. But take the time to learn their idiosyncrasies and the best approach to get the best out of them, and it can be an incredibly satisfying and rewarding journey.
Go out there, try different techniques, take notes, learn what works for you and we’ll see you in the next blog.
Until then, happy shooting!
