SEEING THE HITS

[chip-don]

what have you all found to be the best way to steady a 204 so you can see the hits. I shoot a ruger 1v

[mriddell]

I had that problem the other day. My bench rotates but doesn't lock, so sometimes the recoil would rotate the table a little bit and I'd miss seeing the shot. I'd just listen to hear Dad laughing and I'd know I hit it. I'm going to rig up some sort of engagement for the pivot so the bench stays put. I'm also going to pick up a rest to secure the rifle.

[OldTurtle]

If you are using a bipod with the rifle, try placing a piece of thick carpet under the bipod legs.... It will reduce the jump from the recoil..

If you are using shooting bags, try reducing the filler a little so the upper ears of the bag will surround the stock a little more... I know if I am using hard bags the recoil will increase the movement.

[surfclod]

Usually the weight of the gun and light recoil enable me to see the hits, but not if I am using to much magnification. Its nice to crank up the power so the target is filling the scope but then even a small amount of recoil can move your line of sight away from the delightful spectacle that the impact of a 204 offers. Instead of 12x try 8x or similair lower setting. Personally I like to use plenty of magnification, but I have to admit it doesn't make me more accurate and finding the target is harder.

Of course be sure to have a good rest, i typically use a bipod and a bunny ears bag. Its nearly as stable as a good table (much better than a poor table) and in the foothills here I can always find hill to lay prone on and cover an area out to 300 yards or so depending on wind.

[futuretrades]

good solid rest, and follow thru the shot, maybe try adding a little more weight to the gun. shooting groups, i like my sinclaire rest with bunny eared rear bag. in the field, i shoot off of a varminter rest, and most of the time, i will see my hits, with the 204, and i keep my magnification at 12x, unless the heat waves get too bad.

[chip-don]

thanks the lower magnification seems like a good idea

[Ryan S Albright]

Heavy barrel, light bullets, solid rest, lighten the loads a little.

[Captqc]

BR Pivot shooting bench $500, Caldwell front rest $140, rear bag with bunny ears $20, watching the show through the scope each shot, priceless! Gary