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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #7056429 01/29/18 01:46 AM
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Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted By: Eyesofahunter
We need to get our Biesen rifles together and sling some lead.


up

That particular exercise would be for the bigger rifles though. smile


You can shoot my Biesen 22, 243, 270, 3006, 375 and 458, but bring yours too. grin

Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: Eyesofahunter] #7056434 01/29/18 01:48 AM
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Originally Posted By: Eyesofahunter
Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted By: Eyesofahunter
We need to get our Biesen rifles together and sling some lead.


up

That particular exercise would be for the bigger rifles though. smile


You can shoot my Biesen 22, 243, 270, 3006, 375 and 458, but bring yours too. grin


up Wow!
They told me at the Sheep Show in Reno that Roger is no longer building rifles. frown


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #7056458 01/29/18 02:14 AM
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Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted By: Eyesofahunter
Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted By: Eyesofahunter
We need to get our Biesen rifles together and sling some lead.


up

That particular exercise would be for the bigger rifles though. smile


You can shoot my Biesen 22, 243, 270, 3006, 375 and 458, but bring yours too. grin


up Wow!
They told me at the Sheep Show in Reno that Roger is no longer building rifles. frown


Yes he is done, daughter is still engraving but no more rifles.

Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7056604 01/29/18 05:22 AM
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I grew up at our lease in llano idling down the dirt road until some quail crossed the road. I would jump out and throw down on these quail knowing my Ruger 22 had to be aimed a little high and to the left to hit them. I was very proficient in knocking them down. I still have the .22 and this thread encourages me to pick it up again and practice some more. The best deer I ever shot were offhand out of tree stands one I had to turn around and shoot free hand and the other was offhand about 100 yards away. 13 point and 10 points both around 140! You never know what will make the difference!


https://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj570/mathp/9542e851.jpgIMG]http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj570/mathp/LlanoBucksdownsized_zps6632cebe.jpg[/IMG]
Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7057849 01/30/18 02:01 AM
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Well, this discussion motivated me to go practice offhand with a 22lr yesterday. The results leave plenty of room for improvement.

Figure if I post the results, I'll hold myself accountable to keep improving and hopefully encourage others to get out and give it a go. The practice was challenging, especially with the target rocking back and forward in the wind, which added a good variable for practicing hunting shots. How much the wind rocked the rifle in the offhand position was surprising. The only support was a sling.


Warmed up with 8, 10 shot groups (80 shots total) on the 1/2" red dots standing shooting off of a pack on the bench, which was more wobbly than prone off of a pack. Made some progress, so moved to offhand with the sling on the Shoot'n See next. The 8 ring is 4", the 9 ring 3", the 10 ring is 2" and the x is 1". Will keep after it and post up a progress report periodically.

120 shots total offhand at the Shoot'n See. Distance was 15 - 20 yards.

So, get out and give it a try with a 22, it is really good practice and just plain fun too.




Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7057903 01/30/18 02:27 AM
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Alright, alright!

I'll do it tomorrow with the 10/22.


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7058269 01/30/18 02:17 PM
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My sister shot a 207 class buck this year free handed after stalking him through the brush 300+ yards. She was out of breath and actually missed him on the first shot but dropped him on the run with the second. Once in a lifetime low fence deer. I'd say it's important to practice. I would add pictures but can not figure out how. If anybody knows how and would like to see pm me and I'll send them to you to post.

Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7058509 01/30/18 04:25 PM
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JB..Do you hunt with a bolt action or self loader? I'm assuming these were shot with a self loader, but any off hand practice is a good thing. The wind giving you a "moving target" is also a factor that may have given you fits for group sizes but also emulates field conditions.
Ron


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7058649 01/30/18 06:06 PM
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Ron,

yes, the 22 is an upgraded 10/22.

I hunt with a bolt rifle. I used to practice offhand, but fell out of it for no particular reason and the results show it is a perishable skill. The bolt rifle will go into the offhand practice rotation, but for now would prefer to burn 22 ammo while rebuilding the skill. Once the 22 reaches a modest level of proficiency, then will move the target back, but need to master this step first.

Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7059575 01/31/18 04:17 AM
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Yup, that's what I did some years ago in just that same sequence when I was trying to teach my hard headed oldest the tricks of the trade...he'd been thru the 10-22 and I'd picked up a very early Ruger Stainless Ranch Rifle in 223 and we'd gone to longer ranges...but he finally gave up due to teenaged peer pressure time requirements.

I might give that a try again myself now that I have easy access to a private range...just too many fish to fry at the moment. Good luck with the effort...and keep showing you know who the purty pictures of your success....
Ron


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7071631 02/09/18 06:23 AM
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Have some friends in Southern Arkansas where it is legal to use deer dogs. Heavy timber and rough country. Dogs in the low areas pushing deer to the "standers" on the log roads. Offhand shooting is all they do and they are dang good at it.


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7072329 02/09/18 08:42 PM
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Definitely relevant to practice. My most recent deer kill was offhand and 130+ yards away. I had already been hiking about 45 minutes, headed down a long trail to get to where I would hunt that evening; I came around a bend and saw her grazing. She hadn't noticed me yet so I unslung my rifle popped open the scope covers and took the shot unsupported; for fear that any more movement would get me busted. I was already worked up and sweaty from the hike, then with the added excitement it was not and easy shot to take.

Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7073153 02/10/18 02:57 PM
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I don't think I could hit a garbage can at 100 yds. off hand......LOL


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: snake oil] #7073224 02/10/18 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted By: snake oil
I don't think I could hit a garbage can at 100 yds. off hand......LOL


Well I'm glad to see there is at least one honest individual on the board! Thanks Snake.

Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7073229 02/10/18 04:05 PM
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Never been very good at it and never practiced enough to be I guess. I shoot off hand at varmints or hogs but rarely at deer anymore. Last buck time I shot offhand at a buck was a Mule Deer in West Texas om 2010. Before that it was at a WT I had rattled in and he was 70 yards away back in 2004 or 2005. I rattle in an Axis buck on Kerr WMA during a Dec WT hunt and shot him in the neck at 80 yards in 98. I missed a really good WT buck at 140 yards or so offhanded back in 1999. It would have to be a follow up shot anymore for me I think or when rattling for a close range shot. If I practiced it daily then I would probably be more confident in taking the shot.


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: stxranchman] #7074140 02/11/18 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted By: stxranchman
Never been very good at it and never practiced enough to be I guess. I shoot off hand at varmints or hogs but rarely at deer anymore. Last buck time I shot offhand at a buck was a Mule Deer in West Texas om 2010. Before that it was at a WT I had rattled in and he was 70 yards away back in 2004 or 2005. I rattle in an Axis buck on Kerr WMA during a Dec WT hunt and shot him in the neck at 80 yards in 98. I missed a really good WT buck at 140 yards or so offhanded back in 1999. It would have to be a follow up shot anymore for me I think or when rattling for a close range shot. If I practiced it daily then I would probably be more confident in taking the shot.


A good reason to build you a custom 10/22 to practice with. They are a lot of fun. up


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7074146 02/11/18 01:14 PM
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I think it's time to put together a .22 off hand shooting tournament. Any volunteers for a place to shoot?

rifle


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: Pitchfork Predator] #7074209 02/11/18 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted By: Pitchfork Predator
I think it's time to put together a .22 off hand shooting tournament. Any volunteers for a place to shoot?

rifle

As usual I'm late to the party

That sounds like what the men do at my family reunions. Including skeet shooting with a 22. I'm reading some of the rediculous thoughts some have about hunting and offhand shooting and it leaves me shaking my head in disbelief. When I read some of this stuff it becomes crystal clear why so many are clueless when it comes to the concept of a light weight quick handling, easy pointing rifle, and how to use one....
It is a skill that apparently was never learned by quite a few. Come on guys. Are you aware how much you are limiting your capabilities? Not to mention how much fun you missing out on.

Last edited by Smokey Bear; 02/11/18 02:29 PM.

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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: snake oil] #7076115 02/13/18 12:35 AM
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Originally Posted By: snake oil
I don't think I could hit a garbage can at 100 yds. off hand......LOL


You never know till you try. I shot a huge gobbler out of the air with a browning buckmark .22 pistol. I have two witnesses. And I videoed myself shooting a running javelina in the head with a 357 pistol. Was it luck? He77 yes. But it I wouldn't have had that awesome experience without trying.

I offhand shot the biggest mule deer I've ever seen (admittedly at 75 yards broadside). Would I have rather had a rest? Yes. But I had hunted 5 hard days, it was my last evening, and those deer can disappear extremely quick, and if they're running, it's an up and down nightmare.

I have no problem taking chances with turkey's and varmints. I don't recommend it for big game. But sometimes you gotta go with what's available.

Last edited by therancher; 02/13/18 12:36 AM.

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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: Pitchfork Predator] #7076158 02/13/18 01:00 AM
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Originally Posted By: Pitchfork Predator
I think it's time to put together a .22 off hand shooting tournament. Any volunteers for a place to shoot?

rifle


I don't have a range on my ranch in mountain home, but I have plenty of space.


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: therancher] #7076639 02/13/18 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted By: therancher
Originally Posted By: Pitchfork Predator
I think it's time to put together a .22 off hand shooting tournament. Any volunteers for a place to shoot?

rifle


I don't have a range on my ranch in mountain home, but I have plenty of space.


I will send you a PM about it Rusty, very gracious of you to offer.


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: Pitchfork Predator] #7077131 02/13/18 08:21 PM
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Ok.


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: Pitchfork Predator] #7077551 02/14/18 01:10 AM
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Originally Posted By: Pitchfork Predator
Originally Posted By: stxranchman
Never been very good at it and never practiced enough to be I guess. I shoot off hand at varmints or hogs but rarely at deer anymore. Last buck time I shot offhand at a buck was a Mule Deer in West Texas om 2010. Before that it was at a WT I had rattled in and he was 70 yards away back in 2004 or 2005. I rattle in an Axis buck on Kerr WMA during a Dec WT hunt and shot him in the neck at 80 yards in 98. I missed a really good WT buck at 140 yards or so offhanded back in 1999. It would have to be a follow up shot anymore for me I think or when rattling for a close range shot. If I practiced it daily then I would probably be more confident in taking the shot.


A good reason to build you a custom 10/22 to practice with. They are a lot of fun. up

I bought a bolt action .22mag in 2003 and have shot it daily if not weekly since then. More close range off hand shots though.


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: therancher] #7077562 02/14/18 01:16 AM
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Originally Posted By: therancher
Originally Posted By: snake oil
I don't think I could hit a garbage can at 100 yds. off hand......LOL


You never know till you try. I shot a huge gobbler out of the air with a browning buckmark .22 pistol. I have two witnesses. And I videoed myself shooting a running javelina in the head with a 357 pistol. Was it luck? He77 yes. But it I wouldn't have had that awesome experience without trying.

I offhand shot the biggest mule deer I've ever seen (admittedly at 75 yards broadside). Would I have rather had a rest? Yes. But I had hunted 5 hard days, it was my last evening, and those deer can disappear extremely quick, and if they're running, it's an up and down nightmare.

I have no problem taking chances with turkey's and varmints. I don't recommend it for big game. But sometimes you gotta go with what's available.

I had someone tell me ask me after I made what I consider a lucky shot on a coyote running down a sendero away from me at about 275 yards. Shot was off of a shooting rest on a Ranger. I immediately said out loud "that was a lucky shot". One of the guys with me asked me "if I had tried to kill that coyote"? I said "yes". He said "then it was not really lucky then was it?" I guess it would be luck if it was your first shot ever.


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Re: Offhand Shooting - Still Important? [Re: jeffbird] #7077802 02/14/18 04:28 AM
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Honestly I can’t ever remember shooting at something with a .22 that wasn’t offhand


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