My first serious centerfire rifle was a Mod. 700 Remington .22-250. I learned what I know about benchrest shooting with that and a series of varmint/benchrest rifles. I had help from friends who were experts and one of the things they taught me was consistent hold on the rifle and a solid cheek weld. I accumulated all the proper equiptment--good bags and a Wilson rest.
I spent a fair effort shooting flintlock rifles, then got interested in single shot and lever guns, all shot mostly off cross-sticks and offhand. I know that vintage stock design is in large part to bring the eye into line with low mounted iron sights and early scopes shot offhand. Used on the bench the drop in the comb does not allow the shooter to see the sights with a firm cheek wield and the buttplate is too low to allow it to be firmly pulled into the proper place on the shoulder.
My back, as my Appalachian granddad used to say, went Democrat (quit working) a few years ago so benchrest shooting is about all I can do. I find myself shooting with my cheek held over the stock unless I rest my left hand under my chin on the stock, and it is very uncomfortable to try to find a consistent buttstock/shoulder position. My Mod'86 and any old military rifle are punishing with recoil.
How do you boys deal with this. I have never seen or read advice on shooting these old rifles off the bench.
Steve K
If at first you don't secede, try, try again.