What’s your pistol bench setup?

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  • Last Post 10 September 2023
jtcarm posted this 10 September 2023

I’ve been getting unsatisfactory accuracy from my load testing lately and can’t figure out if it’s the guns, the loads, the setup or me.

I’m shooting a B3 target (2.5” black bull) or 2” Red Bull at 25 yards. 12-shot groups.

The guns are a GP100 and S&W 24-3, both 4”

I’m using an old Hoppes BR rifle tripod with sandbag as a muzzle rest and stacking sandbags to support my right (shooting side) elbow). Left hand supports the gun & left elbow on the bench top. It seems quite stable.

The range is an old 25/50 BE range. Since most people shoot long guns on it now, the club installed concrete rifle benches. While rock solid, I find them less than optimal for BR pistol shooting since I have to setup all the way at the rear where the bench is just barely wide enough. A square table would be better.

Suggestions?

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Tom Acheson posted this 10 September 2023

There is a LOT to bench rest pistol shooting, regardless of gun type.

The Remington XP-100 is a miniature bolt action rifle, much easier than shorter barreled guns.

Over the years, starting in about 1980, I’ve tested my S&W revolvers from the bench, usually @ 50-yards. As the gun goes off, the bags under the butt have a tendency to shift differently from shot to shot, as the edge of the grip “digs into” the upper bag on the pile. Bags moving slightly is one problem, but as you hold the gun, if you don’t do it EXACTLY THE SAME every shot, the amount of dig varies, impacting shot placement.

My three revolvers…Model 25, 6 1/2” barrel 45 Auto Rim, Model 57 8 3/8” barrel .41 Mag and Model 58 4” barrel .41 Mag., all revealed one negative bench influence. Do not rest the barrel on or in the front bag. Rest the gun under the front of the frame and in front of the trigger guard. Your inconsistent grip during recoil allows the barrel moving up and back from the front bag to be different for each shot.

This kind of endeavor is never easy. It takes a ton of practice and experimenting to learn what works best for YOU.

Want an even more challenging gun to do this with? Try an old Colt Single Action Army revolver. Depending on the size of your hand, many shooters need to place their little finger under the pistol’s butt. This variability of grip makes things really interesting as different loads, with different recoil properties, infect your accuracy testing results!

Tom

 

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RicinYakima posted this 10 September 2023

Try resting your right wrist on the front rest. I found that the revolver is very sensitive to vertical barrel pressure if it rests on the bag. Plus the POI will be the same when shooting off hand. 

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OU812 posted this 10 September 2023

Grip the pistol with consistent firm grip then squeeze the trigger. Always try to grip pistol using consistent firm grip. My 686 and black hawk both shoot well regardless what I rest barrel on.

I do not have experience with bipod mounted on pistol.

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Eutectic posted this 10 September 2023

I have done a lot of accuracy testing with a Ransom Rest. Even with the RR you must be very careful to make everything consistent. RR testing is slow methodical work. Benching a pistol or revolver is much faster and more fun in my opinion.

My bench set-up is an adjustable, stable cloth covered rest and a leather rear bag. The barrel of revolvers are on the rest. The FRAME of autos must be on the rest. The gun is held as you would for off-hand shooting. You must not apply pressure to keep the gun on target!  Adjust the rest, not your grip. A consistent firm grip is important, as is trigger control.

At 50 yards with a scope on a good day, I can almost equal RR group size. A red dot gives about an inch more than a RR at 50 yards. Don't ask about my iron sight groups.

 

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jtcarm posted this 10 September 2023

I suspect more red dots are in my future as my eyes get worse.

Problem is, neither of these guns are ready made for one.

I tried a no-drill on the GP and groups were excellent. However next range trip it was all over. I don’t think the single mounting screw is enough to hold it securely. The same sight is excellent on a Smith 66 which takes multiple screws.

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Aaron posted this 10 September 2023

I support mine under the crane, just in front of the trigger guard. Hands and/or grip do NOT touch the bench. Entire gun is supported at the crane or frame in front of trigger guard. Depending on the gun, my elbows are either locked and unsupported, or bent and resting on the shooting bench. Depends on recoil that is coming. Bent elbows may get you a split open forehead.

 

 

With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.

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