Bolt technique for rapid fire

[realtly19934]

Does anyone use their middle finger for the trigger and keep the thumb and fore finger on the bolt handle for rapid fire in Sporter competition? I am having a hard time getting 5 shots off in 30 seconds starting from a standing position. It's easier in offhand, but getting into the prone or sitting position is challenging for me. Transferring my forefinger and thumb to the bolt handle just seems to add to the slowness. (It may be impossible to break old habits). Just wondering if others have tried this?

Mike

[Magical]

I haven't tried it.
Don't think it would help.
I think you will find it all speeds up with practice, practice practice.

[Ron V.]

As Magical mentions, practice...a lot.

With much practice comes proficiency. With proficiency comes efficiency. With efficiency comes speed.

[Pat McCoy]

Try to open the bolt with thumb and fingers, but close it with the palm of your hand (just below the meaty part of the base of the thumb). When you push forward and down with the fingers extended, the trigger finger falls right into place.

[Ron V.]

Mike, what rifle are you using?

[realtly19934]

Savage MK II. I have the choice of the stock plastic stock w/scope OR a lightened laminated stock w/Redfield 75 rear and Lyman globe front. Can't use the laminate w/scope because of the weight issue. I am very familiar with the iron sights and wanted to try the scope because I had it in the drawer.

Mike

[realtly19934]

The idea came from watching this video http://www.nrk.no/nett-tv/klipp/862078/

I know... I should be doing more dryfire practice. Pity it's not translated. Look at the spectator enthusiasm.

Mike

[Fuzzy Limey]

Magical says, practice is the ultimate answer ! A lot depends on the nature of the rifle/bolt combination in use, and your own physical attributes. Using fairly conventional finger/thumb techniques on my CZ.452's, I have, over the years, been able to get off some 22 to 24 scoring shots, including dumping/re-loading 5-shot magazines, in the traditional British "Mad Minute" exercise. Not as good as I could do with one of my Enfields - but tolerable.

Don't be afraid to experiment - and practice - with unconventional ideas though ! Some 7 or 8 years back, my old friend Roy McLain, of Georgia, shot CMP at Perry, with a shortened 452 Varmint I recall, using a "new" technique he had developed ... it was fast ... and at no time did his fingers ever leave his hand - lol !

PRACTICE !

Mick - The Fuzzy Limey