which is easier...Light or Heavy rifle?
I was wondering if it makes a difference in shooting freehand if the gun is heavy or light. I have never shot an ultralight but it seemed I could hold my warbird more steady than I could hold my boys youth rifle. His gun is getting refinished so I can not just go shoot a group. Both have scopes of similar size. Thanks.
Mad Dog
Mad Dog
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I think it would depend on a number of things such as position, sling use (or not) and balance of rifle. Lite rifles may magnify any movement made by you where as heavy rifles may dampen your movement. Heavy rifles will fatigue you if not practiced with too condition the muscles for different stances. Finding the right weight also includes the right balance. If the rifle is balanced at the point of support from your body (hand/wrist, knee, whatever) the weight is less a factor.
just an opinion.0 -
The lighter the rifle the more difficult it is to hold it on target, especially offhand, even if a sling is used. However there is also a matter of balance. Pure weight isn't the answer, weight forward is. You can have two rifles, say both are 8lbs. one is balanced evenly the other weight forward ... The latter is easier to hold on target. Same is true with pistols and revolvers.
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!0 -
For me, heavy rifles are easier to hold, off-hand...and even on the bench for that matter.[:)]
Eric
All American Arms Company
Veteran Owned and Operated0 -
Hunting rifles are typically quite light in weight because they are carried around for long periods of time in what is often difficult terrian and seldom shot more than a few times each day. The light weight makes it easy to lug them around and they can be moved on target (or multiple targets) very quickly when the need presents itself. Recoil with even large calibers tends no be a non-factor for most hunters since the rifle will not be shot very often during the course of the day. Target and match type firearms tend to be quite a bit heavier since they are typically shot quite a bit and are seldom moved more than a few feet away from the firing line. A target rifle will generally be shooting at a target situated at known distances and their extra weight is not a penalty-- it actually helps with balance and dampening felt recoil. In most cases a target shooter has ample time for sighting so moving quickly from target to target is not usually a factor. I tend to prefer a rifle with some heft to it and don't like long guns which are too light.
Mark T. Christian0
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