Bench or Prone?

[gaijin]

I have trouble with Semi-Auto precision from the bench.

Prone, I have little difficulty getting behind the gun, loading bi-pod, follow through- or staying with the shot.
All of the above are more difficult, or at least for me, require a hell of a lot more focus shooting from a bench rest.
I do not regularly shoot as well, as tight groups, from bench as from prone.

I am first to admit I am not a world class precision shooter. Too many years of M. O. "A" zone, quickly.

However, I shoot bolt guns from the bench close to their potential. As example I have a .223 Sako and 700 in .22/250 ( they've been bedded/floated/trigger work) that I can regularly shoot <3/8" to 1/4" 5 shot groups.

Semi Precision guns I have a tendency to shoot 5 rds.; 4 rds. into a cloverleaf, or at least a tight group (not necessarily shots 1 through 4) and blow the 5 rd. group with a flier- from the bench.
Again, shooting prone- I don't have this as a major problem.

I understand a semi-auto is more complex in achieving a high degree of precision than a bolt gun- too many "parts" slamming around that ultimately must return to their original position.

My question then; what is your preference shooting precision semi-auto, bench/prone?
And further; are you equally capable from both positions?

[Pappabear]

My friend I am exactly in the same boat. I used to shoot bench better, but that was when I only shot out to 300 ish. I don't think you can load nearly as good on a bench. Which I feel is much more important with a gas gun. Especially in larger caliber stuff, ie my MWS in 308.

And following the shots off a bench, don't get me started. That gun jumps like a kangaroo and I'm like ' where did it go" .

Prone rheins supreme for me.

PB

[gaijin]

Thank you PB.

I’m relieved to hear that from you.

[Alex V]

Prone for me as well. I can't get the gun to stop jumping on the bench with a bipod. The range I shoot at has a concrete pad so its difficult to load the bipod, I sometimes use a sand bag to push against. Either way, I find shooting from prone easier and more accurate.

[nightchief]

Prone for me too...I cannot shoot worth a darn off a bench. 100 yards or 600 yards makes no difference. Very unnatural position for me. I hate it when forced to shoot from a bench to sight in someplace that won’t allow the shooters to shoot prone.

NC

[Krazykarl]

Prone for the more manageable recoiling rifles is definitely the way to go. I realize that this is a semi-automatic sub forum, but prone with big bore rifles is not very fun. 375 h+h and larger requires bench and maybe shooting sticks for cartridges over 460 weatherby.

[1168]

The bench feels unnatural to me and awkward. My groups don’t seem to suffer too much, but I’m much happier prone. I shoot at Fudd ranges sometimes that ONLY allow bench, so I keep a Carhart jacket in my truck, and roll it up or put it on top of a rifle case or ammo can or whatever object I have laying around in my truck. 20 rnd mags can be beneficial, also. I need to buy some more of those.

FWIW (anecdotal), I have used rifles in the real world more from low walls, over rocks, out a window, crouched in ditches, standing inside a Stryker (out a hatch), etc. than I have prone. So its probably not a bad idea to practice from a bench, with its awkward height.

[hk_shootr]

I prefer to shoot off a pack when bench shooting. I do shoot with a bipod from time to time. I have a section of 2x4 and two c-clamps that I afix to the bench top to provide solid listing of the bipod. I generally only use this when messing with loads.

[B52U]

I prefer to shoot off a pack when bench shooting. I do shoot with a bipod from time to time. I have a section of 2x4 and two c-clamps that I afix to the bench top to provide solid listing of the bipod. I generally only use this when messing with loads.

I tried the 2x4 clamp method and found that if it wasn't in perfect alignment perpendicular with the target it would cause uneven tension on the bipod and thus fliers. I have had much better success with a more neutral bipod with just the tiniest loading, making sure I used a quality heavy rear bag and taking time building that natural point of aim on target before shooting and letting the rifle recoil more freely back. The challenge with bipods is of course being consistent in loading while simultaneously keeping the stock in the shoulder pocket firmly. Takes some practice and experimentation for sure.

[markm]

making sure I used a quality heavy rear bag and taking time building that natural point of aim

A good rear bag is huge. A bad one is worthless. We run a Heavy & Hard leather target rear bag for shooting groups, and a medium/softer bag for running shots down range.