Mounting and Levering Your Rifle - Cowboy Action Shooting

Learn essential rifle mounting and levering techniques for Cowboy Action Shooting from World Champion Jim Finch. Proper shoulder socket mounting and extended support hand placement stabilize your platform. Avoid common mistakes like excessive elbow elevation or incorrect thumb positioning to maintain accuracy and speed during rapid fire.

Quick Summary

For Cowboy Action Shooting, mount your rifle inside the shoulder socket, not on the arm, for stability. Extend your support hand far forward on the forend to stabilize the muzzle. Avoid keeping your thumb on the side of the lever and keep your shooting elbow down to prevent sway.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rapid Fire Lever Action
  2. 00:20Proper Rifle Mounting Technique
  3. 00:47Support Hand Placement for Stability
  4. 01:32Effective Levering Styles Explained
  5. 02:35Elbow Position and Sway Control
  6. 03:13Dry Fire Drill for Stability

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I mount my rifle for Cowboy Action Shooting?

Mount the rifle securely inside your shoulder socket, not on your arm. This creates a stable platform that minimizes movement when you cycle the lever, crucial for maintaining accuracy during rapid fire sequences.

What is the best way to position my support hand on a lever-action rifle?

Extend your support hand as far forward on the forend as comfortable. This helps stabilize the muzzle. Some shooters find pointing their index finger down the barrel aids in naturally aiming at the target.

What levering techniques should I avoid in Cowboy Action Shooting?

Avoid keeping your thumb on the side of the lever, as this limits cycling speed and can introduce side pressure, causing the rifle to sway. Also, keep your shooting elbow down to prevent sway.

How can I improve my rifle's stability during lever cycling?

Practice dry firing at a fixed point. This drill helps you identify if your muzzle is bouncing (levering too hard) or swaying (side pressure). Correcting these issues allows you to find your 'sweet spot' for stable levering.

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