A Glove Story

[RobinC]

Well done Mark,

The glove is the least necessary kit, and I coach an open hand position which is more solid and stable than the old style rolled knuckes.

The biggest advantage to the modern kit is protection from back injury, the myth that it is a massive advantage and unfairly supports is one put about by those who have never done it, OK yes it is an advantage, but its minimal, and the real stability is dependent on your correct technique, if the technique is wrong then never in a thousand years, and with the best kit in the world, you are not going to shoot competitive scores.

Have a look at Biathlon where they shoot in skin ski suits, the top German girls with superb technique get excellent results. I'm also aware of a top German Lady Air rifle shooter who a few years ago trained in shooting underware to reinforce her technique, and shot some incredible world level scores with no supportive kit.

The kit helps, but technique is the key, a stable well balanced position is vital, technique is king.

Have Fun
Robin

[Modski66]

It's no use, I can't find any German woman shooting in their underwear on the Internet...

But more seriously, the biathlon rifles, although very different to 10m rifles, they all seem to have that extra stock depth ahead of the the trigger guard. Presumably this is to reduce the hunching from the elbow-on-hip stance?
So would I be better with an increase in the stock depth (aka hamster) and holding it palm up? (I really must get a copy of your book!)

Best regards,

Mark.

[RobinC]

A Hamster in match shooting is a small furry animal, I think that's cruel to attach one to a rifle, its an expression from FT, in match target shooting its the fore end.

The maximum depth of the fore end in Air rifle 10 mt match shooting has just been changed this year (2017) to 120 mm from bore line, it was previously 90 mm. This will help taller shooters and those with long necks, but will make little difference to the average shooter. I suspect your hunched up position is a result of you (in simplistic terms) taking your elbow to your hip, and hunching forward over the rifle and trying to muscle the rifle still.
But even with a shallow fore end it is possible to form an un hunched and stable position for the average body shape, so don't butcher your classic rifle yet. (I wonder if there's a good book that could help you?)

The most stable position is to bring your body weight rearwards with back bend and with the head upright, some men can reach their hip with their elbow, most rest on their gut/rib cage. Women have prominent hips and short bodies and can rest on the hip, this is why there are specific women's classes, to protect us men, as they are generally more stable and better in standing shooting!

And yes, you really should get a copy of my book!

Have Fun,
Robin

[Hemmers]

Lots of good answers already. It's basically personal preference, plus the consideration of whether you need your gloved hand to do anything (whether you load with it).

I personally load with my left hand for air and 3P shooting, so my current glove of choice is the Gehmann 465, but they're all really variations on a theme. Best thing to do is get into a shop and try as many on for fit, materials, etc (if you're down at Bisley ever, the NSRA Shop there has a broader range. Not sure why they don't do more with the Aldersley site - as you've found out, they've got the facility there but aren't quite investing in making it a proper target sport centre with a decent shop or anything).

[Modski66]

I saw a used Anschutz Style 125 glove on fleabay, and in a rash moment put a bid on it. I immediately regretted it but thankfully have been outbid anyway. Whew!

There is a book I know I need to buy instead; so the money would be better spent there. (I am just out of the habit of posting cheques, PayPal and bank transfers are just sooo easy).

I will not be abusing my stock - as a mechanical engineer of many years, I have a cunning solution in mind for increasing the fore end depth. This also means more time for me to tinker - 'sheditation' is my form of meditation!

The other alternative is to screw an extension onto my ulna, but this may limit some of my fashion choices...