Best bolt/port configuration for FTR?

[johnk]

My single reservation is that using a port on your off side predisposes you to more damage in the case of an oops-I-shouldn't-have loaded-that-heavy.

[DMC]

+1 on all of what ned said
Im left handed and shoot rbrp rifles for the same reasons as Ned mentioned above.
However , always have a slight worry re the placement of the sako extractors, as it lines up perfectly with the raceway! Not a problem if they used the bolt guide as seen in the early sako actions, but on tikka.t3 and sako conversations, theres not much holding it in

[Norm]

I think it depends on how you point the rifle.
If you use a Joypod (these should be banned) and a massive rear bag (these should be banned) then a LP-LB would be ok.

As a right handed shooter and bag squeezer off a conventional bipod. I prefer to steer the rifle with the left hand and have the left hand maintain contact with the rear bag during the reloading process.
So for me a RB-RP is the best option.

[ned kelly]

G'day All,
please understand, I'm not saying my method is the "right" way but it is "one" way that has certain advantages that has evolved from BR. i.e. RBLP, LBRP, dual ports etc.
However, if your technique works and more importantly are happy with it, I'm not asking you to change but there may well be others out there who are looking for all options.

Ultimately, it's about personal choice and forums like this can provide many varied and effective choices for an individual shooter to consider.

Norm I hadn't considered the steering by squeezing the rear bag, I started BR as that method was losing favour. Nevertheless, I've seen plenty of brilliant results achieved with this method much to my regret! So it is something to all to consider as an option.

Naturally, safety glasses or glasses of some means should be worn while shooting, we've all seen plenty of the accidents on the internet and wearing something as cheap as quality safety glasses should be mandatory for all shooting (and hearing protection). We've only got one set of ears and eyes. Not easily replaced....

Cheerio Ned

[jasmay]

I think it depends on how you point the rifle.
If you use a Joypod (these should be banned) and a massive rear bag (these should be banned) then a LP-LB would be ok.


So for me a RB-RP is the best option.

Why should these be banned?

[IanS]

Hi

New to the forum. Reading through some older posts. I will be looking at buying a Barnard action soon for FTR. The port configuration is something I was not sure of. Reading the replies in this post. Lot of people saying the hand griping the stock never moves. How do you fill out the score card, do you do this with your opposite writing hand when using opposite port and bolt configurations. Hope this makes sense.

Ian

[RDavies]

Hi

New to the forum. Reading through some older posts. I will be looking at buying a Barnard action soon for FTR. The port configuration is something I was not sure of. Reading the replies in this post. Lot of people saying the hand griping the stock never moves. How do you fill out the score card, do you do this with your opposite writing hand when using opposite port and bolt configurations. Hope this makes sense.

Ian

The score card is filled in my the person behind you doing the scoring. If you shoot righthanded and use a left bolt and left port, your right hand can indeed stay on the stock the whole time.

[mike H]

I think IanS is referring to shooting Bisley style.

[jasmay]

I'm right handed but shoot left handed, how's your confusion level now?

[Cliff Austen]

If you shoot off the left shoulder use a right handed action and vice a versa for right handed shooters.
This way your trigger finger stays on the trigger and the free hand activates the action and easily feeds the action.
Ergonomically it is the best way to shoot F Class.
If you are uncertain, get behind a right handed rifle on your left shoulder.
Cheers
Cliff

[Gerard]

Thats interesting and thanks to the above I now understand why a LB LP is desirable for a RH shooter.
But, isn't the windage knob on the RHS of your scope? That would necessitate reaching over the top of the scope to make adjustments, perhaps thats just a trade off you decide to make if going with LP LB.

[johnk]

That reverse setup is also good to remind you limit your loads to a reasonable level, as if they pop, it will come out your face side of the rifle.

[RDavies]

Thats interesting and thanks to the above I now understand why a LB LP is desirable for a RH shooter.
But, isn't the windage knob on the RHS of your scope? That would necessitate reaching over the top of the scope to make adjustments, perhaps thats just a trade off you decide to make if going with LP LB.

Yes, many RH shooters for some unknown reason still persist in running their windage knobs on the RHS. I had a go with a gun a while back with the windage on the RHS and it just felt unnatural and awkward as I have been running LH windage knobs for years. They are perfect for LH shooters though.

[ShaneG]

In mild switching conditions I hold off reticle or score rings.
Bigger conditions I will put roughly 3/4 of the required wind age on scope and still hold.
So I am not winding windage for each shot.
My first serious F class rifle was RB LP and the first time on the mound realized I had stuffed up!
The last 3 years plus I have used LB LP with RH stock.
Very comfortable except I have not been able to use a spotting scope.
The left hand side of the rifle just has too much happening with ammo box and left hand operating JoyStick on Pod. I can't fit in a stand for the spotter as well!

[RDavies]

In mild switching conditions I hold off reticle or score rings.
Bigger conditions I will put roughly 3/4 of the required wind age on scope and still hold.
So I am not winding windage for each shot.
My first serious F class rifle was RB LP and the first time on the mound realized I had stuffed up!
The last 3 years plus I have used LB LP with RH stock.
Very comfortable except I have not been able to use a spotting scope.
The left hand side of the rifle just has too much happening with ammo box and left hand operating JoyStick on Pod. I can't fit in a stand for the spotter as well!

Something I have tried and have seen some shooters overseas doing is putting the spotting scope on the RHS and having the angled eye piece very close to the rifle scope. This does not work well with my front rest as the rest post is right in the middle of the line of sight, this might not be too much problem with F/tr bipods. I have switch back to using spotting scope on LH but must use an ammo caddie which is narrower and using a different spotting scope mount which gives more room. I do still have to have the spotting scope an inch or two further away than usual, so a small trade off.