Low shooting problem

[TDM]

Posted this on the CMP Garand forum, but I thought I might reach a little broader pool of experts by posting here too!

I've had a problem the last three times I've taken my H&R M1 to the range.

Out of 40-50 rounds fired (LC69 the first two trips, HXP68 the last) after thirty rounds I would have several hits 8-10" low. Centered, closely grouped, but low. All other hits are in the black.

This is off a rest. I considered fatigue (it's getting hot in Georgia) but the last few rounds are back up in the black. I concentrate on sight picture, breathing, and make sure I'm not snatching the trigger. I've been shooting this particular M1 for 10 years or so with no problems.

It's not stringing, but a distinct low group. Sights don't seem loose. Any ideas?

Information

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[John Kepler]

You likely got it right the first time.....fatigue! Your eyes in particular! While you might not be aware of it, your eyes are fatiguing and you are then "hunching" closer to the rear aperture so your eye can see more clearly....breaking your stock spot-weld and causing your later shots to blow out the bottom. If you stop, rest your eyes, and "relocate" your position with the proper "spot-weld", your shots return to where you are zeroed.

Now you know why shooting competition Service Rifle is so challenging!

[TDM]

Makes sense. My vision prescription hasn't changed much over the years, but I have noticed more eye fatigue. I'll pay more attention to my hold next time!

[John Kepler]

Contrary to popular belief, God does not give you good eyes....He only loans them to you for about 40 years....after that, things go to hell very quickly. My guess is that you are still trying to shoot like you're a Kid....and your eyes are balking!

Shoot like your age! Between shots, get your head down, close your eyes, let the blood get oxygen to your retina and the muscles of your lens that are working 10-times harder than they did when you were a Kid!

[joem]

John K is spot on with his advice.

[TDM]

I thoroughly cleaned and lubricated my H&R M1. I had only cleaned the bore the last several times out.

It took me ten shots to get on the paper! Very erratic. I noticed that the operating rod has been rubbing on the stock. Not sure if it was doing it before the cleaning. No more low shots, but they seem to spread horizontally.

I failed to mention before, cases are ejecting lately at 3-4:00, instead of 1:00 as it used to. I assumed it was the HXP ammo, but started wondering today if it might be my op rod spring. That's when I noticed the rub.

Think my operating rod is bent?

[M1Riflenut]

Try the "tilt test" to see if you have a binding problem. Its also possible your stock might have warped some over the years. If your sure its not your vision or hold try some experiments with the rifle. Do you have access to another stock from another rifle? Swap it out and see if the problem continues. Are the handguards tight,maybe they absorbed a lot of moisture and have swollen up a bit?

[goo]

Contrary to popular belief, God does not give you good eyes....He only loans them to you for about 40 years....after that, things go to hell very quickly. My guess is that you are still trying to shoot like you're a Kid....and your eyes are balking!

Shoot like your age! Between shots, get your head down, close your eyes, let the blood get oxygen to your retina and the muscles of your lens that are working 10-times harder than they did when you were a Kid!

i would concur.
...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/45/11...99d83d.jpg?v=0

[Sunray]

"...off a rest..." You're bench rest technique isn't right. Rifle on the padded rest at the balance point of the rifle(it should sit there by itself), trigger hand on the rifle with the other hand on the rear sling swivel for support. You sort of wrap yourself around the rifle keeping as much of you off the rifle as you can, but pulling the rifle into your shoulder with the trigger hand only. Then look through the rear sight at the front sight and slowly pull the trigger. Concentrate on the front sight with the black of the target sitting on top of the front sight.
Not having the rifle balanced correctly is likely part of the issue. 30 rounds isn't a great deal of shooting. Mind you, heat, without drinking enough water, can cause a lessening of your concentration.