[kraigwy]

Slings do work if properly adjusted. You said your shots are going low but you didn't say what position. I'm going to assume its the prone position and address that. Its the position that I think is causing the problem

What normally causes one to shoot slow in the prone position is the none shooting hand slipping forward. That's why with Match Rifles and ISU/NRA Small bore you see people using sling stops, a device adjusted to the position that your non shooting hand rest against.

Of course we cant use them with the service rifle or GSM Vintage rifles so we have to adapt.

Get a good position. Your left (if right handed) elbow is directly under the rifle. Get lined up with a good point of aim and tighten the sling, as high on the upper arm as possible. It should be tight but not to the point you are cutting off circulation to the arm, or so tight that your left wrist is all crunched up. In getting a POA (point of aim) you get windage by adjusting your hips (and therefor body) left or right. To get elevation you move your non shooting hand up and down the stock. You loose elevation if your hand slips forward during shooting.

So what we need is a method to keep the hand from slipping. Gripping the stock works to a point but thats not a good idea. The stock should rest on the palm of the hand without much pressure. The sling works but if you can't do it without it slipping then we need a artificial means. Thats why you see most shooting gloves now days with rubber pads that help keep the stock from sliding in you hand. Another method is Firm Grip, a stick spray applied to the glove, forearm or both. That works.

To see what you are doing, try lots of dry firing. Get a good POA & Sight Alignment. Close your eyes and let the hammer fall (on an empty chamber). Open your eyes without disturbing the rifle and see where the sights are lined up. Adjust you position until you can maintains a proper point of aim after the hammer falls. This includes the support arm (non shooting arm). Keep doing this until you can dry fire with closed eyes without disturbing the POA.

Any positions are best gain by the aid of a good coach. If possible try to attend a NRA HP Clinic or CMP GSM Vintage Rifle Clinic. Most older shooter will be more then willing to help you along. Even with the coach, nothing beats hours of dry firing to help your position and shooting.

Don't forget the score/data book, use it in dry firing as well as actual practice and match firing. That is one of the most neglected tools used in competition. Use it, record every change you make, be it ammo, position, conditions, etc.

CMP has some great training aids, the USAMU Service Rifle Guide is the best (for $6.95 its a bargain), get one, read it, and practice, and dry fire. Still if possible attend a HP or GSM Clinic.