This post was pulled out of the previous, since it is a continuation of the subject, but not necessary to answer the question.
Part 2:
As mentioned in my previous post, back in September, it is pretty common to be forced into positions that require putting a hand over the scope in NRL22, PRS, and some 2- and 3-gun matches. When you shoot matches that require this, and you have a rifle that
will shift the POI, it is something that
must be fixed (or avoided at all costs).
Tank traps, ladders, certain uses of tires, and some improvised props can force the hand-over-the-top position (or the choice to go over the top is preferable to even jankier options). Not only can they force the hand over the top, but they may require resting the rifle in a manner that is going to have maximum impact when it comes to shifting the POI.
If your rifle can shift the POI - which is something that should be tested for, with some stock styles and materials - you need to do something about it. Or, be always weary, always mindful, and make sure you are not putting pressure on it.
And that finally brings me to the reason why I bought it up again.
There is a very common variation of the hand over the top that is used on ladders and from the shelf on the 'bottom' of some sawhorses, or from some positions on folding chairs. It doesn't really have a name, but we can call it the 'ladder pinch'.
You can see it being demonstrated here at about 1 minute 30 seconds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzJSE7ybgJI
And here, from about 6:00 to 7:30.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTRSlCZJZw0
If the links go down, or someone doesn't have access, the basic principle is: Rifle is rested on prop and slid all the way to the strong side, up against the vertical part of the prop (ladder rail, chair back support, etc.). Support hand goes over the top and grabs the vertical part of the prop, while putting pressure on the scope with hand and wrist, and "locking it in" on the prop. It is a very stable arrangement.
There is a variation of this where the support hand will wrap a thumb around the scope's objective bell, with the fingers over the top, and pinch the ladder between a few fingers in a fist; or the hand is wrapped around the scope, while the thumb and index finger go over the top to pinch the vertical part of the prop.
If you have a rifle that will shift POI, the ladder pinch can be used to pull up slightly, while still providing a very "locked-in" rest position, and reduce pressure on the stock enough to prevent a POI shift. It isn't much of an issue on the ladder, since most rifles can be rested under or very near the receiver. But it can be beneficial on the longer platforms, like a sawhorse shelf or chair seat, that may be causing pressure farther out on the stock.
This is not going to be an issue for shooters with chassis rifles and very stiff stocks.
But it is something that some guys shooting in "factory" classes, or hunters with basic rifles in synthetic stocks, must be mindful about.