Learning from Biathletes

by
posted on February 18, 2014
zent2015_fs.jpg

Beyond marveling at their incredible toughness and athleticism, I have been intrigued by gun-handling skills demonstrated by many of the Olympic biathletes in Sochi. The way they transition their rifles from carry mode to shooting position is fluid and fast. The technique most often employed is to reach back with the strong hand, grab the barrel behind the rear sight, then pivot the butt around the shoulder while simultaneously pulling the muzzle forward toward the target banks. At that point they grip the fore-end with the weak hand, slide the strong hand to the pistol grip and shoulder the rifle, ready to shoot. Clearly it is a well-practiced sequence and the stiff double-shoulder harnesses used to carry the rifles while skiing facilitate the fast transition. When done right, the method eliminates unnecessary movement and delay, and prepares the biathletes to shoot in just a couple of seconds.

Based on indignant letters we receive whenever we show African PHs carrying their rifles muzzle forward, this technique probably sparks safety concerns in some viewers. The camera angles don’t make it perfectly clear exactly what’s downrange, but I am guessing muzzle control is tightly monitored, and in watching the broadcasts I have not observed incidents where a muzzle drifts back to the firing line.

As hunters, we don’t often need to deploy our rifles so swiftly from on-the-back carry, but such a scenario is not unthinkable for those pursuing high-country game. In some competitive disciplines or in real-life tactical shooting, however, this biathlon technique could definitely help rifleman succeed or even survive.

Latest

Grouse Shawarma LEDE
Grouse Shawarma LEDE

Recipe: Easy Grouse Shawarma

Brad Fenson takes some fresh spruce grouse from a recent hunt in Saskatchewan, and turns them into an easy, delicious shawarma.

Art Fueling Conservation in Arkansas

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation and Historic Cane Hill have issued a nationwide call for art to be featured on the 2025 Arkansas Northern Bobwhite Conservation Stamp and Eastern Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp.

4 Reasons Big-Bore Revolvers Are Still Ideal Trail Guns

Although semi-automatic pistols have a place in the trail gun line up, revolvers still have their advantages.

First Look: Rise Reliant Bolt-Action Trigger

Rise Triggers has entered the bolt-action market with its first-ever trigger for the Remington 700 platform: the Reliant Hunter and Reliant Pro triggers.

NRA Announces New Club Leadership & Development Online Course

The National Rifle Association of America is pleased to announce the release of its newly revised edition of the NRA Club Leadership & Development Online Course.

USDA Order is a Win for Wildlife

Late last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a memorandum to conserve and restore wildlife habitat connectivity in the United States, directing agencies within the USDA to consider habitat connectivity in planning and programs in a manner that recognizes State and Tribal authorities and respects private property rights.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.