TargetTalk

Never used a butt hook. I'm a HP match guy getting into small bore. Which positions is the hook used for? The Anschutz prone rifles xx11 models don't seem to have them but the free rifles xx13's do.

Another question, do you guys remove it every time you put into your vault/case. Seems to make a really long rifle for a case and don't know if it would even fit or how it would stand up in a valut. If removing it every time, would seem to put alot of wear & tear on the screws & holes.

Thanks!!

Today the hook is used in all three positions. Traditionally it wasn't used in Prone, and was actually prohibited for domestic competition in some countries. This is why prone-only rifles like the 1811 have just a flat rubber buttplate. Sometimes you will seee older Free Rifles, like the 1413, with a special prone plate.

Here in the UK most top level prone shooters use a hook, sometimes shortened or reshaped, but still there. Pretty much all the international level shooters appear to use a hook; even prone-only guys like Warren Potent. Matt Emmons even uses a dedicated butt and hook for prone (the older Anschutz 4760 model from the '80s and '90s), so it's not just left on from standing and kneeling.

For prone the hook gives an extra reference point so the butt can be placed more consistently in the shoulder. It's true that hooks aren't the best for beginners; the hook can get in the way, and force the shooter into an uncomfortable position if badly adjusted, or even be used to stop a nose-heavy rifle sagging.

Yes the screws that hold the hook onto the plate can wear out. I'm able to remove the whole butt assembly with just a lever, to fit my rifle into the case. Many of the newer alu stocks have this feature, although you do have to remember how far the butt was extended.

Tim

To back up what Tim has said, the hook usually comes out for storage.

As hooks have "matured" over time and now seem to have about a zillion independent adjustments is it common for serious shooter to have three complete assemblies and simply swap the entire assembly when they change positions. (The old hooks used to be a single "one size fits all" affair.) The receivers that hold the hook assembly into the stock are all pretty stout. While I suppose it would be possible to wear one out I have not seen it happen.

The biggest problem is sometime newer shooters can get overzealous in tightening things down and screws or splines get stripped and levers bent. Smallbore equipment responds best to gentle tightening.

You mentioned the xx11 prone rifles. Those have fallen out of favor, you will find these days the top prone shooters are all using xx13 or equivalent in another make. The way the prone position has developed the old xx11 stock does not accomodate the newer prone position very well.

'Dude