The vise is not because of kick --- it is not "weighted" or bolted to the table so it does not control the recoil. Regardless, the recoil of this rifle is very manageable. I am using the vise "setup" as a stabilizing device, as sandbags would be.

May I ask why you regard vises and trigger releases as gimmicks? Why do sandbags have an advantage over them? Is there something in your opinion/expertise with my current vise setup that may be altering my shots (bungees place "stress" on rifle, maybe)?

As I stated in my original post, the scope is secured properly, and all else on the rifle is as well. I am just puzzled because I cannot get consistency.

Thanks again for the input!