Hi there,

I am getting ready for rifle deer season which starts on November 12. I've never hunt before, but always wanted to. My grandfather was a really good deer hunter, but my dad never let me go with him as he didn't like firearms... So I was never taught to fire a high powered rifle.

After some research I got a used model 70, winchester .270 in pristine conditions. I've been hitting the range with my rifle every week, as I want to be very confident with my marksmanship before going hunting with a seasoned friend.

I started at 25 yards (offhand) and decided to move to 50 yards recently as I am getting my shots at 25 yards with pretty good accuracy.

Here's the thing. everytime before I go on to stand up position, I sit on the bench and do 3 shots for zeroing the scope. Then a 4th shot after zeroing to check my zeroing. All my shots when I do it on the bench are extremely close, less than 1 inch, so I know I am doing this right. Now, that 4th shot ALWAYS kicks. First, second, and third, I feel barely any recoil, but that 4th one always gets me; feels like a hard punch on my upper shoulder.

Then I stand up, and get the real practice off-hand. I don't feel any recoil when practicing on this position. I mean, the rifle obviously recoils, but it doesn't hit me, feels as if somebody simply pushes me a bit with an open palm, rather than a "punch".

Few hours after shooting I have localized pain on my upper shoulder, and it is quite tender to touch. This pain lasts the whole day and it is a bit annoying. There is no redness, or anything on my shoulder, just the localized pain. My question is, could I be doing wrong with my form when shooting from the bench? or is this pain normal for this kind of rifle and I just have to live with it?

I don't mind the pain if I have to live with it, but if it is an indication of bad form I would like to correct it now.

Thanks!!!