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What is your best tip? (Page 1 of 2)
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Posted: 10/17/2014 1:32:36 AM EDT
After any time I first pull a trigger I have to clam myself.

Rule #1 for me is STAY CLAM.
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 2:09:28 AM EDT
[#1]
Dry fire.

Dry fire.

Dry fire.

Dry fire.

Dry fire.

Fire.

The more time you have practicing a trigger squeeze the smoother you will be when squeezing it. The only difference is the boom at the end of a nice trigger pull. So practice dry firing until you have your breathing down, a nice smooth squeeze, and a surprise break at the backstop. Slow everything down and make it perfect. 10 perfect pulls, then load the rifle. Do the same exact things you were doing, only now you've got live rounds. When you're groups start to open up go back to dry firing.
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 4:40:51 AM EDT
[#2]
Take your shot at the bottom of your exhale.

Follow through with your shot. (Maintain sight picture, don't let the trigger reset till your bullet has hit the target)

I set a target up at the end of the hall on the door, or across the yard and lay prone and practice breathing and dry firing.



Link Posted: 10/17/2014 9:49:48 AM EDT
[#3]
Buy a Precision .22LR like CZ 455 Varmit.

Shoot at 50,100 and 200 yards and apply you shooting fundamentals.
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 11:14:32 AM EDT
[#4]
No caffeine before I go shooting. Mucks up me heart rate.

Also when I start noticing groups open up I stop shooting. Use it as a moment to take a break and walk the range and bs with fellow shooters.
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 12:07:19 PM EDT
[Last Edit: RotorGod] [#5]
Stay square behind the rifle. Elbows, shoulders, hips and feet should be perpendicular to the rifle with your body running in a straight line behind the rifle. IF you set-up correctly, you should eliminate the dreaded "bipod hop". Don't model your form after those little green army men.
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 2:06:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ReconB4] [#6]
Don't use muscles for support. Rely only on bone support. The more muscle you use, the more you will be moving the crosshairs. There are 6 other fundamentals taught at sniper school, that was two of them.
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 2:28:59 PM EDT
[Last Edit: StretchMaK] [#7]
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Originally Posted By RotorGod:
Stay square behind the rifle. Elbows, shoulders, hips and feet should be perpendicular to the rifle with your body running in a straight line behind the rifle. IF you set-up correctly, you should eliminate the dreaded "bipod hop". Don't model your form after those little green army men.
View Quote






This was by far the biggest improvement in my shooting so far.

For me it also helps a lot to just relax and not be tense or in a hurry.
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 2:44:44 PM EDT
[Last Edit: mathecb] [#8]
I learned a good bit about shooting at Mr. Huskey's place. Great info for shooters on any level.

http://forum.snipershide.info/showthread.php?t=460
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 6:08:08 PM EDT
[#9]
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Originally Posted By Iggyort:
Buy a Precision .22LR like CZ 455 Varmit.

Shoot at 50,100 and 200 yards and apply you shooting fundamentals.
View Quote


This!

Its all fundamentals.  If your fundamental suck at 100 yds, you don't notice it too much.

If your fundamentals suck you really start noticing it at 600.
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 6:32:10 PM EDT
[#10]
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 6:54:46 PM EDT
[#11]
Read about it as much as you shoot it.
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 7:13:15 PM EDT
[#12]
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Originally Posted By SideSalad:
Read about it as much as more than you shoot it.
View Quote


FIFY
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 7:37:33 PM EDT
[#13]
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 9:04:32 PM EDT
[#14]
Wise man once told me... FUNDAMENTALS (he may have screamed it, I don't remember for sure)

No matter what you are shooting make the most of it and practice your fundamentals!
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 9:09:20 PM EDT
[#15]
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Originally Posted By ReconB4:
Don't use muscles for support. Rely only on bone support. The more muscle you use, the more you will be moving the crosshairs. There are 6 other fundamentals taught at sniper school, that was two of them.
View Quote



This, A good relaxed position while on target is key.
Link Posted: 10/17/2014 11:28:42 PM EDT
[#16]
When shooting for score, "shoot the first '10' you see".



Once you're aiming at paper, take up the slack (first stage if you have a 2 stage) of the trigger, and the moment you think the shot will land somewhere within the 10 ring, squeeze straight to the rear. Don't spend more than 10 seconds trying to make it perfect as your eyes will tire out and your mind will "see" what it wants to see.





If your eyes "gray out" from tiring, or you feel out of breath and get the shakes (usually after the 10 seconds), the shot will NOT get better. Release your finger from the trigger, breathe, blink your eyes and look at something colorful like the sky or grass. Then try again.
Link Posted: 10/18/2014 8:54:50 AM EDT
[#17]
Link Posted: 10/18/2014 1:45:53 PM EDT
[#18]
My best tip other than what has already been mentioned is don't break position  unless you have too and don't over load or under load your bipod .
Link Posted: 10/18/2014 11:04:43 PM EDT
[#19]
Link Posted: 10/18/2014 11:09:21 PM EDT
[Last Edit: popnfresh] [#20]
If your pulse is moving the cross hairs you are doing something wrong. I find my shoulder is not relaxed when I get this.
Link Posted: 10/19/2014 8:30:39 AM EDT
[Last Edit: ReconB4] [#21]
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Originally Posted By popnfresh:
If your pulse is moving the cross hairs you are doing something wrong. I find my shoulder is not relaxed when I get this.
View Quote


Apparently, you do not shoot with a sling.

Whether you offering a reply or suggestion, keep it professional and adult. This is a tech forum, not GD. ReconB4
Link Posted: 10/19/2014 9:38:55 AM EDT
[#22]
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Originally Posted By erud:


Apparently, you do not shoot with a sling.
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Originally Posted By erud:
Originally Posted By popnfresh:
If your pulse is moving the cross hairs you are doing something wrong. I find my shoulder is not relaxed when I get this.


Apparently, you do not shoot with a sling.


Apparently, what's you tip or are you just here to speculate on with what people use to shoot?

Link Posted: 10/19/2014 9:50:09 AM EDT
[#23]
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Originally Posted By popnfresh:


Apparently, what's you tip or are you just here to speculate on with what people use to shoot?

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Originally Posted By popnfresh:
Originally Posted By erud:
Originally Posted By popnfresh:
If your pulse is moving the cross hairs you are doing something wrong. I find my shoulder is not relaxed when I get this.


Apparently, you do not shoot with a sling.


Apparently, what's you tip or are you just here to speculate on with what people use to shoot?



Mostly the latter.  If you want a tip, I'd say learn how to shoot in ways other than off of a bench or bipod.  It will make you a better shooter, even though you will have to accept some movement from your pulse.
Link Posted: 10/19/2014 11:51:17 AM EDT
[#24]
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Originally Posted By erud:


Mostly the latter.  If you want a tip, I'd say learn how to shoot in ways other than off of a bench or bipod.  It will make you a better shooter, even though you will have to accept some movement from your pulse.
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Originally Posted By erud:
Originally Posted By popnfresh:
Originally Posted By erud:
Originally Posted By popnfresh:
If your pulse is moving the cross hairs you are doing something wrong. I find my shoulder is not relaxed when I get this.


Apparently, you do not shoot with a sling.


Apparently, what's you tip or are you just here to speculate on with what people use to shoot?



Mostly the latter.  If you want a tip, I'd say learn how to shoot in ways other than off of a bench or bipod.  It will make you a better shooter, even though you will have to accept some movement from your pulse.


There are two ways to get around the pulse effects that I know of.  One is to use more padding between you and the rifle.  The other is to time your shots to your pulse.
Link Posted: 10/19/2014 11:56:56 AM EDT
[#25]
Go attend a Project Appleseed shoot.



Yes, the instructions are for unsupported positions, but you take the skills that they teach (6 steps of firing a shot, NPOA, steady hold factors, etc) and add on a steady rest, you will get much more precise than an unsupported position.
Link Posted: 10/19/2014 9:27:24 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Jonnysixguns] [#26]
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Originally Posted By RotorGod:


FIFY
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Originally Posted By RotorGod:
Originally Posted By SideSalad:
Read about it as much as more than you shoot it.


FIFY


Yup.
-Read from multiple authors.
-Look at pictures of the author to see what their physique is (their favorite tricks may be worthless to you when applied exactly).
-Look at pictures of the author to see what they mean; it is often fractions of an inch and you may over apply the concept.
-Mark the hell out of your books with highlighters and pencils to check back on later before and after practice.
-Don't read the whole book without hitting the range.  You gain so much more by testing it for your needs as you go.
Link Posted: 10/21/2014 12:15:09 AM EDT
[Last Edit: danpass] [#27]
I discovered several weaknesses in my setup when shooting a heavier hitting rifle.

e.g.: shooting an HP Garand on the same COF as when shooting my HP AR.


eta: as far as pulse beat; it was more pronounced the fuller my stomach was. So I eat light before a match and snack very light, if at all, during a match.

Whatever amount of water doesn't seem to have that effect on me.  The only other fluid I drink before/during might be Gatorade.
Link Posted: 10/21/2014 1:47:15 PM EDT
[#28]
Link Posted: 10/22/2014 2:53:11 AM EDT
[#29]
Not worrying about your previous shots and focus on where the next round you are firing needs to go.  By that I mean adjust if you need to, or realize you jerked a round, but don't dwell on the previous kicking yourself in the butt.  Say you toss one a little out to the right, too many people keep thinking about the one to the right and sure as hell where does the next round to, to the right again.  I've seen it time and time again with shooters.  Sounds cheesy but don't dwell and don't worry step shots from now (obviously different in combat situations).  Every pull of the trigger is its own event when I shoot and gets my attention.  

Sounds really basic but you'd be surprised now many people forget the basic stuff like that.   They have all the newest hardware, but are lacking the mental software.

Breathe, relax, aim, stop (all movement), squeeeeeeeeeze the trigger.

Link Posted: 10/22/2014 4:29:47 PM EDT
[#30]
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Originally Posted By ReconB4:


Probably more than anything pulse beat can be kept to a minimum by working out and being in shape. Am I in shape at the moment, far from it. I'm headed for back surgery in the very near future. I took me being in shape for granted while in the military and uninjured. Other than that there are other tricks like using a pad on your shooting shoulder, but I never did that. Even thought I tried to keep body contact on the rifle to a minimum, the parts that were touching, I wanted them to be against my body. It's weird I know, but it worked for me.
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Originally Posted By ReconB4:
Originally Posted By danpass:
I discovered several weaknesses in my setup when shooting a heavier hitting rifle.

e.g.: shooting an HP Garand on the same COF as when shooting my HP AR.


eta: as far as pulse beat; it was more pronounced the fuller my stomach was. So I eat light before a match and snack very light, if at all, during a match.

Whatever amount of water doesn't seem to have that effect on me.  The only other fluid I drink before/during might be Gatorade.


Probably more than anything pulse beat can be kept to a minimum by working out and being in shape. Am I in shape at the moment, far from it. I'm headed for back surgery in the very near future. I took me being in shape for granted while in the military and uninjured. Other than that there are other tricks like using a pad on your shooting shoulder, but I never did that. Even thought I tried to keep body contact on the rifle to a minimum, the parts that were touching, I wanted them to be against my body. It's weird I know, but it worked for me.


I've always believed that, but this is the first time I've ever heard an actual sniper say it.  I think of being in shape as having a couple advantages.  For the most part people in better cardio health have slower heart rates.  The other is it takes more physical work to get you "winded" or get your heart rate high.  I found this most beneficial after having to walk over rough terrain, hills, and tall weeds to setup targets before shooting.  I'm about to end that by setting up some permanent targets soon.  

At least I can walk out there and don't have to crawl or something to avoid being detected.  Thanks for your service!  Sometimes I think I don't say that enough as I take things I can do here in the USA for granted.
Link Posted: 10/22/2014 5:00:07 PM EDT
[#31]
Link Posted: 10/22/2014 5:10:28 PM EDT
[Last Edit: taliv] [#32]
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Originally Posted By erud:


Apparently, you do not shoot with a sling.

Whether you offering a reply or suggestion, keep it professional and adult. This is a tech forum, not GD. ReconB4
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Originally Posted By erud:
Originally Posted By popnfresh:
If your pulse is moving the cross hairs you are doing something wrong. I find my shoulder is not relaxed when I get this.


Apparently, you do not shoot with a sling.

Whether you offering a reply or suggestion, keep it professional and adult. This is a tech forum, not GD. ReconB4



i shot HP/CMP for years and got my distinguished badge and i am not a zombie either but pulse was never a problem for me.   i have always* been able to find a position in both traditional HP and running barricades and practical matches that isolates the movement from the rifle so that pulse is a non-factor.

occasionally, especially in sitting, i'd get a really bad pulse when i didn't build my position correctly.    on barricades i can sometimes see it but the movement isn't enough to put me off target.   prone behind a bipod, i don't have any measurable movement at all, not even 1/4 MOA.

there are a few things i do that most people probably dont.  first, i run the rifle stock inboard like an AR15, not out in the pocket of my shoulder.  the butt of the stock is against my collar bone near my neck.  that is somewhat painful and always leaves a bruise/red mark but it is solid and doesn't transmit a pulse.   second, my support hand doesn't touch the rifle; it only squeezes my rear bag or holds a barricade, or if slung, is gloved.  third, my cheekweld is more like a jawboneweld.   when slung, i also use a TAD gear jacket that has a TIS quick cuff sewn in, so the jacket keeps it from sliding down and that means i don't have to tighten it so much that it creates a hard pulse.

*in the event i'm winded from running or something, i might have some pulse, but my breathing is usually moving me so much i can't distinguish the two
Link Posted: 10/22/2014 5:42:27 PM EDT
[#33]

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Originally Posted By taliv:




there are a few things i do that most people probably dont.  first, i run the rifle stock inboard like an AR15, not out in the pocket of my shoulder.  the butt of the stock is against my collar bone near my neck.  that is somewhat painful and always leaves a bruise/red mark but it is solid and doesn't transmit a pulse.   second, my support hand doesn't touch the rifle; it only squeezes my rear bag or holds a barricade, or if slung, is gloved.  third, my cheekweld is more like a jawboneweld.   when slung, i also use a TAD gear jacket that has a TIS quick cuff sewn in, so the jacket keeps it from sliding down and that means i don't have to tighten it so much that it creates a hard pulse.

View Quote


You take bone support to another level.



 
Link Posted: 10/26/2014 7:37:11 PM EDT
[#34]
slow down.  Much like the OP posted about staying calm. Just slow down, properly apply the fundamentals every time. If something is not perfect when you go to ease that trigger back, take pressure off the go button and slow down until everything is right.
Link Posted: 11/12/2014 12:42:58 PM EDT
[Last Edit: oryx] [#35]
A couple of things I routinely check are:
Propper positioning
always place the buttstock in the shoulder using an index (for consistency)
Make sure my cheek weld is consistent in placement and pressure for repeatable sight picture
natural point of aim,
make sure that my focus is on the front sight,
Relax, breathe and break shot

Set up a good and consistent shot routine
Link Posted: 11/12/2014 1:01:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: taliv] [#36]
shot routine is a great tip that everybody learns shooting High Power, but i'll bet most people don't make the transition to practical shooting.     just because some things are fluid in practical shooting like barricade height, target distance, how much time you have, etc, doesn't mean EVERYTHING is different.

I still run through a mental check list of stuff like
get wind call,
scope is doped,
NPOA is good enough,
crosshairs on target,
close bolt,
am i shooting the right target?
take up 1st stage,
check wind,
check level,
relax,
see the hit
take up 2nd stage,
keep eyes open and watch for trace/impact,
release trigger
open bolt
move
Link Posted: 11/23/2014 3:54:16 PM EDT
[Last Edit: skyshark288] [#37]
Aim small, Miss small.
-Abraham Lincoln 1999

Link Posted: 12/4/2014 11:48:41 AM EDT
[#38]
Take a NRA Basic Rifle Course.  It's a great way for a new shooter or someone looking to relearn the fundamentals of rifle shooting.

1. Aiming (sight picture & sight alignment)
2. Breath control (three deep breath relaxing the muscles taking the shot at the bottom repatory pause)
3. Hold control (natural point of aim)
4. Trigger control (pull the trigger straight back. Trigger 90' degrees to the pad of the finger)
5. Follow through (keeping it all together through the recall pulse. If all the above are true sight picture will return to the point of aim the shot was taken)

Link Posted: 12/26/2014 4:05:00 PM EDT
[#39]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Skg_Mre_Lght:
Aside from dry firing, an accurate air rifle is my most important tool to keeping myself honest and practicing the fundamentals.
View Quote


To this I'll add you can also use a .22 lr. Nothing exposes your weaknesses like a rifle with no recoil.

My one big tip is be consistent. If you are always changing something you will always be chasing the spotter. Shoot for group, then  adjust the sights.  If you must change something, change it one thing at a time. That way you can see what effect your change has instead of trying to figure out a bunch of issues.
Link Posted: 1/23/2015 2:54:20 AM EDT
[#40]
Don't drink alcohol the night before.  Also, if you choose to use a monopod, grip in in a way where your fist is the contact point with the ground...not the monopod.  This functions similar to squeezing a rear bag.but allows for quick acquisition of multiple targets.
Link Posted: 1/24/2015 3:07:20 PM EDT
[#41]
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Originally Posted By 01greenmachine:
Don't drink alcohol the night before.  Also, if you choose to use a monopod, grip in in a way where your fist is the contact point with the ground...not the monopod.  This functions similar to squeezing a rear bag.but allows for quick acquisition of multiple targets.
View Quote

I've definitely learned that shooting after a night of drinking, even if not hungover, always yields bad results. Especially if I try to pick myself up with a Monster. My rule for shooting is 1 cup of coffee with breakfast, and no energy drinks. It makes a very noticeable difference in reticle movement.
Link Posted: 2/23/2015 2:00:01 AM EDT
[#42]
Get out of the prone.  Ban it from your training regimen indefinitely.

Step into the room least visited by other shooters, like shooting from positions, shooting with your support side, shooting on timed courses of fire that demand faster performance, but still require accuracy.
Link Posted: 3/9/2015 4:39:07 PM EDT
[#43]
With a .308, there's ALWAYS wind past 500Y.

ALWAYS.  

Link Posted: 3/9/2015 6:43:00 PM EDT
[#44]
Link Posted: 3/10/2015 3:41:39 PM EDT
[#45]
i shoot to 1000 with no wind down here pretty regularly.  no joke.
Link Posted: 3/10/2015 3:43:40 PM EDT
[#46]
Link Posted: 3/10/2015 4:11:53 PM EDT
[#47]
We are actually talking about a lot of this over in the AR15 Basics section.

Would like more opinions especially from some of you seasoned guys. I know I talked to some of you when setting up the "1 MOA Challenge", very helpful.
Link Posted: 3/11/2015 12:51:24 AM EDT
[#48]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Rob01:
Well you are the luckiest man in the world as I have never shot to 1000 with no wind in 20+ years of shooting PR and over a decade of competing.
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wow, then it would probably be worth a trip for you to come down here sometime.
Link Posted: 3/31/2015 11:56:15 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MichealB] [#49]
I personally shoot my 1200fps gamo big cat down in my basement frequently for practice at obscure ass targets.  Its not the distance of the shoot, its controlling it when your behind a rifle.  I learned what works best for me that way.  Exhaling so slowly i'm practically holding my breath and I feel when my body is perfectly undisturbed between each pulse.  

There is no real method to finding that zone or once size fits all way of doing it, you just have to get behind a rifle, a scope, and shoot until you know.  

I can see my pulse by watching the reticle.  I watch it move to the rhythm of my heart beat, time it perfect and sink the rhythm with my exhale.  A slow exhale for myself, substantially slows my pulse momentarily  which gives me a perfect trigger squeeze.

I can literally hear my pulse when im in the dead silence, looking down the scope, trying to read the lettering on a quarter.  I dont know how to describe it really, but I get in tune with my body (no homo) and it all turns into a fluid motion.

Focus, relax, and find your zone.
Link Posted: 4/4/2015 10:10:48 PM EDT
[#50]
I came to the conclusion a while back, that, on a 1600 point smallbore prone match, there are 2 things separating the 'good' (1550 point) shooters from the 'excellent' (1595 point) shooters:

*Reading and doping the wind
*The 'mental game'


On a separate note, I used to regularly practice my positions with my Feinwerkbau air rifle in my parents' basement.  It was definitely some good practice.  The theory was that the slower muzzle velocity made you sharper on follow-through.
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