Shooting MOA or better...what's the secret?

[jcaoloveshine]

So what do you guys do to shoot really accurately? Having started shooting higher power this summer, I find that if I focus well and slowly squeeze but dont quickly jerk the trigger things seem to go alright. What are the other aspects to accurate shooting technique? I've already got the rifle nice and tight against my shoulder and I've adjusted trigger pull so it's nice and crisp, it's just that I seem to still fear recoil.

[M. Sage]

Ignore the recoil, ignore the upcoming results of firing. Concentrate on your stance/posture/position, breathing, sight picture, and trigger. Block everything else from your head.

At least... that's what I do when I'm actually shooting well.

I'm not sure if High Power is the best way to learn to shoot well. It seems to rely on gear too much, IMO.

[Mute]

Good marksmanship skills isn't a secret, it just plain takes alot of practice to execute properly and consistently. Remember to work on your breathing and follow-through. These two things, along with trigger control are your keys to good marksmanship. I suggest plenty of dry-firing practice. Also work with someone whom you know is a good marksman and ask them to help diagnose your shooting.

In the meantime, read through this link on snipershide regarding the fundamentals of marksmanship. Good luck.

[AngelDecoys]

There's certainly a lot of sources you can go online to find information. CMP, David Tubb's site, accurate shooter.

I've taken to practicing more. Of course practice is only so good as long as you're reinforcing good technique and discarding bad habits (or correcting before they are ingrained). Mostly, these days I've been practicing both live (1 session/week), and dry practice (standing) at a taped up mini target in my garage (2x/week).

From another thread.

Also, if you haven't read any of the USAMU articles on the CMP website, do so:

http://www.odcmp.com/USAMU/Shooting_Tips.htm

All those articles have great advice.

Some of my favorite articles there:

Standing and Trigger Control
Straight to the Rear
"Don't be that guy"

[Timberwolf]

Learn the fundamentals, take a class or two and practice live fire and dry fire. Use quality equipment and ammo and it will come. The main thing is learning the fundamentals though for like building a house no matter how good your materials without a good firm foundation it will eventually crumble.

[Casual Observer]

Learn the fundamentals, take a class or two and practice live fire and dry fire. Use quality equipment and ammo and it will come. The main thing is learning the fundamentals though for like building a house no matter how good your materials without a good firm foundation it will eventually crumble.

Practice, practice, practice.

I once had a buddy shoot 1000yds with a 20" Howa .308 with a Nikko scope on it and hit a 3" group. How'd he get so good? He was the division sniper instructor at Camp Pendleton for years and now is with an Army unit out of Bragg. He said "If you shoot 200 rounds a day for years, you can get pretty good."

[jcaoloveshine]

I've found that my biggest obstacle is my fear of recoil. Granted .270 Winchester isn't a huge round, it shakes up my shoulder pretty well and it's hard not to anticipate it.

[Timberwolf]

I've found that my biggest obstacle is my fear of recoil. Granted .270 Winchester isn't a huge round, it shakes up my shoulder pretty well and it's hard not to anticipate it.

Assuming a proper position will cure a lot of your recoil problems. I regularly help zero customers scopes on their rifles at the range where I work. I get everything from 22LR to 338s and above. The key is proper position behind the rifle.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

as one of the above posters have said.. practice... practice.. practice....Dry firing as well as actual shooting..... take your time while shooting.. don't be distracted by other shooters.. as some of us HP shooters kid each other... be one with the target.. BE the target (ok a slight offshoot of Caddychack ) also what you eat and drink before you shoot can affect how you shoot as well.......also.. some people are natural shooters plain and simple.. and some really have to work at it....one thing to remember.. don't get discouraged!!!! even the best shooters have really cra**y days and tank matches....

[Pthfndr]

I'm not sure if High Power is the best way to learn to shoot well. It seems to rely on gear too much, IMO.

It relies on a rifle, ammo, and shooter. Nothing more.

[Ahhnother8]

I'm not sure if High Power is the best way to learn to shoot well. It seems to rely on gear too much, IMO.

High power is a GREAT way to learn to shoot well. Lots of shooting and lots of knowledgeable people willing to help. And the gear is primarily for comfort - coat and glove.

Shooting well takes:

good gun AND sights
good ammo
good shooter - learn the fundamentals (5) and everything else is easy.

Lane

[jcaoloveshine]

How important is it that the rifle is very tight against the shoulder?

[workinwifdakids]

Right now, I'm working on gross muscle tension. Often, just before a shot, at the bench, I find my leg muscles are so rigid I'm shaking. I have to tell myself to put my feet on the ground and relax my leg muscles.

[CRTguns]

What most people wil not teel you here is the TRUTH.

Good shooters are BORN.

If you're not a good shooter, face facts and pick another hobby.

Or get a Belt fed weapon.

[workinwifdakids]

If you're not a good shooter, face facts and pick another hobby.

Just because you're not Tiger Woods doesn't mean you can't make par on every hole. Let's not discourage each other from being better riflemen.