Does shooting .22LR really help?

[jimster716]

Everyone knows that .22LR is cheap fun but it's also been mentioned as a good way to practice. But with the reduced recoil and lack of boom factor, I question if it's an effective tool only for a complete beginner getting their toes wet in the world of shooting.

As an example please see the target below from my last session. The top target is 5.56 from my AR and the lower one is from my Remy 700 .308 both shot from 100yds. Now I'm obviously not a superior marksman having both guns for about 2 months but I'm wondering if I'd be better off to continue practicing with my current rifles at much greater expense or if a 10/22 would be a sound practicing investment. I'm afraid I might fall asleep at the bench shooting .22 with my previous experience with a ruger 22 pistol being underwhelming while shooting .40S&W and .45ACP. What's your take?

[Stoopy]

Absolutely a .22lr will help your shooting. The lack of recoil and boom help stop issues with flinching and closing your eye when the shot goes off. 22lr also let's you shoot more and for less cost and helps you on other skills like reading the wind. When you shoot 22's at distances like 200 yards you can really see the effects wind plays in your shots. If you really want to improve your skills get a good quality 22 and set it up like your other rifles are set up. Match grade 22 is a lot cheaper than match grade .308 or .223. Find any great shooter at the range and ask them if they practice with a .22.

This is my best group with my .22 at 110 yards.

[paul0660]

I have .22's because I show a lot of new shooters the ropes. If they pay attention and seem to give a darn, they move up to big boy calibers. Otherwise, unless you are using very good quality .22 ammo, beyond 50 yards is pointless, imo.

[G60]

http://pistol-training.com/articles/22-training-pistols-pros-cons

[CSACANNONEER]

I never get bored shooting 22s. They are a great training aid when I'm bored of my 50bmgs or 45acp. Since I cast my own bullets, 45 acorn ammo costs me about the same as .22lr does. So, it's not about the cost. It's just about the fun of shooting .22s. Also, I'm not in the situation that I feel the need to prove my manhood by showing anyone that I can handle recoil and prefer not to shoot with those who do. BTW, I shoot the same way with a low recoil gun as I do with one that kicks like a mule so, I'm not sure what difference it would make when training.

[G-forceJunkie]

Managing recoil is one small factor of being accurate. The bulk of the factors like stacne, position, form, trigger pull, followthrough, aiming, breathing, etc can all be don with a .22

[SDM44]

IMO, no it doesn't really help me at the range.

I can shoot 200 rounds through my GSG 1911 and then 200 rounds through my Springfield TRP and one does not help the other.

Likewise, I can shoot 200 rounds through my 15-22 and then 200 rounds through my .223 AR. Again, one does not help the other IMO.


The only thing that helps is the consistency of practicing with the 1 gun/caliber over & over. Switching back & forth between the two is only good for muscle memory with the physical size of the firearm, and the controls for it (in my opinion). Weight, trigger pull, recoil, those all completely differ and actually throw things off for me, even if I do keep a good grip, breath, and stance on each shot.

[NytWolf]

It will reduce flinching as well as help you get used to handling the weapon and develop techniques for shooting.

[SocomM4]

Exactly, if you have an AR, a dedicated .22 upper will be beneficial in lots of ways, control location, stance , feel of the weapon, reloading ,sight picture, all are the same except your shots are dirt cheap.


But ,
1st kill shot of my life was with a 10/22. Pheasant , bout 110 yards with irons. Nailed it.

[bubbapug1]

It expecially helps on pistol to find issues with stance, front sight focus, trigger pull...

[Divernhunter]

Hope that pheasant was not a wild one as that would be illegal.
And yes a 22 is helpfull in many ways ESPECIALLY for a beginner. This way they will continue to want to shoot. Fifty rounds of 300win mag from the bench will mess with you much more than 200 rounds of 22RF.

[hawkeye]

"Does shooting .22LR really help?"

To answer this question you should ask yourself 'what are the four fundamentals of marksmanship?'
Steady Position
Steady Aim
Breath Control
Trigger Squeeze

Notice "recoil bracing" is not one.

.22s can help you with the 4 basics which will contribute to you becoming a better shot. Only Cheaper...

Although sure shooting your larger guns is definitely a must!

[bubbapug1]

"Does shooting .22LR really help?"

To answer this question you should ask yourself 'what are the four fundamentals of marksmanship?'
Steady Position
Steady Aim
Breath Control
Trigger Squeeze

Notice "recoil bracing" is not one.

.22s can help you with the 4 basics which will contribute to you becoming a better shot. Only Cheaper...

Although sure shooting your larger guns is definitely a must!

I agree 100% with the above. By shooting 22lr pistol you can focus on the top four fundamentals and forget about the recoil issue. Than, after you shoot 200 rounds of 22lr, try your 9mm or 44 mag, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I know it really helped my consistency in making smaller groups.

I don't notice the same effect on rifles as a heavy 223 rifle has just a small amount of recoil above a 22lr. I do however love to watch the 22lr bullet swirling through the air towards the target, and wolf match ammo, being so slow, allows you to see its trail very nicely.

[Whatisthis?]

"Does shooting .22LR really help?"

To answer this question you should ask yourself 'what are the four fundamentals of marksmanship?'
Steady Position
Steady Aim
Breath Control
Trigger Squeeze

Notice "recoil bracing" is not one.

.22s can help you with the 4 basics which will contribute to you becoming a better shot. Only Cheaper...

Although sure shooting your larger guns is definitely a must!

++1

[Merc1138]

"Does shooting .22LR really help?"

To answer this question you should ask yourself 'what are the four fundamentals of marksmanship?'
Steady Position
Steady Aim
Breath Control
Trigger Squeeze

Notice "recoil bracing" is not one.

.22s can help you with the 4 basics which will contribute to you becoming a better shot. Only Cheaper...

Although sure shooting your larger guns is definitely a must!

Hell yes it helps. All 4 of those translate directly to a 5.56, .308, 9mm handgun, etc.