Training question: help me shoot a rifle better while standing unsupported?

[beanz2]

Hey guys,

I hope one of the trainers or one of the seasoned students can help me here.

I find that my aim while standing unsupported is very unsteady, I generally waver around the target and can't keep my target in the center. Even during dry fire practice, I can feel the strain on my support side shoulder after 10-15 shots from trying to keep the rifle pointed.

I generally start from the various ready positions. I have started lifting weights a few months back, but I still can't keep a rock steady aim on the target. My rifle (8 lbs) weighs less than the weights I am lifting, 12 lb dumbells or 75 lb barbells for overhead presses.

I generally drink a cup of coffee or tea daily, but I have no tremors that I can tell while holding light objects such as pens, laser pointers, etc.

Do I just need to lift heavier weights? Any specific exercises I can do? My arms are too short for me to shoot with my elbow resting on the chest, unless I hold the rifle by the magazine.

Thanks in advance.

[SuperSet]

Paging the highpower guys.

[Tripper]

in my elmer fudd voice

be vewy vewy still

sorry, thats all i got

[teg33]

Use the sling to help steadying your gun

[Tripper]

good solid stance
keep your arms tight in to your body.

[Andy Guy]

What kinda rifle are we talking about. Don't want to assume AR or hunting rifle. Depends on what kind of training your looking for. Aggressive defense or just target shooting.

[beanz2]

Use the sling to help steadying your gun

I remember being taught that for Appleseed, but in defensive rifle classes I have taken, there is little time to get the sling really tight, but I will see if I can get the sling adjusted just right.

What kinda rifle are we talking about. Don't want to assume AR or hunting rifle. Depends on what kind of training your looking for. Aggressive defense or just target shooting.

Not markmanship type, though I'd love to pick up some tips from those guys. It's defensive type of training for AR/AK type of rifle, like in most rifle classes offered in this forum.

[NiMiK]

Show us some pics of your stance and grip, type of gear you have on the rifle.

As for workouts, try switching to a circuit type workout as this will help you with both strength and endurance. This works for me but not sure for others.

[jarhead714]

Use the sling to help steadying your gun

This will solve nearly all your problems. Remember, breathe, relaxe, aim, squeeze. Be surprised every time the rifle goes off.

[jarhead714]

good solid stance
keep your arms tight in to your body.

A good stance yes, but keep that elbow on your trigger hand way up high pointed outboard. Keeps the butt in the pocket of your shoulder better and gives better control in general. Look at the box art on a Springfield M1A. Do it like that.

[Andy Guy]

For ARs at least it could be that the rifle is front heavy. I know this is my situation with my AR with a gas piston upper and Midwest Industries quad rail. I usually square off to the target and my support hand is as far forward as I can place it thumbs forward and pull the rifle into my body. Firing hand is tucked into my body vs flared out. If you have the luxury of shooting often I'm sure your natural stabilizing muscles will come into the play eventually.

[dominic]

Lean your upper body back, cock your hip out and rest your elbow on your hip. Rotate your wrist so the back of your thumb on the hand holding the barrel is facing you. Weight lifting won't help you keep a steadier stance, you just need to learn where your trigger breaks and when your sight picture is right, squeeze.

[dominic]

Do I just need to lift heavier weights? Any specific exercises I can do? My arms are too short for me to shoot with my elbow resting on the chest, unless I hold the rifle by the magazine.

Thanks in advance.

Lifting weights (and thus bulking up your short arms) will only make it harder to get a steady stance. Strengthening exercises aren't necessary, even a 90 pound weakling can shoot off hand. Look at one of the best shots in history, Annie Oakley, she was under 5ft tall and less than 100 lbs most of her life, though she was out shot by a 9 year old girl in 1901. So if a 9 year old girl can do it. So can you. On the other hand, I do know a guy with a big pot belly that rests his elbow on his stomach and it makes for a very steady off hand position.

[SuperSet]

I remember being taught that for Appleseed, but in defensive rifle classes I have taken, there is little time to get the sling really tight, but I will see if I can get the sling adjusted just right.

Not markmanship type, though I'd love to pick up some tips from those guys. It's defensive type of training for AR/AK type of rifle, like in most rifle classes offered in this forum.

One thing to note is that shooting offhand at a distant target is rarely a defensive skill. In that scenario, you would find cover or support to steady the gun and make the shot. People don't just stand out in the open and toss rounds down range in highpower stance.
It is a great skill to learn in a competition environment though.

[Sofatactical]

What distance are we talking about? What size targets?