General group size/ accuracy discussion

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  • Dawico

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    I will start a shooting group size discussion covering any groups that members put on paper (or other targets) but I wanted a place to put the "help" discussions too. This is an attempt to keep the clutter out of there.

    Yes, I know better but all we can do is try.

    I will detail my particular techniques with various firearms shortly as time allows.

    Hopefully we can all improve together.
    Military Camp
     

    Ole Cowboy

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    Easy as pie...as long as I can group inside of a pie plate at any distance under about 300m I am a happy guy, but I just see shooting as more what does it take to give me a KIA/WIA. If I can get inside that pie plate on a head, chest or abdomen then I have nailed it.
     

    Dawico

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    Easy as pie...as long as I can group inside of a pie plate at any distance under about 300m I am a happy guy, but I just see shooting as more what does it take to give me a KIA/WIA. If I can get inside that pie plate on a head, chest or abdomen then I have nailed it.
    A very attainable goal for most shooters and will definitely do the job.
     

    Dawico

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    My first passion (lately anyways) is long range rifle shooting. This is very similar for me to shooting groups as far as technique goes.

    Keep in mind I am by no means an expert. I have watched tons of videos and read many articles and have modified my style to fit what is comfortable to me.

    From the bench I use a bag under the rear of the rifle and bipod on the front. I have tried a front bag but because I don't have very good bags I fight it too much.

    The more solid the bench the better but that can't always be helped.

    I shoot left handed but only like right handed rifles. Left hand on the grip/ trigger and right hand on the rear bag to squeeze and fine tune the point of aim.

    This allows me to keep my shooting hand on the grip while loading single shot with my left hand. I don't own single shot rifles but prefer shooting that way to slow me down a bit.

    When behind the rifle relax. I have found that a tight grip, pulling the rifle into my shoulder, or trying to "load the bipod" only hurt my shooting. My best groups used to come when the testing was done and I was just shooting for the enjoyment of it.

    Don't get me wrong, I keep the butt pad tight to my shoulder and a little pressure forward but I don't force either.
     

    Dawico

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    The rifle must fit you well. This is why I prefer adjustable stocks. Hunting stocks just don't fit me well. Plus I prefer a more vertical grip like on an AR compared to the sloped style on hunting stocks.

    The scope should be mounted so your eye is naturally behind it with a full view. If you are having to move your head around to get a good view you probably won't shoot to the best of your ability.

    Your cheek should rest down on the stock naturally. Having to hold your head up or force it down is not what you want.

    Your finger should naturally come to the trigger for the same reasons. Length of pull being correct is very important. If not you end up pushing or pulling the rifle as you shoot.

    To measure your length of pull bend your elbow square, wrist straight, and finger in the trigger position. Measure from your bicep to the trigger part of your finger. This is generally your LOP.

    The rifle should feel like an extension of yourself and be comfortable. You have to work together.
     

    orbitup

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    I'm starting to shoot from the prone position more so I needed to change LOP and cheek rest to better accommodate that. I got behind the rifle with my eyes closed and got comfortable before opening my eye. I kept adjusting until I had perfect eye relief (at full magnification) repeatably. Helped a lot.
     

    Dawico

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    I like prone too but don't have much opportunity to shoot that way. Easy to get stable but introduces different variables. More heartbeat and seems to push my blood pressure up a bit.

    On top of that, as you stated, readjusting your rifle.
     

    oldag

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    I must admit I have largely switched from "target shooting" to practicing defensive shooting.

    If I am trying to determine my accuracy with a given rifle, I will shoot with a barrel support only, seated.
     

    oldag

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    Do you think that you are going to be seated while defending yourself with a rifle?

    Always one smart aleck in the crowd.

    Please read what I said. "If I am trying to determine my accuracy with a given rifle, I will shoot with a barrel support only, seated." Most of my shooting is defensive practice (e.g., not seated). When I pick up a new rifle, however, I want to find out what it will do with regard to accuracy - how accurate can I be with a particular rifle. Somewhat for curiosity's sake. Somewhat to determine what I could do with the rifle if I had time to take a slow shot. Also to sight in a scope, red dot, etc.
     

    orbitup

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    Trying to move the group shooting discussion over here.

    I thought I would share a trigger technique to use on rifles with normal (not chassis) stocks. Put you thumb on the back of the stock in the center, this is easier on synthetic stocks with a mold line. When you engage the trigger do it like you are pinching with your trigger finger and your thumb. For me it seems easier to make consistent trigger pulls.
     

    FireInTheWire

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    Just wanted to reinforce comfort. If something isn't comfortable... change it. Doesn't matter what an expert says. I've tried a lot of different variations. It takes time behind the scope to figure out what works for you.

    Dry fire, dry fire, dry fire! You can achieve great results laying in your living room practicing.

    I shoot with both eyes open. I keep left eye on the level and right eye in the scope. Bounce back and forth. Weird at first... but after you get use to it, it works really well. You can find the target really fast on high magnification.

    Some say you want the trigger pull to be a surprise. I don't like that. I like to know and pull when I'm ready. I don't use a breathing pattern. The pattern I'm more aware of is my pulse pattern. I just breath and stop when I pull. I keep the follow through till the hit is over.

    That's about all I got. Thanks..
     
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