Resources for improving basic shooting techniques

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Emfuser

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Feb 14, 2008
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Irmo, SC
Greetings,

I recently build myself a mutt of an AR-15. It's a 14.5" w/perm flash hider, 1:9 chrome, flat top with a removable carry handle. I'm learning my irons like a good boy.

Anyhow, I discovered the LTC Santose 50 yd zero, and went with that. (link: http://groups.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite/improvedbattlesightzero.msnw)

When I successfully zeroed the rifle, I found that when I could properly steady myself for a shot (bench, using a USGI mag as the resting point for the rifle), that I was hitting dead-nuts on the center diamond of the target, which is a 1x1 square, I'm guessing. Ok great. Not bad for 50 yards.

The problem was that I don't know good shooting technique. Those shots took forever for me to steady and position myself properly. The rest of the shots where I felt like I was on target, but not being super-careful ended up in a 2x2 diamond out of the middle. Not bad, but I'm looking to develop good, consistent technique.

Does anyone have an online or simple book reference they can point me towards? I don't want lengthy books to fill my shelf with. I need something simple and to the point.

Thanks :)
 
Shooting Techniques

I figure this is just like learning to golf.

You need a lesson from a pro

I would look up places like gunsite or AppleSeed and see what you can find.

Or join the local http://www.idpa.com/

You'll make new friends and share info to boot

JMHO
 
I can't upload them because they are too big, but do a search for USMC Rifle Marksmanship manual MCRP 3-01A and Army Rifle Marksmanship manual FM23-9. They will go over the basics of proper position, bone support, natural point of aim, breath control, sight picture, sight alignment, trigger control, follow-through, sling usage, etc.

The only thing is, learning to shoot is going to take time, practice, and alot more time and practice. I've basically taught myself to shoot over the last 4 or so years, and I've still got a very long way to go to be really proficient. Learning to shoot a rifle well is probably the most challenging thing I've ever tried to do - aside from (maybe) learning to shoot a pistol well :)

If you're really committed to learning the art of rifle marksmanship, you are going to need to read all you can - if you, like me, don't have anyone in your family / friends who is a shooter and can teach you, then it's going to be a lot of reading what you can find on the interwebs, trying to apply it, screwing up, then figuring out how you were supposed to do it all along and trying THAT. It really does take time.

A couple of other things you may want to look into are finding an Appleseed shoot nearby and going to that - the whole purpose of an Appleseed is to take someone like you (or me) and teach them, in one weekend and with about 400 rounds of ammo, the fundamentals of shooting a military pattern rifle effectively and accurately from realistic positions. I haven't had an opportunity to attend one, though I would like to when I can. They are really quite inexpensive for the training you get, or so I hear.

The last thing I will tell you is to invest in a .22lr rifle. WalMart has Savage .22s for just around $100 - that's where I bought both of mine, and I shoot them all I can. If you are really serious about learning to shoot, you'll soon find that you can shoot more .223 than you can afford (if you're not a reloader - if you are, .22 still helps ;)). I finally bought both .22lr rifles and a pistol to supplement my centerfire practice, and they have helped tremendously, as I can afford to shoot them all day long.

I hope this helps. I know this is alot more info than you want - and probably not the answer you wanted, either - but it's the truth as far as I know it.

Good luck and remember to have fun :)
 
If you're in South Carolina and have the time and money, sign up for one of Larry Vicker's classes up in South Hill, Virginia.

The problem was that I don't know good shooting technique. Those shots took forever for me to steady and position myself properly. The rest of the shots where I felt like I was on target, but not being super-careful ended up in a 2x2 diamond out of the middle. Not bad, but I'm looking to develop good, consistent technique.
Click to expand...

Even guys at the top of their game have their shot groups open up as they push the speed.

That said, as far as stuff you can do on your own, you could give a read to assorted military manuals (link is to the army field manual, with a little googling you could get the marine one as well).
 
Em, get with the highpower guys at Mid Carolina and see if they can give you some tips. Tom Thompson (Club Pres) also gets an instructor in every couple of years - it's about time. :)

PM me if you need more details - when I'm not in Iraq, I'm in Columbia. :D
 
Thanks Al

I joined MCRC not too long ago and have given that some consideration. At the last meeting I went to, there was talk of bringing some well-renowned fella in to hold one of his training classes, but it was one of those high-dollar things.
 
Some of the old texts are very good as well. See Phil Sharpe's The Rifle in America, Townsend Whelen's Mister Rifleman, and E.C. Crossman's Military & Sporting Rifle Shooting. These can be found on abebooks or albris.

Practice, practice, practice...
 
Basic shooting techniques

Hi Emfuser
Don't overlook the Sticky Rifle Forum reading Library at the head of the forum. There is a wealth of information, while maybe gun specific, is still valuable. Lots of search tools out there. I just type in as specific topic I want and pick and choose. But you can't beat 1:1 with a qualified instructor. And be willing to pay a decent rate for decent instruction, it is worth it. You have the right attitude. Best in the future.
TaKe CaRe
Ted
 
Em, sometimes the cheapest way is the most up front. :) If you can link up with a coach/instructor, you'll be amazed at how fast a good one can ID things to improve.

If you'll just hit the HP matches, there's a wealth of information available. :D
 
These are some good suggestions. Thanks everyone. :)

Al, I'll make a point to look out for when the next high-powered rifle match is to go observe.
 
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