Advice on shooting instruction

[high country]

Sorry in advance for the longish post

I have owned and enjoyed shooting guns since I bought my first one (a used marlin model 60) on my 18th birthday fifteen years ago. Since then I have added other .22 rimfire rifles and pistols, as well as a couple of centerfires and shotguns to the collection. I don't really hunt, other than bird hunting with the shotguns, and some pest control with the .22s. My shooting consists almost entirely of "plinking" at paper targets steel targets, clay pigeons, gallon milk jugs, etc. at ranges from 10 yards to 200 yards (I have a pretty big back yard...).

I have never had any formal or decent informal instruction and would like to improve my shooting, both with the rifles and handguns. I feel like I have become overly reliant on magnification, bipods, and rests for accuracy. Instead of dropping more money on another wonder-blaster rifle with an uber-scope, I would like to use those resources to learn to shoot basic guns better.

I would like some suggestions on where a person like myself should turn to learn the basic building blocks like breathing, shooting positions, that sort of thing. I am not looking to become a champion shooter, I would just like to improve my offhand shooting, shooting with a sling rather than a bipod, and shooting with iron sights. I don't want to spend large sums of money, but am certainly willing to spend some if it is on something really worthwhile. I am definintely willing to invest the time! Are the military training manuals a good place to start? Some sort of class? I am not sure where to even begin

I appreciate everyones insight on this!

 

[lawson4]

Get in contact with NRA. They have Trainnig Counselors whose job is just what you're looking for.

Rick

 

[Wheeler44]

Attend an Appleseed clinic, the best $70.00 you'll ever spend...

 

[ByAnyMeans]

I must second attending an Appleseed Shoot. Me and my fiance had a blast and it really improved our offhand shooting with a rifle. The basics we learned their accompanied with some changes for the difference in grip and stance for a handgun greatly improved our shooting with them as well.

http://appleseedinfo.org/

We are now looking for CCW classes.

 

[Comanche180]

Challenge yourself to shoot and become proficient with iron sights. If the resources mentioned in previous posts are not readily available, try the internet. The Army Marksmanship Unit has a wonderful and thorough instruction manual that has everything you need to know for pistol shooting. You provide the ammo targets and practice. The Army and Marines also have manuals for long gun shooting. This stuff can be found for free on the internet. Put Google to work for you.

 

[rmfnla]

Get in contact with NRA. They have Trainnig Counselors whose job is just what you're looking for.

Rick

And become member, if you're not one already!

 

[joshk-k]

I have not personally attended an Appleseed training, but I think the preponderance (99%?) of the feedback available from participants about them on the internet says it's a great program. They happen all across the country; they are affordable; you can shoot them with .22s; they don't require a major time commitment; etc. I would look on their website for one happening near you later this year.

Josh

 

[Justin]

If you want to learn to shoot better, go shoot with people who are better than you.

Seek out local competitions that cater to what you want to learn, and attend them regularly. Don't worry about where you think you'll place. Just go and shoot matches. The competitive shooters who are there will be more than willing to help you out as they're happy when someone takes an interest in becoming a better shot.

 

[Sunray]

"...an Appleseed clinic..." Yep. Wish there was something like it up here.
"...Seek out local competitions..." Do that too. It has nothing to do with shooting with people who are better. It is great fun and most experienced shooters will bend over backwards to help you, including letting you shoot their firearms.
If you can hit a milk jug with a .22 at 200, you don't need any instruction or Appleseed. The NRA is for you.
"...military training manuals..." Read 'em, but you can't learn advanced shooting techniques from a book. They're available as .pdf files here though. Note the need for the provided UN& PW. http://www.biggerhammer.net/manuals/

 

[high country]

Thanks all for the good suggestions. I wish I could hit a milk jug with a .22 from 200 yards! Honestly, I have never tried, perhaps this weekend would be a good time, if this &^%$ snow would stop. I have my .22s sighted in at 50, and shoot them at 100 from time to time with varying levels of sucess. The 200 yard stuff is with a .308, prone, with a bag, also with varying sucess. A bit off topic, but does anyone know of a resource that would help me estimate bullet brop at 200 yards for a .22? I am not even sure my scope will adjust that far.

I figured I was out of luck on the appleseed because I live in the sticks, but looks like there is one a couple hours from here, so I will probably go give that a shot (literally). From reading on thier website that sounds right up my alley, including the history part, a little patriotism never hurt anyone. That will at least set me on the path of practicing good habits, then if I need more help with this or that, I will turn to the NRA instructors.

Never really thought about trying competitions, but that is an interesting thought. I might be tempted to give that a try at some point.

 

[sargas23]

Since you already have some background and experience, I would recommend obtaining a copy of Bill Pullum's "Position Rifle Shooting". Even though this book is geared towards the competitive smallbore shooter, the information in it is right on the money when covering the basics of position, sighting, breathing, etc. You'd have to be brain dead not to get something from reading it!

Also, consider getting some copies of G. David Tubbs DVD's which give an enormous amount of practical advice on shooting the service rifle.

Nothing beats being on the range, but having some good information in hand on days when you can't practice is very worthwhile!

 

[CraigC]

A bit off topic, but does anyone know of a resource that would help me estimate bullet brop at 200 yards for a .22?

Figure on at least 40 inches or so. No, most scopes won't adjust that far. Scope mounts are available for several models of rimfires with 20-25MOA of cant built in.

I agree that Appleseed would be an excellent idea. Just shot my first and highly recommend it.