Long range shooting tips?

[Glock19Fan]

Hello.

Qualification is coming up, and besides that, I have been interested in medium range precision shooting, between 100 and 300 yards shooting.

My goal is to, with a stock 16 inch Bushmaster 5.56x45 and milsurp ammo, shoot consistantly 2-4 MOA, but WITHOUT scopes, and using just aperature sights.

Browsing over other threads, I have picked up that target illumination, shape, and color is a huge matter. I was wondering what works for everyone else? Today I was sticking a 3 inch orange target to a 12 inch pistol target, and at 100 yards, I couldnt even see the orange. But I was thinking maybe orange over black would work better? Maybe some shoot n see targets?

I believe my trigger squeeze is fairly controlled, but practice is always helpful. Breathing isnt really an issue in my opinion, since I believe I have excellent control over my movements, though I notice I tend to fire breathing in.

Lately I have been shooting with my rifle laid on a concrete bench, while sitting on a 5 gallon bucket upside down, but I think I am gonna try the prone position with a couple of sandbags to rest the rifle on.

I cant really shoot with my glasses on, becuase it takes the focus off the sight post and onto the target.

I am gonna try to maintain a consistant sight picture, and try to keep the target at the same location relative to the post every time.

I have shot a couple of 2-3 inch groups at 100 yards, but most of the time they spread back out to 4-5 inches.

Any tips, recommendations, or exeriences to help me shoot better?

 

[philpost]

Although I'm sure there are a lot of good sources for the information you're looking for, I would recommend attending an Appleseed weekend if possible. They really break down the mechanics and techniques of long-distance shooting, especially when you're talking about iron sights and prone position.

 

[giggitygiggity]

There are a few key points. For one, shoot after you exhale. When you fire, you need to make sure that your rifle is level to the ground and not canted. This does not have a huge effect at 100 yards, but as you go over 200 yards, it will make a difference. When you fire, keep your finger on the trigger through the shot. A lot of people have a tendency to fire and then bring their finger forward and off the trigger. This is unnecessary movement and can affect accuracy if overexaggerated.

Also, follow through is critical. Even after the noise of the gunshot, you should be keeping your rifle on target. Think about the shot and analyze it in a positive way. You know you are getting good when you can call your shots.

Finally, be consistent. You do not have to see your target, but your front sight must be clear. Do not take bad shots. Only take shots in which you feel good and the sight picture is consistently the same.

 

[ChCx2744]

I saw an online video (I know, great source, right? hahaha) where it pointed out some good points. Before shooting, take a breath and let it out...Halfway through the exhale or in between peak and empty lungs is the best time to shoot. Also, try using the "Thin glass vial" trick when squeezing off. Imagine you are slightly pulling on a thin glass vial then squeeze squeeze squeeze (Ever so gently) until the glass vial "breaks." If your rifle is on par and zeroed properly, breathing techniques and trigger pull techniques are smooth, then I'd think your shots should be pretty consistent.

 

[taliv]

orange is a bad color. you should get some NRA HP targets for 100, 200, 300 yrds and use what everyone else uses to shoot iron sighted service rifles at 100-600 yrds.

 

[nbkky71]

I commend you for wanting to become a rifleman Glock19Fan. Stick with it and be willing to put in the practice and you'll be a marksman before you know it. You should be able to shoot 4MOA with your carbine without any problems.

In order for your accuracy to improve, you'll need to master the fundamentals:
- a good solid position
- correct & consistent sight alignment
- trigger control
- breathing

As recommended, the Appleseed events are quite popular although I've never attended one. I learned positional shooting by attending NRA highpower rifle matches. Competitive shooters can be a wealth of knowledge & experience and they're always willing to help out a fellow shooter!

Just an FYI... NRA considers 100-300yds as short range. 500-600yds is midrange and 800+ is long range.

Stick with it and practice, practice, practice!

 

[BADUNAME37]

Aim high.

 

[Jim Watson]

Agree with Taliv.
A standard bullseye target has a 5-6 MOA black aiming area on a buff colored background. Long experience has shown that this gives a clear iron sight aiming point.