overcoming flinch (novice notes)

[twofifty]

You have to get to the point, through thousands of repetitions with a low recoil/low report firearm (i recommend the .22LR) where releasing each shot becomes not a final step but a pleasant stress-free part of the continuun of motions that is called shooting a string or course of fire.

Your brain has to want to take the shot, has to look forward to the shot...because each shot is rewarded with a good hit. You have to train your brain not to be thinking about missing, or rushing, or getting over the damn shot. The shot must feel good and be enjoyed for its own sake. So does the follow-through.

After thousands of rounds of 22LR, your shots will amaze you and reward you.
You flinch will be gone. Then move up to a mid-caliber like a 260Rem
or 7mm-08, then to a full 30 caliber round like the 30-06. Keep shooting that 22, no matter what.

Like the others said, build on success.

 

[Jenrick]

I HIGHLY recommend working in single action to begin with, particularly as you have developed a flinch already. You mention shooting a .357, go with .38 spl target loads.

Next I would put a target out at about 3 yards. Sight in on the target, thumb the hammer back, and (this where people think I'm nuts) close your eyes. Now apply steady pressure to trigger while holding the gun steady. Somewhere in here the weapon will fire. Repeat this process for a cylinder. Check to see if your rounds form a group roughly in the area you were aiming in. If they do they do your issue is that your trying to "snatch" the trigger at the moment you feel your sights are aligned.

-Jenrick

 

[Steel Talon]

As suggested. Take your revolver and have a friend load a mix of 4 live and 2 spent. Then you shoot it

 

[mortablunt]

Try some low powered loads in your gun. Just adapt to firing a weapon.

 

[gunsNgearguy]

flinching...

Focus on your trigger pull and shoot your gun a TON. I used to flinch pretty bad but after about 1000 rounds, that fear/flinch should disappear. Going to a smaller caliber probably wont help unless you never shoot a bigger caliber again. Good ear protection can help. I might get bashed for this but in my opinion, any movement of your arms while shooting is going to throw off you aim. Ive take CCW, dynamic hangun, and tactical handgun classes and Ive never heard of being told to push/poke while shooting. Have you had any formal training? If not, that is something to consider.