Black houghts subtopic; the Shooter

[Greg Langelius *]

Black thoughts discussion about the Shooter go here.

Let's start out by developing the bare bones definite truths on the subject.

 

[madppcs]

When I think about facts regarding (the shooter) I imagine someone whos intimate with weapons to the point that gear are only accessories. By accessories I mean bipods, bags, range finders, kestrels etc... I imagine shooters of the past based their skill on (If I can see it, I can hit it) Especially in every condition. Modern shooters seem to have drifted towards becoming technicians as well. And I don't say that as a bad thing. When taking everything into consideration, we have evolved from placing a round on target at the effective range of the cartridge, to placing a half-minute cold bore group at the same effective range of the cartridge.

 

[Jimgal62]

Interesting thought...has our technology alienated bonding the rifle as an extension of the shooter?

Or has our technological approach sanitized the skills eliminating the 'art'?

 

[Shivy85]

I don't think technological improvements have completely eliminated the 'art', but simply raised the bar. We have more precise standards today than many years ago. In general we're looking to hit smaller targets at further distances.

Our improved equipment helps with this but the shooter still needs solid fundamentals and that is the art. All the best gear can't teach you how to build a solid shooting position or read what the wind is doing halfway to the target.

ultimately it comes down to the shooter squeezing the trigger and putting the round on target.
​

 

[CRT2]

As has been stated many times on the Hide, you can't buy your way to accuracy. However, you have to expect to spend money to become a better shot - training, amunition and etc.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

I think that a marksman (small 'm') has a generic skill set which applies to the wider range of implements. That skill set becomes refined as specific equipment features and quirks identify themselves. Technological evolution broadens the skill set to apply better, as required, in dealing with specific implements. The marksman becomes better for those improvements. Without an adequate basic skill set, those improvements could tend to be wasted.

A day without learning may not be wasted, but it may not be beneficial, either.

The shooter is the unpredictable variable in the overall system of firearm, ammunition, shooter, and environment. This is because of the element of fee will. The shooter can choose, even unconsciously, to follow a set course of action, or not. Self discipline is the savior of the moment, guiding the shooter to adhere within a set course of action.

Often, it can be the failure of imagination which undermines the shooter's performance. For instance, many of us employ corrective lenses to refine our vision. Periodically, those lenses are replaced with ones produced to a differing prescription. Ideally, the shooter should refocus the eyepiece lenses of their rifle scopes to accommodate their prescription update. But do we?

Greg