Advanced Marksmanship Flinch

700P

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Minuteman
Jun 30, 2008
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Republic of Canada
It seems I have developed a flich when I shoot now. I dont know how it started but I noticed it yesterday when I went to the range. I loaded my rifle, put the crosshairs on the target and when I went to squeeze the trigger I flinched like a bugger! I had the saftey on and didnt know it! It seems like I am aticipating the recoil as I am pushing ahead. What can I do to get rid of this? Its anoying as hell I figured there was someting up with my rifle, but I think its me instead! I was shooting my 700P in 308 with a AICS. Thanks all.
 
Re: Flinch

Everybody flinches time-to-time. There is no shame...

Right...; now you want a solution.

Instructing youth, they flinch with .22's, even. it's as much about the noise as anything else. First things first, make sure you have <span style="font-style: italic">effective</span> hearing protection.

Next thing, assess your shooting technique, and eliminate any free space between buttpad and shoulder. Some deliberately firm (not rigidly relentless) contact is desirable. The fingers should push reasonably back upon the grip to put the butt into positive contact with the shoulder. If you let the rifle get a run at you before it makes contact, well <span style="font-style: italic">of course</span> it's gonna add to the unpleasantness.

The reason folks know when the ruckus is coming is because they deliberately control when it's coming. It's about the trigger. They whammit.

My Brothers cured me by taping a thumbtack to the face of the trigger, so I had to push on the point to make it work. I could whammit, but that hurt. I could squeeze it and that hurt too; only not so much, and the pain built character in the process.

You don't need to incorporate pain into the process (unless you are block headed mule stubborn like I was), but you <span style="font-style: italic">do</span> need to stop trying to dictate the precise moment when things go bang.

Greg
 
Re: Flinch

This is from the:

FUNDAMENTALS OF MILITARY RIFLE TRAINING, By Colonel A.J. Macnab,

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It is a proven fact that no man can resist, by exercise of will power, the instinct to stiffen his muscles to meet a blow or shock, it is an instinctive impulse over which he has no more control that he has over the circulation of his blood. This stiffening of the muscles to meet the shock when the rifle is fired is called flinching. The experts in rifle shooting are the ones who do not flinch. They are not men who have a quick eye, or an excellent eye or steady nerve, they ar just men who do not flinch...........The expert shot does not refrain from flinching by exercising his will power or by deciding he will not flinch becaus this cannot be done. The expert shot avoids flinching by pressing the trigger with such a steady increase of pressure tht he does not know the exact instant the discharge will take place. In this way the instinctive impulse to stiffen the muscles at the instand of discharge is avoided an this is the only way it can be avoide.</div></div>

The Process to avoid flinching taught if five steps.

He is fist taught the correct method of aiming

He is next taught the correct positions,

The third step is instruction and practice in the correct method of pressing the trigger. (he's got to be in the correct position and to aim at the target)

He is then taught the correct method in working the bolt (for bolt gunners).

Finely DRYFIRING to develope the habit of SMOOTH proper trigger pull, making every hammer fall a surprise, done so with out disturbing the sight picture.

All this is done under the supervision of a good coach, and done before the shooter is allowed on the range.

So the short answer to controling flinch is dryfiring while applying all the proper fundamentals.

I learn to control the trigger on my pocket pistol, (double action snub nose) via the use of dryfiring with a laser sight. Dry firing works, but works better if you can see the results of that red dot dancing all around your target.

For Info, for those who don't know Col Macnab, he is the author of T.R. 150-5, Program of Rifle Instruction. We know that POI now as the Small Arms Firing School conducted at Camp Perry, and other National Shooting Events.
 
Re: Flinch

Dry fire is your friend.

I recently discovered I was shooting my handguns like $h!!t. I could quick draw and point & shoot my shots right on target but if I took my time to aim I was off every time. So this told me I knew how to shoot from muscle memory and when I just let my muscles do what they knew I was spot on. When my mind took over I was screwing it up. I was flinching and didn't even realize it. After several wasted trips to the range of garbage groups my wife suggested we go to the range again because she wanted to shoot her carry weapon. We went to the range and I had a few hundred rounds with me like I normally do but on the way I made the conscious decision to limit my shooting and dry fire to work on trigger discipline. That's just what I did once we got there. Helped my wife with her grip and a few minor tweaks which helped her shooting but between that I was dry firing a hundred times or more in the lane next to her. I would then load a single round and BAM! Dead center where I was aiming. Then, back to dry firing and helping my wife. This went on for a couple of hours and during which time I fired a grand total of FOUR shots. Not many shots but guess what... I made a single hole with those four rounds spread over two hours. I may not have fired many rounds but it was by far the most productive range trip I've had and it cost me less than a buck. My confidence is back and I know moving forward I will be a better shooter once again.

Point is sometimes you need to take a step back to take two steps forward and while you may think that after years you are past the basics you never really are.
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M.45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dryfire practice is your friend.

Try to dryfire at least 1:1 to shooting live rounds. Keep an eye on your crosshairs, breathe and follow the proper fundamentals so they don't move when you press the trigger.

</div></div>

Wow! Great minds?

I promise you I had this window open before your post and thought mine was original. lol
 
Re: Flinch

Dont be scarred!! HAHA just kidding bud, we all do it now and again.

Your not focusing on the crosshairs enough and your antcipating the shot. FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS!! Each shot should surprise you. Your concentration on the crosshair should be so concentrated that your trigger control becomes a subconcious action therfore each shot comes as a surprice. If while your in the shot process and you find yourself anticipating the shot...STOP, and start from the beginning. Remember, FOCUS on the intersection of the crosshair, try to find the flaw in the reticle. If your focus is right it will be impossible for you to think about the shot going off.
 
Re: Flinch

However, I agree that the dry fire will help....but, being that flinching is an anticipation of the recoil, and during dry fire you know that there is not going to be a recoil, you will not be flinching.

What we used to do with students that had irratic shot groups, is this

We would have them setup to fire, and we would load rounds in there gun for them, and chamber them as well. They would do nothing but pull the trigger. In the mix of those rounds we would load a dummy round every now and again. This would tell us exactly what they were doing and when they were doin it. We could also see when they werent doing it and the the placement of "that" shot.

I recommend loading some dummy rounds and taking a buddy with you to the range and trying this. However, The solution to your problem is your focus.
 
Re: Flinch

Especially with handguns, a flinch may develop due to the loud report when the weapon fires. It is a natural instinct to react to a loud noise (thunder, explosions, etc.) and while normally not as prevelant with shooting a rifle, you might be especially sensitive to sound. Try doubling your hearing protection, along with the other suggestions you've received. It might just help.
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EXTREMEPREJUDICE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Especially with handguns, a flinch may develop due to the loud report when the weapon fires. It is a natural instinct to react to a loud noise (thunder, explosions, etc.) and while normally not as prevelant with shooting a rifle, you might be especially sensitive to sound. Try doubling your hearing protection, along with the other suggestions you've received. It might just help. </div></div>

Good suggestion with the doubling of ear protection because when I was outdoors firing rifles I was fine. My shots were just fine because it wasn't as loud... especially when suppressed. Indoors with handguns for me was the worst so that's what I focused on with the dry firing and it made a night and day difference.

To the person talking about randomizing shots and not knowing works for some, but not all. My wife and I constantly take turns loading or not loading each others guns for about a half hour or more each trip to the range so, for me anyway, this didn't help my issues. I was still anticipating the BANG! which was causing me to continue flinching. Nothing but dry firing brought me back from the rut I was in with my handguns.

The other nice thing about dry firing is you can do it in your living room or someplace else safely and by yourself whereas with the guessing game you have to be at a range or someplace that you can discharge a firearm to be able to do it plus you almost have to have a second person present. I got the idea from a buddy who recently finished his training for becoming a local Sheriff deputy and they had him do TONs of dry firing and he was doing it one day at the range when we were there. I was like 'duh' why didn't I think of that?

Basics. Basics. Basics.
 
Re: Flinch

Dry firing helps get the flinch out. You can even do it at home laying in the floor. Make sure the rifle is safe and clear. Then pick a spot on the wall, practice all good techniques for about 30 minutes a day dry firing or using dummy bullets. After that it should tighten up.
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EXTREMEPREJUDICE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Especially with handguns, a flinch may develop due to the loud report when the weapon fires. It is a natural instinct to react to a loud noise (thunder, explosions, etc.) and while normally not as prevelant with shooting a rifle, you might be especially sensitive to sound. Try doubling your hearing protection, along with the other suggestions you've received. It might just help. </div></div>

Good suggestion with the doubling of ear protection because when I was outdoors firing rifles I was fine. My shots were just fine because it wasn't as loud... especially when suppressed. Indoors with handguns for me was the worst so that's what I focused on with the dry firing and it made a night and day difference.

To the person talking about randomizing shots and not knowing works for some, but not all. My wife and I constantly take turns loading or not loading each others guns for about a half hour or more each trip to the range so, for me anyway, this didn't help my issues. I was still anticipating the BANG! which was causing me to continue flinching. Nothing but dry firing brought me back from the rut I was in with my handguns.

The other nice thing about dry firing is you can do it in your living room or someplace else safely and by yourself whereas with the guessing game you have to be at a range or someplace that you can discharge a firearm to be able to do it plus you almost have to have a second person present. I got the idea from a buddy who recently finished his training for becoming a local Sheriff deputy and they had him do TONs of dry firing and he was doing it one day at the range when we were there. I was like 'duh' why didn't I think of that?

Basics. Basics. Basics. </div></div>

Im in total agreement with you about dry firing. It is a must. Just giving some more excercises to try. It may work for him and it may not.
 
Re: Flinch

Good advise. I find myself flinching at times also. I find that double hearing protection and concentrating more on reticle and target seem to help me. Always thought it was the recoil, but realized it was the anticipation of recoil and muzzle blast that was the biggest problem. I think I'll try some dryfire sessions and see if that doesn't help more.
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M.45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dryfire practice is your friend.

Try to dryfire at least 1:1 to shooting live rounds. Keep an eye on your crosshairs, breathe and follow the proper fundamentals so they don't move when you press the trigger.

</div></div>

Wow! Great minds?

I promise you I had this window open before your post and thought mine was original. lol </div></div>

Haha funny Jer. Such good advice we had to say it twice. ; )
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M.45</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M.45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dryfire practice is your friend.

Try to dryfire at least 1:1 to shooting live rounds. Keep an eye on your crosshairs, breathe and follow the proper fundamentals so they don't move when you press the trigger.

</div></div>

Wow! Great minds?

I promise you I had this window open before your post and thought mine was original. lol </div></div>

Haha funny Jer. Such good advice we had to say it twice. ; )

</div></div>

Works for me!
 
Re: Flinch

When I first got my 300 win mag I had flinch.. Hey I’m sorry but that thing hurt.. Hahaa. But after a lot dry fire and range practice, I learned that if I pay attention to my setup, do proper breathing and concentrate on the target at hand, I really don't know when I’m pulling the trigger and that really helped me. If that makes any sense at all..

Doubling up on your ears and having some dummy rounds show up when you’re not expecting them really really helps a lot too. I still catch myself every now then doing it too, so trust me when I say your not alone.. But I think that once I / we build a strong enough foundation using the proven methods and techniques we’ll beat this (horrible disease) once and for all..
wink.gif

 
Re: Flinch

Isn't it something how you notice recoil shooting at paper but never feel it when shooting at something living. All you are concerned with is making the kill. After the trigger is pulled you don't even remember the recoil.
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 700P</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What can I do to get rid of this? </div></div>
like many said, practice... discipline, i squeeze the trigger without anticipating the recoil, its mental, just make yourself squeeze slowly, i mean come on, whats that butt gonna do to ur shoulder anyways.
 
Re: Flinch

You don't have a true Flinch. What is happening is your body is compensating for the pounding it is receiving and causing you to jerk into the Rifle at the moment it thinks it's going to be kicked. I have seen guys standing on the Trapline and call for a bird and then almost fall on their face when nothing happens.

A true Flinch is when you can't squeeze the Trigger. This is the reason alot of shooters have went to release Triggers.

Before money issues got involved I was shooting 20 to 40,000 rounds a year shooting Trap. When I decided to start shooting my Rifle again I thought I would get some Practice in with my Air Rifle. The first shot with my Air Rifle I jerked so bad I almost dropped it.
 
Re: Flinch

here is an easy fix
get a drop in super light trigger 2-6oz
It will surprise you every time and you wont flinch or anticipate shot.
My match rifle runs a 6oz trigger an it surprises me every time still after 2 yrs of use
My pig runs a very slick sub 3lb trigger no over travel u just kinda push it, again more surprised by report than anything else.
A good trigger will do much to resolve your problem.
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jedi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">here is an easy fix
get a drop in super light trigger 2-6oz
It will surprise you every time and you wont flinch or anticipate shot.
My match rifle runs a 6oz trigger an it surprises me every time still after 2 yrs of use
My pig runs a very slick sub 3lb trigger no over travel u just kinda push it, again more surprised by report than anything else.
A good trigger will do much to resolve your problem. </div></div>

It will surprise you alright, especially when it goes off when you're not even expecting it to do so. Might even surprise someone else up to 2000yds away depending on what round you're using and the angle it's at when it ND's.

Make up for accuracy affecting minor issues by making your equipment unsafe? Do I even need to say this isn't good advice?
 
Re: Flinch

A light trigger does not make for an unsafe weapon just idiots that dont know how to keep finger outta trigger

Sounds like you might be one

Light trigger makes weapon unsafe, LMAO

Plzzzzzzzzzz can i have 15lb sticky trigger coz sum numb nut posted light triggers make guns unsafe
Hopefully you have no political aspirations BS like that will have us all being federally inspected for correct safe 15lb trigger pull


Will we be allowed to shoot anything bigger than bb gun, just to ensure sum dumb ass is not walking around finger on trigger n safety off




 
Re: Flinch

Accuracy is about placing your shots to your point of aim. Precision is about consistenly placing shots near to one another. You need to do both. Practice the fundamentals dry because to be accurate you will have to learn to manipulate the trigger without moving the sights from the target. But with regard to consistency you could be satisfied with a consistent flinch.
grin.gif
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jedi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A light trigger does not make for an unsafe weapon just idiots that dont know how to keep finger outta trigger

Sounds like you might be one

Light trigger makes weapon unsafe, LMAO

Plzzzzzzzzzz can i have 15lb sticky trigger coz sum numb nut posted light triggers make guns unsafe
Hopefully you have no political aspirations BS like that will have us all being federally inspected for correct safe 15lb trigger pull

Jeez maser must of bred b4 he left
Will we be allowed to shoot anything bigger than bb gun, just to ensure sum dumb ass is not walking around finger on trigger n safety off




</div></div>

I don't like surprises. Even in NRA LR, where any safe trigger is allowed, I want to be able to make contact with the trigger and pull from there with some resistance. Typically, I'm satisfied with a 1 pound pull weight from a single stage trigger. Smooth trigger control is a mental process, it is not dependant on trigger pull weight, within reason.
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jedi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A light trigger does not make for an unsafe weapon just idiots that dont know how to keep finger outta trigger

Sounds like you might be one

Light trigger makes weapon unsafe, LMAO

Plzzzzzzzzzz can i have 15lb sticky trigger coz sum numb nut posted light triggers make guns unsafe
Hopefully you have no political aspirations BS like that will have us all being federally inspected for correct safe 15lb trigger pull</div></div>

If you're right and that IS the case then why aren't ALL triggers just manufactured to be 2oz? The fact of the matter is the lighter trigger the more likely it is for it to ND even if you're trigger isn't anywhere near it. Not everyone sets their rifle on a bench and gently loads it before firing. Rememeber that rifles have MANY different uses and the simple fact is that a trigger set to light can most certainly be a dangerous suggestion.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jedi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jeez maser must of bred b4 he left
Will we be allowed to shoot anything bigger than bb gun, just to ensure sum dumb ass is not walking around finger on trigger n safety off</div></div>

Looks like someone is asking for a time out
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't like surprises. Even in NRA LR, where any safe trigger is allowed, I want to be able to make contact with the trigger and pull from there with some resistance. Typically, I'm satisfied with a 1 pound pull weight from a single stage trigger</div></div>

I forgot its all about your preferences, dont recall op askin for those but thnx
Apparently if it works for you then it should be the standard for all others

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're right and that IS the case then why aren't ALL triggers just manufactured to be 2oz? The fact of the matter is the lighter trigger the more likely it is for it to ND even if you're trigger isn't anywhere near it. Not everyone sets their rifle on a bench and gently loads it before firing. Rememeber that rifles have MANY different uses and the simple fact is that a trigger set to light can most certainly be a dangerous suggestion.</div></div>

Why arent all triggers set to 2oz.... folks like u
rifles have MANY different uses...... no way dude

Most shooters that is those that have sum resemblance of common sense bounce ck their set triggers to ensure against your concern.
Snuggle up to a burger and fries

Time out........LMAO
 
Re: Flinch

I use a dummy round drill when I go to the range for practice.
Since the recoil of live fire will cover up my small errors.
When I am finching or slapping the trigger it is very obvious when the trigger brakes on one of the dummies.
I take my ammo in a 50 round plastic box with the bullets up, so I can't see the primers and in that 50 rounds I will randomly place 5 or 10 dummy rounds.
If I am single loading or feeding from the magazine I try not to cheat when I am loading.
It really makes me aware of a smooth trigger press.
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jedi</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't like surprises. Even in NRA LR, where any safe trigger is allowed, I want to be able to make contact with the trigger and pull from there with some resistance. Typically, I'm satisfied with a 1 pound pull weight from a single stage trigger</div></div>

I forgot its all about your preferences, dont recall op askin for those but thnx
Apparently if it works for you then it should be the standard for all others

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're right and that IS the case then why aren't ALL triggers just manufactured to be 2oz? The fact of the matter is the lighter trigger the more likely it is for it to ND even if you're trigger isn't anywhere near it. Not everyone sets their rifle on a bench and gently loads it before firing. Rememeber that rifles have MANY different uses and the simple fact is that a trigger set to light can most certainly be a dangerous suggestion.</div></div>

Why arent all triggers set to 2oz.... folks like u
rifles have MANY different uses...... no way dude

Most shooters that is those that have sum resemblance of common sense bounce ck their set triggers to ensure against your concern.
Snuggle up to a burger and fries

Time out........LMAO </div></div>

Perhaps you've forgotten this is a forum for opinion. Yours is uninformed, and rude. There's no place here for your personal attacks, course language, and bully behavior. But, when you can't support your arguments with informative or entertaining discourse, I suppose you go with being the bully.
 
Re: Flinch

2 oz triggers are for bench resters that shoot free recoil.

All other forms of shooting, particularly those discussed on this site, produce repeatable POI based on consistent pressure from all contact points placed on the rifle before, during, and after the gun goes BANG.

A 2 oz trigger has no place on a rifle when you are "loading up" your shoulder, firing hand, cheek, and support point with pressure prior to the shot. Too light of a trigger promotes slapping at the trigger and releasing grip pressure as the trigger is broken.

2800-3000 FPS barrel times, 16 pound rifles, and muzzle brakes tend to mask pressure issues to some degree, but your most repeatable POI will come from repeatable pressure.

Back to the OP, the sooner you understand that learning proper trigger control/shot execution is a journey, not a destination, and that along that journey you must make yourself do it right EVERY SINGLE SHOT, the sooner you'll start to tame this thing you call a "flinch". Recoil anticipation manifests itself in multiple ways. The actual breaking of the shot needs to become an "oh by the way" in the shot process; the process is the same whether the gun goes bang or not. The bang is not at the end of the process or the result of the process; it is something that just so happens during the process. Your respitory pause, rifle pressures, and body relaxation/tension must remain the same long after the trigger finger increases that last bit of pressure that causes the sear to break.

LL's suppressor test videos do a pretty good job of illustrating this.
 
Re: Flinch

Dry Fire till you get blisters. Then next time your at the range load up a dummy round every so often that will surprise you and see if your still flinching. If you can have someone else load it for you so you have no clue where it could be. This will really help, and it even works for skeet shooters;)
 
Re: Flinch

Go back n read the quote from some Col

let me save ya time
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The expert shot avoids flinching by pressing the trigger with such a steady increase of pressure tht he does not know the exact instant the discharge will take place. </div></div>

that is premise for info i offered, as it seems my solution is one more commonly used

No one said anything about 2oz trigger on a field gun

each to their own methods of madness

My other solution which works well is shooting suppressed
 
Re: Flinch

Keep the time interval between flinching and the bullet leaving the tube as short as possible.... ;-)
Grip:
Stance/body position:
Sight alignment:
Sight picture:
Breath control:
Trigger squeeze:
Follow through: apply the first 6 fundamentals through the functioning of the weapon from the release of the sear, movement of the firing pin, detonation of the primer, burning of the powder, bullet being pushed down the bore past the point of the bullet exiting the barrel. Attempt to maintain a solid sight picture all the way through bullet impact. Call your shot every single time!!!
At some point you need to know exactly when your weapon will fire, and where exactly that bullet is going to go… Anything else is a negligent discharge
Recovery:
Dry fire, dry fire, dry fire,
Perfect practice makes perfect performance
If during dry fire exercises you see a noticeable sight picture bounce in relation to your reticle and target re-visit the 1st six fundamentals
 
Re: Flinch

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ssatt68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Keep the time interval between flinching and the bullet leaving the tube as short as possible.... ;-)
Grip:
Stance/body position:
Sight alignment:
Sight picture:
Breath control:
Trigger squeeze:
Follow through: apply the first 6 fundamentals through the functioning of the weapon from the release of the sear, movement of the firing pin, detonation of the primer, burning of the powder, bullet being pushed down the bore past the point of the bullet exiting the barrel. Attempt to maintain a solid sight picture all the way through bullet impact. Call your shot every single time!!!
At some point you need to know exactly when your weapon will fire, and where exactly that bullet is going to go&#133; Anything else is a negligent discharge
Recovery:
Dry fire, dry fire, dry fire,
Perfect practice makes perfect performance
If during dry fire exercises you see a noticeable sight picture bounce in relation to your reticle and target re-visit the 1st six fundamentals
</div></div>

My mental management is just a little different than yours:

Sight Alignment,
NPA,
Focus on Sight,
Trigger Control, and
Follow Through.

It's enough mental activity to keep my mind off of distractions, like flinching.
 
Re: Flinch

Probably one of the best things I've ever done to control my natural urge to flinch is to buy a .338LM. It may sound backwards given the benefits of shooting dry or with 22lr but this large caliber has forced me to exercise better control. My skills shooting .308 and .223 have improved as a result.