Groups/Indivdual targets. Mentality/ability?

[Sebben]

So these last few trips to the range got me thinking about my ability as a shooter.

I seem to be able to put a round on an individual target better than I can put a group together. When looking at a single target or group of targets I can engage those targets with less stress and what seem to be better fundamentals or at least more consistent fundamentals. The best way to describe it is tumblers in a lock fall into place and I am able to drive the shot where I want it. Not big targets either, small stuff at 100yds like 1/16" wire on political signs, pennies, particular letters on soda cans, golf balls and shoot N C cover up stickers are all fair game.

This seems to the the contrary when trying to shoot a group. It seems I focus all of my attention on the fundamentals trying to deliver the best group but end up letting my self down. My best groups are when I don't try. This is not what I want. I want to have the ability to shoot a group on demand. I guess what I'm getting at is how do I practice to get my individual target abilities to do the same for my group shooting?

I know some people say shooting groups isn't important, but it seems to me this is how performance is judged.

 

[proneshooter]

Re: Groups/Indivdual targets. Mentality/ability?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sebben</div><div class="ubbcode-body">it seems to me this is how performance is judged. </div></div>

By whom? The internet peanut gallery?

The fact that you can place a single shot where you want to on demand is a far better performance measure (in my eyes) of rifle and shooter than a bughole group.

 

[sinister]

Re: Groups/Indivdual targets. Mentality/ability?

Military rifle competition is an objective measure of overall skill-at-arms.

In an Excellence-in-Competition match (held at all division, major command, service, interservice, and National Matches) the Leg Match (rifle or pistol) is a simple 50-shot rifle or 40- or 45-shot pistol course of fire, bullseye or combat.

No sighters, no zero verification, all shots count for all the marbles. You either know your zeroes and can guesstimate light and wind drift or you can't. Slow fire standing and prone 500 or 600 yards (with irons). Rapids sitting at 200 and prone at 300.

Either you group them in the center or you don't. Mistakes and errors detract.

Honors go to the guys who shoot straightest, fastest, AND in the center.

Same as combat or hunting.

The measure of excellence for groups of riflemen is in team matches of four or more guys. The rules state one shooter has to be a cherry who has never competed at that level before. Talent has to bleed over and gel amongst the team.

Team coaches have to be able to synch all shooters and get them in the center. The command of some of the best coaches after getting your rapid-fire wind correction -- "Shoot a group."

There isn't a "Governing body" for sniper-type shooting, no objective "Compulsory" or standard course of fire like in bullseye, combat, or IPSC, so every match is a crap shoot. Usually in sniper matches (depending on layout and course-of-fire) combined talent and gadgetry will win out (witness Mike Voigt and Taran Butler cross-over shooting from IPSC 3-gun to precision-rifle money events). If you offer something like a truck or $100,000 prize money and make a playing field a little tougher write the rules to require a cherry on all teams. Extreme endurance races used to do this by requiring a girl on the team (not that there aren't some extremely talented and competitive gals).