Advanced Marksmanship help to get started

gknittel

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 29, 2007
110
0
44
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hi guys!!

I need some help to get started in precision shooting.
I already finished my first own rifle (700 police, 308win, aics, sn3) and I went to the range to test it (and test myself).
I shot 50 rounds and the rifle seems great. But the shooter isn't good at all... so I'm looking for some advices.

I've read many times the main threads about the fundamentals and I've also watched several times the videos on youtube (NPA, straight behind the rifle, loading the bipod, recoil management, breathing, and so on).

When shooting, my problem is that I can't get consistent nothing. Every shot is different to the previous one. The rifle not only hops but it does it diferently with each shot.

I'm using the AI bipod and I've adjusted the stock as shown on the youtube video (lenght of pull and cheek elevation).
I'm getting perfect sight picture, with no shadows on the scope. Parallax is adjusted as good as my eyes can notice.

About the position, since I'm shotting from a bench, I'm trying to be as square as possible with the rifle. And here comes my first question:

When you say "straight behind the rifle" I understand I've to build the position a little to the side of the rifle... right? I mean not in angle, but with my backbone and the barrel in two different parallel lines, not in the same line... right?
Or should the barrel be in the same line with my backbone?

Another problem I had on the range is the bipod sliping on the concrete bench when I try to load it.
I tryed with and without the rubber shoes. Am I applying too much force to it?

And about dryfiring:
I pick a small target about 1000 yards away and I point the rifle to it.
I build my position and I can easily get the reticle freezed on the target. No movement at all.
I squeeze the trigger and I only see a tiny imperceptible vibration but it's not enough to get off target.
However, I do have lots of movement when I cycle the bolt. Sometimes I even end up having to readjust the position.
Is this normal?

Please any comments and suggestions would be great...

I can shoot about 50 rounds per week... is this acceptable?
Is it enough to subscribe to the online training program and keep up with the lessons?

Thanks alot, as always..
 
Re: help to get started

Before you learn bad habits, join the online training. Plan on doing lots of dry fire. (I think I saw something like 20 dry fire per 1 live fire quoted on here before?) Consider a 22LR for practice.

I was in your shoes a year ago. I've got about 1300 rounds thru my 308 now, lost track of rounds thru my 22LR, and hours upon hours of dry fire. But I am shooting much better than a year ago.
 
Re: help to get started

Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. Learn the proper way to shoot, stay disciplend and before you know it you will be addicted.
 
Re: help to get started

If you fill out your profile, someone experienced near you may be able to coach you along.

But dry fire and 22lr for practice will help save your barrel.

Good luck.
 
Re: help to get started

+1 for the 22 it will help you get the hang of the fundamentals quality trigger time is important. There is a big difference in throwing massive amounts rounds down range and fewer well placed shots. Constancy is everything.
 
Re: help to get started

OP,

You're using the bipod as a rest rather than to help support your position. You must control the rifle until recoil subsides. Learn a technique to maintain control. The easiest thing to do is place the non-firing hand on the handguard for a traditional prone position, where you can better understand how all this stuff interacts.