Keeping the same sight picture fundamental

[taseal]

Got a question that maybe someone can explain, or correct me...

ok, back in the days of boot camp (and my prior experience before that) I was always told that when shooting for groups (like zeroing in the army requires a 3 shot group) you don't move your head (well as little as needed) to keep that same sight picture, so the 3 shots are consistent as possible... the head stays in the same place, grip hold doesn't change, etc...

now my question is, when we zero our precision rigs, or when we are logging our shots on our data books, we usually take 1 shot, move away from the rifle to log it in our databook, or at least move around a little to adjust the scope... isn't this a bad fundamental to move around like that to keep a tight group? is this ok to do as long as you have a good parallax adjustment?

it's hard keeping the same position for me shot after shot especially as a lefty because it's a bit awkard for me to move around to cycle the bolt, so I don't think my body stays in a consistent position on a bolt rifle to begin with...

hopefully what I wrote made some sense. it was a bit hard to explain...

thanks!

 

[doc_taylor77]

Re: Keeping the same sight picture fundamental

Keeping the same sight picture is fundamental to good accuracy. However, you do not have to stay glued to the rifle to accomplish it. When you first get to the range, you have to build your position prior to the first shot, right? As long as you do this for every shot you should be fine. Consistancy is the key to accuracy.

 

[CharlieTN]

Re: Keeping the same sight picture fundamental

This is one of the reasons I practice the dot drill quite a bit. Since 1st shot consistancy is so important, the dot drill forces me to take 10 "first shots" in a row. If I can setup each shot correctly then I'm doing pretty good.

When it comes to real world application (e.g. hunting, competition, and yes even the role of a sniper)groups don't mean much. First shot hits are what counts. Can you build your shot and hit your target, each time?

Charlie

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: Keeping the same sight picture fundamental

I re-build my position for each shot. Even from rapid fire, if I think I've disturbed the position so as to effect consistency of recoil.

 

[shamrock1]

Re: Keeping the same sight picture fundamental

Can you explain your procedure for building your position for each shot? Do you have a mental checklist that you talk yourself through prior to taking a shot? I am learning that consistency is the key to tight groups. I just haven't figured out a procedure that works for me yet.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: Keeping the same sight picture fundamental

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shamrock1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can you explain your procedure for building your position for each shot? Do you have a mental checklist that you talk yourself through prior to taking a shot? I am learning that consistency is the key to tight groups. I just haven't figured out a procedure that works for me yet.</div></div>

There are five factors to a steady position: grip, non-firing hand, stockweld, butt-to-shoulder, and elbows. These factors describe the relationship between the shooter, gun, and ground. As you shoulder the rifle these factors will be considered as sight alignment is established, yet, without consideration for the target. Next: adjust natural point of aim, pull focus to the sight, pull trigger utilizing smooth trigger control, and follow through.

 

[devildog62]

Re: Keeping the same sight picture fundamental

^^^ +1, sight picture will be the same as long as your position is consistent, and good fundamentals are adhered to