Advanced Marksmanship M14 dry firing question

[lizzardking308]

I mainly shoot bolt guns but have a few semi-autos that I bust out for fun every now and then. Brought my M14 EBR out today and when I was re-familiarizing myself with the trigger I noticed that when the trigger broke the crosshairs jump a good amount. The trigger group was sent to SEI for their upgrade, so it's not the standard gritty trigger, breaks pretty clean at 4lbs. Any thoughts/suggestions? Pretty sure (read as 100% sure) its not the arrow but the indian, but not having a ton of semi-auto experience I don't know how to diagnose my problem.

 

[kraigWY]

No offense, but I think its you. Of course my M1A has the standard trigger it came with when I bought it in '77, but I dry fire it a lot, I MEAN A LOT, don't have that problem.

 

[lizzardking308]

I'm more than confident it is me! Was looking for help on how to fix said problem. Any suggestions? More dry firing?

 

[kraigWY]

First, understand I don't shoot my M1A with a bi-pod, bags, 'n such. I use a sling. I get close to where I think is my natural point of aim, close my eyes, get a good relaxed position and open them if I'm not lined up I adjust.............pivot on the belt buckle. When I'm set dry fire a bit, if I move then it means my position is screwed. If I get to where I can drop the hammer with out moving off my NPA, then I close my eyes, dry fire, open them, and see if any adjustment is needed.

Ride the trigger, meaning don't let the trigger reset until after your follow through and your ready to work the action for the next snap.

If your sights move after you shoot, it means you position is out of whack, means you are muscling the rifle, it moves after the hammer falls because you relax. You should be relaxed when the hammer falls.

Relaxation is one of the most under appreciated parts of marksmanship fundamentals.

If you shoot from a bi-pod or something else, then I'd recommend getting the Rifle's Only DVD and go by his recommendations.

Regardless, when you dry fire, get a note book, data book, score book, something, to record your calls,...............even in dry firing.

Edit to add another point.

Get into a good position with a good solid NPA and get some one to rack the bolt while you dry fire (simulating the firing of the gas gun). Do it with your eyes closed, after the hammer falls, before you let the trigger re-set, open your eyes, if you're not still on target, adjust until you can remain on target.

And yes, the more dry firing the better.

 

[lizzardking308]

Thank you sir, your advice is greatly appreciated. That was exactly what I was looking for. I'm pretty sure its what you said about not being relaxed. Will try that and report back. Again, thank you!

 

[kraigWY]

I'm pretty sure its what you said about not being relaxed

Yes Sir:

It's natural and an uncontrolled response to relax after the hammer falls. The trick is when you relax you fall into your natural point of aim.