Need help calling the shots.

[SquidHC]

Hey all, took out my new stick today for some range time. First day out with the new rifle. Trying to log everything on a data book but having a hard time with my calls. Two issues that seem clear to me. Not sure how to deal with them.

I am shooting from a bench with a bi-pod and a rear bag. .308.

Issue 1. When fired I CAN NOT stay on target. My rifle moves significantly to the right, and feels like it bounces. I'm talking an easy 1-2 inches of lateral movement.

Issue 2. I keep my eye open when pulling the trigger, but can't keep it open when the round goes off. I am used to shooting AR's and pistols, and have no issues keeping both eyes open whatsoever. This may just require an acclimation to the new rifle, but suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

You may not have properly adjusted your natural point of aim and/or you may be using the bipod as a rest rather than a support. Build the position cognizant of the five factors of a steady position, but without consideration of the target, allowing the rifle to point where ever it naturally goes. Then adjust natural point of aim to get the sight picture you want. At first, use a sandbag support; and, place the non firing hand under the hand guard of the rifle to get more control over the rifle. Dry fire before loading live rounds. Without recoil to mask trigger control issues you will be able to determine if your trigger control is smooth. Be sure to follow through, continuing to aim until recoil has ceased, thus making it possible to call the shot. Once you can get this done with sandbag support, then undertake shooting with the bipod.

 

[SquidHC]

I was allowing for natural point of aim, but was just sitting behind the gun at the bench with no real rhyme or reason. It generally felt awkward to me to sit there (I have only shot from a bench twice in my life). Additionally, I did not have my hand holding the front stock. I had it holding the sand sock which was supporting the rear of my rifle. I will try holding the stock itself next time.. I'll do some reading on how to properly shoot from a bench, but I intend to do most of my shooting from prone or field supported positions.

 

[Win_94]

was just sitting behind the gun at the bench with no real rhyme or reason.

You just answered your own question. Your shoulder needs to contact the butt-plate squarely, no mater what the shooting position.

 

[Desert_308]

Make the blinking issue a priority. You have to see the sight to call the shot.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

I was allowing for natural point of aim, but was just sitting behind the gun at the bench with no real rhyme or reason. It generally felt awkward to me to sit there (I have only shot from a bench twice in my life). Additionally, I did not have my hand holding the front stock. I had it holding the sand sock which was supporting the rear of my rifle. I will try holding the stock itself next time.. I'll do some reading on how to properly shoot from a bench, but I intend to do most of my shooting from prone or field supported positions.

Get the non firing hand on the stock to get some control. Follow through.

 

[ksthomas]

Simple answer here; Ball & Dummy. This is a standard drill for competitive shooters (especially newbies who will swear up and down that they're not flinching). It entails a coach loading your firearm with either a live round, or a dummy round. You won't know which until you pull the trigger. What happens when that striker falls will tell you everything you need to know, and answer lots of questions. Very common drill among pistol shooters, a bit less so for rifle shooters, but it's definately time well spent. Worth repeating from time to time, too.

 

[lovetsx]

I developed a terrible flinch from turkey hunting with my new 3 1/2 12 gauge last year.I had a buddy stand behind me and watch. He said I was pulling to the right in anticipation of the shoulder slap. I keep arguing that I wasn't. So he went and got his wife. She said same thing. This carried over into my crossbow during early season. I also noticed it with shooting my AR while standing. To overcome it I would place a coin on the barrel and dry fire until the coin didn't fall. Then I had to go to the 25-06 and dry fire until. until no flinch. When hunting I would practice dry firing on does until a shooter came out after them.

In years passed at deer camp I would usually tag out opening morning. Instead of going home I would go back without any bullets and practice dry fire on deer. It is amazing how there is no buck fever if you know there is no round in the chamber.

Do the coin thing, the ball and dummy and practice dry firing. Have someone watch you or video yourself. Get LL new videos and get the fundamentals down.

 

[SquidHC]

Thanks a ton for all of your responses. I will definitely be trying out some of these methods.