The old adage, “Aim Small Miss Small,” is not clearly understood, as young hunters are under the impression technology will do the shooting for them. I see it all the time at the range, a young hunter even one with military experience just can’t shoot. Most of the time its just a lack of practice, perfect practice that is, it starts with a 22 long rifle and a thing called a bench rest.
For every 20 rounds of High Power you practice with you should fire 200 rounds of 22. Now that is just basic shooting, but its the start of getting much better. When you go to the range stay all day until you get it right.
First learn how to do a two point bench rest position with your 22 at 25 yards, any further and your just dealing with the wind blowing a bullet off target so you never really know what you or your rifle will do with a certain brand of ammo. Using a vise rest will never make you a good shot, what you don’t know is its not good for your rifle either.
Shoot at still targets until you can shoot a 5 shot group you can cover with a dime. Once you can do that you can move your 22 targets out further. It is only a matter of trajectory after that as you learn how the bullet drops out to say 100 yards. You will find out about wind real quick.
Now plinking fun starts still from the bench as we are learning to make hunting shots, not beer cans. Going back to 25 yards its time to split a few tooth picks and playing cards. A simple Bushnell Banner 3×9 power scope will do this all day. Yes, you want a scope this stuff about sticking with traditional iron sights is not for the beginner. If you have a good teacher and you do need one, you are learning your equipment and finding your grove. When you get to the point that you get bored shooting 12 gauge empty hulls at 100 yards you have reached enlightenment. For the record you can do it at 200 yards but that takes a little more science.
Now you have mastered your bench rest, time to try some off hand shooting again with the 22. Don’t expect the world but get into it. Start at about 15 yards and see if you can hit 12 gauge empty hulls. Make sure you clean up your mess. You have two options Snap Shooting and Target Style learn them both at different ranges until you satisfy yourself.
For the Deer Rifle we will go with the 308 Winchester, mine is a Ruger Scout rifle. With this I can keep the 150 grain soft points in a 2 inch circle at 50 and 100 yards. Funny this combination doesn’t require a sight adjustment. To do this I stick with the two point bench rest, the standard is 3 shots in a 2 inch circle, better is very possible.
This has been in print in similar articles and it must be continued in order for new hunters to get the idea that its not technology that makes the sharpshooter. The good shooter exploits the technology and gets better. Good shooting is a perishable skill of consistency. You get that way by perfect practice during the off season so your ready for the perfect shot…Pass it on.