Rifle-Firing Techniques

Using correct firing techniques will help you steady the rifle for the most accurate shooting. Bear in mind that these are only the basics. Further study will help you understand other factors that can affect your accuracy, such as wind, heat, and parallax.

parallax: Apparent optical movement of telescopic crosshairs in relation to the target

Shooting from a Rest: When shooting in the field, the safest and most accurate shots are taken from a rest—a log, large rock, or other stable object. Don’t rest the barrel directly on a hard surface, or it will shoot higher than normal—put some padding, such as a hat or a jacket, under the rifle.

Breathing: Your breathing can move the rifle just enough to throw off your shot.

• When you’re ready to shoot, inhale a little deeper than normal and exhale until you feel comfortable.
• Then stop your breath in your throat as you squeeze the trigger. Do not tense up or strain to stop your breath as this will affect your shot.
• Bear in mind that if you hold your breath too long, your vision will start to blur and your heart will start to beat faster. This increases your pulse and causes an increase in your arc-of-movement or the perceived movement of the front sight on the target. If you notice this happening, take another breath and start over.
• At times the excitement of spotting game will make it more difficult to control your breathing. Try to relax and follow the correct procedure.

Trigger Squeeze: Jerking the trigger or abruptly clenching the trigger hand can move the gun enough to cause a miss.

• To squeeze the trigger without jarring the gun, simply apply slow, steady pressure until the gun fires.
• Practice makes breath control and proper trigger squeeze habitual.

Follow Through: After the bullet fires, it’s important to continue the squeeze or follow through. That prevents you from jerking the gun before the bullet has left the barrel. Do not try to prevent the gun from recoiling by forcing your shoulder into the gun.