A simple way to test your self in marksmanship

[J.Boyette]

The best way I have found to test all aspects of marksmanship and running the rifle is to do the following.

targets to use:

4 MOA with 1 MOA scoring rings 10, 9, 8, 7

Place them at each yard line you can shoot in equal distance.

Example:

You only have a 100yd range = 1 target every 20yds
You have a 300yd range = 1 target every 100yds

Things to do when shooting this practice drill. Have two shot call sheets with you at all times. Call the shot and record it on a shot caller sheet next to you. Use the other shot call sheet to record the bullet impact once down range and compare the two once back on the firing line. Check your DOPE per distance and see if you dialed on the correct adjustment. Get the best position you can, perform great trigger control and record if you pulled the round on the shot caller sheet next to you BEFORE taking the next shot.

Test:

Pick a position to test for a day and use this test for just 1 position per range day. (this takes time) About 2-3 hrs or so.


Step 1: Fire 1 round per target and adjust your elevation knob to the correct setting for the next distance.

Step 2: Go down range and record on paper the MOA offset the bullet printed on the target. Using the other shot call sheet to record the bullet impact once down range and compare the two once back on the firing line.

Step 3: DO NOT MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS to your DOPE until this drill is finished!!!!!!!!

Example: do not record a click +/- for the next shot at the distance you just engaged. Let the rounds print as they will. If you record a +/- click or two you will not get a true DOPE reading in the 3 shot group.

Step 4 repeat steps 1, 2 & 3 for a total of three rounds.

Now you have three rounds in each target. The time it took you to walk the range and record each shot on paper, that let the rifle cool off between stages and let you clear your mind. Also gives you time to compare the two shot call sheets.

<span style="font-weight: bold">For the good groups prone:</span>
If you are 1 MOA or better group per-distance your rifle AND YOU are performing as needed. If the group is not in the 10 ring, you have bad DOPE and need to adjust the knobs to the center of the 3 rnd shot group to have the correct point of aim / point of impact.

<span style="font-weight: bold">For the good group’s sitting sling supported:</span>
Same as above except in the 2 MOA ring and you need to learn the hold, not dial the offset if any once the prone shot group is confirmed following this process.

<span style="font-weight: bold">For the good group’s kneeling sling supported:</span>
Same as sitting except the 3 MOA ring

<span style="font-weight: bold">For the good group’s offhand sling supported:</span>
Same as sitting and kneeling except the 4 MOA ring

When you use a barricade of any design, find the nearest position, prone, sitting, kneeling, offhand you are at and use the same standard of accuracy.

<span style="font-weight: bold">For the bad groups any position </span>
The shot call log will tell you, what you did wrong. Now you know what to fix and work at if you are HONEST with yourself.

Lastly, when you can clean this COF within the standards of 1 MOA Prone, 2 MOA Sitting, 3 MOA kneeling & 4 MOA standing offhand drop the target size to .75 MOA and repeat.

Hope this helps.
John

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Re: A simple way to test your self in marksmanship

What I like to do is work with a student at SR until the student can get groups close to having zero dispersion. I also start the student off from a sandbag supported seated or prone position, since slinging up is too unnatural and thus becomes a distraction to concentration on sight alignment and trigger control. Once picture and motor memory are developed enough to get relatively small groups and consistent group placement, the shooter's initial 25 meter BSZ zero is tested at 300 meters. Of course, angular error produced by inconsistent sight alignment, or NPA, as well as error from wind will be revealed at this distance, and can be corrected. Sometime later, positions and sling usage are presented after the student is getting good results from sandbag support. This training method is possible since I only work one-on-one from one course which is an abbreviated facsimile of the 2007 SDM/TTT curriculum. No doubt, however, the student is very aware, upon course completion, that good shooting is all about properly pointing the rifle with consistent sight alignment and pulling the trigger without disturbing aim, utilizing smooth trigger control.

 

[brunop]

Re: A simple way to test your self in marksmanship

Thanks. Next weekend.

 

[timlemons64]

Re: A simple way to test your self in marksmanship

J, sound like a good drill. I will try this out on my next range day. Thanks for sharing.