Ballistic Magazine
  • Guns
    • All
    • Class III & More
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    The New Original Henry Rifle.

    New Original Henry Rifle Kicks Off Cody Firearms Museum Collectors Series

    The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

    Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

    The new Davidson's Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX brings upgrades.

    Davidson’s Launches Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX

    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    The Winchester 88, introduced in 1955, was handsomely embellished with a hand-checkered diamond pattern stock and forend. The first models were chambered in .308 Winchester, the caliber in which most Model 88s are found today.

    Winchester Model 88: Rare, Valuable & Still Used in the Deer Woods

    We tested 12 compact and micro compact pistols to determine the best carry gun.

    Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2022: Compacts & Micros Dominate

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    Shooting the Mossberg MC2sc.

    Concealed Carry Powerhouse: The Mossberg MC2sc Delivers

  • Gear
    • All
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    300 Blackout vs 308, rifles, ammunition

    300 Blackout vs 308 Win: Which Round Reigns Supreme in AR-15s?

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    The author found the Walker Defense NERO extremely effective.

    VIDEO: The Walker Defense NERO Muzzle Brake Tames Beastly Recoil

    Trijicon REAP IR 60mm mini thermal riflescope, shooting bench, review

    Where Does the $9K Trijicon REAP IR 60mm Rank Amongst Riflescopes?

  • News
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • People
    • Podcasts
    • Rides
    • Survival
    • Tactics & Training
    A man open carries in a Walmart store.

    Mr. Manners: Let’s Have an Open Discussion on Open Carry

    Shit in the Woods, Wilderness pooping, toilet paper

    How to Poop in the Woods

    FUBeAR goes long-range in the April-May 2022 issue of Ballistic Magazine.

    Ballistic Magazine Mascot FUBeAR Goes Long-Range in April-May Issue

    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    Follow these tips to catch more fish.

    Fish On: Use These Simple Lessons to Catch More Fish!

    Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting, pistol

    The Guide to Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    Place rocks around your survival campfire.

    50 Survival Tips and Tricks for the Outdoors

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

  • Videos
    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    YouTube channel The Collector features $1M gun collection.

    The Collector: New YouTube Channel Shows Off $1M Gun Collection

  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Ballistic Magazine
  • Guns
    • All
    • Class III & More
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    The New Original Henry Rifle.

    New Original Henry Rifle Kicks Off Cody Firearms Museum Collectors Series

    The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

    Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

    The new Davidson's Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX brings upgrades.

    Davidson’s Launches Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX

    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    The Winchester 88, introduced in 1955, was handsomely embellished with a hand-checkered diamond pattern stock and forend. The first models were chambered in .308 Winchester, the caliber in which most Model 88s are found today.

    Winchester Model 88: Rare, Valuable & Still Used in the Deer Woods

    We tested 12 compact and micro compact pistols to determine the best carry gun.

    Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2022: Compacts & Micros Dominate

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    Shooting the Mossberg MC2sc.

    Concealed Carry Powerhouse: The Mossberg MC2sc Delivers

  • Gear
    • All
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    300 Blackout vs 308, rifles, ammunition

    300 Blackout vs 308 Win: Which Round Reigns Supreme in AR-15s?

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    The author found the Walker Defense NERO extremely effective.

    VIDEO: The Walker Defense NERO Muzzle Brake Tames Beastly Recoil

    Trijicon REAP IR 60mm mini thermal riflescope, shooting bench, review

    Where Does the $9K Trijicon REAP IR 60mm Rank Amongst Riflescopes?

  • News
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • People
    • Podcasts
    • Rides
    • Survival
    • Tactics & Training
    A man open carries in a Walmart store.

    Mr. Manners: Let’s Have an Open Discussion on Open Carry

    Shit in the Woods, Wilderness pooping, toilet paper

    How to Poop in the Woods

    FUBeAR goes long-range in the April-May 2022 issue of Ballistic Magazine.

    Ballistic Magazine Mascot FUBeAR Goes Long-Range in April-May Issue

    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    Follow these tips to catch more fish.

    Fish On: Use These Simple Lessons to Catch More Fish!

    Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting, pistol

    The Guide to Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    Place rocks around your survival campfire.

    50 Survival Tips and Tricks for the Outdoors

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

  • Videos
    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    YouTube channel The Collector features $1M gun collection.

    The Collector: New YouTube Channel Shows Off $1M Gun Collection

  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Ballistic Magazine
No Result
View All Result

The 12 Commandments of Rifle Shooting & Deadliness

Richard Mann by Richard Mann
May 31, 2018
in Lifestyle, Tactics & Training
0
The 12 Commandments of Rifle Shooting & Deadliness
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Learn the dismount: Rifles are carried—often with a sling—much more often than they are fired. It’s likely you’ll be carrying your rifle slung on your shoulder when you need it most. You should practice dismounting—removing the rifle from the slung position and getting on target—from at least two of the common carry positions and your right and left sides. You should be able to unsling the rifle bring it up and on target in less than two seconds. And you should be able to do this safely, without letting the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
Mount up: Shouldering your rifle correctly is one of the first steps to making a good shot. You should bring the comb of the stock up to the face (eye) first and then snug the buttstock into your shoulder. Practice with your eyes closed first. Then open your eyes and adjust your positioning to achieve a full view through the scope or a proper view of the sights. Then, repeat the eyes-off mounting to establish proprioception, which is another word for muscle memory.
Snap shots: Snap shooting is important for hunters, competitors and those fighting with a rifle. You might have to fend off a bad critter or a bad guy in a hurry. Practice bringing your rifle to bear for quick off-hand shots by choosing an aiming point and by keeping your eyes on that point while mounting your rifle. After you can do that consistently, practice mounting the rifle with your eyes closed and then open, and adjust. Repeat this to ingrain the proprioception.

Open both eyes: Try to keep both eyes open when shooting with a scope or open sights. This is easier at lower magnifications, but you should work to learn how high you can set the magnification while keeping both eyes in play. Keeping both eyes open provides you with a much larger field of peripheral vision, and this is always a good thing for a hunter, soldier or competitor.
Ready positions: Practice mounting your rifle from the ready positions you intend to use. You should be proficient at getting the rifle to your shoulder and on target quickly from low-ready, close-ready, high-ready and port arms.
Intermediate positions: More commonly referred to as field positions, these are the positions you and your rifle will attempt to get hits from while in the field. You should be able to move into these positions smoothly and quickly, and you should be able to transition from one position to the other effortlessly and without thought. Ideally, you should be able to get into any intermediate position in three steps or fewer.

Immediate action: Guns do not always work as intended. Occasionally, you can have a stoppage or failure to fire with even the simplest rifle actions. You need to know how to correct these issues immediately when they happen. You should not have to think about the solution to the problem. Skill at immediate action might save your life during a buffalo charge or help you win a shooting match.
Follow-through: One of the most overlooked aspects of basic marksmanship fundamentals is following through. Too often, shooters come off the trigger too soon. Force yourself to practice follow-through. Exaggerate holding the trigger back while at the same time reacquiring your sight picture. Only after you’ve achieved both, operate the action or reset the trigger on a semi-automatic rifle.
Run your gun: With manually cycling rifles such as bolts and lever actions, learn to cycle the action after the shot without ever removing the rifle from your shoulder. This greatly speeds up your recovery time and allows for a faster second or follow-up shot. With a bolt-action rifle where the bolt might hit you in the face when cycled, you can cant the rifle to the bolt side, keeping the stock’s toe in the shoulder. Then pivot the rifle back to your face as you close the bolt. You don’t remove a semi-automatic rifle from your shoulder between shots, and you should not do it with a manually cycled action, either.

Fast safety tips: Make disengaging your rifle’s safety a part of your mount. Disengage the safety as you bring the comb of the stock up to your face. Don’t do it too early, but at the same time, don’t wait until you have established a perfect mount on your shoulder. Take the safety off while you’re mounting the rifle, and make sure you practice this from every shooting position.
Optical Intelligence: You should become intimately familiar with your riflescope. You should be able to operate the magnification selector without looking at it. You should also know which directions result in up or down and left or right reticle movement on your windage and elevation turrets. The same goes for any illumination controls. Learn to operate your riflescope without taking your eyes off the target. (Remember the part about keeping both eyes open and better peripheral vision?)
Load and Unload: You might need to load your rifle while keeping your eyes on that leopard you just wounded. Or you might need to unload your rifle in the dark before you crawl down from that tree stand. Make sure you can load and unload your rifle—and that includes your rifle’s magazines—without looking. You can wear a blindfold and use dummy rounds to practice beforehand.

In 1997, Colonel Jeff Cooper, the founder of Gunsite Academy, wrote “The Art of the Rifle.” This book remains one of the best resources on rifle shooting for hunting, competition and even self-defense. Though Cooper passed in 2006, Gunsite’s rifle shooting doctrine is still largely influenced by what Cooper wrote 20 years ago.

Gunsite Academy instructor Il Ling New teaches many of the rifle courses at Gunsite and is an accomplished hunter. Here are a dozen sound lessons covered in the Gunsite 270 Rifle class. New considers these important if you want to perfect the art of the rifle. These tips apply to all types of rifle shooting, whether it’s a bolt action or AR-15.

  • RELATED STORY: 12 Long-Range Shooting Tips from Gunsite’s Cory Trapp
  • RELATED STORY: 12 Do-or-Die Shotgun Training Tips for Personal and Home Defense

Don’t assume that because you grew up in a hunting family or were in the military that you truly know how to shoot and manage a rifle. I did both, and I did not know what I did not know. My rifle shooting improved measurably after taking the 270 Rifle course at Gunsite. These 12 tips might not seem that important, but they are. They work together to help you concentrate on the most important aspects of rifle shooting:

  • Safety
  • Sight alignment
  • Trigger control

Fast, accurate and precise rifle shooting is an art. Learn it or miss.

This article was originally published in “Ballistic” Fall 2017. To order a copy, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

Related Posts

Follow this guide to better shooting on the move.

SHOOTING 101: 3 Keys to Getting Hits While Shooting on the Move

Understanding eye dominance and both eyes open shooting will help you get on target.

VIDEO: Understanding Eye Dominance for Better Accuracy & Speed

Phil Smith and NAAGA bring Black gun owners into the 2A community.

NAAGA: Bringing Black Gun Owners into the 2A Community

Training with the Umarex Glock 17 Gen5 T4E.

VIDEO: Paintball Battle With the New Umarex Glock 17 Gen5 T4E

Load More

CHECK OUT RELOADING ZONE SEASON 2

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

by Ballistic Staff
May 17, 2022
0

Long live the lever-gun! Marlin made a big announcement today, marking the return of the popular...

Read more

TRENDING

The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

Shit in the Woods, Wilderness pooping, toilet paper

How to Poop in the Woods

We tested 12 compact and micro compact pistols to determine the best carry gun.

Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2022: Compacts & Micros Dominate

We rundown the best hunting rifles seen at SHOT Show 2022.

Here’s 15 of the Best Hunting Rifles Released at SHOT Show 2022

PICK A CATEGORY

SPOTLIGHT

The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

James Cameron’s Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) had a huge impact on me growing up. I credit...

SHOWCASE: TRAINING AND TACTICS

Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting, pistol

The Guide to Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting

Follow this guide to better shooting on the move.

SHOOTING 101: 3 Keys to Getting Hits While Shooting on the Move

Understanding eye dominance and both eyes open shooting will help you get on target.

VIDEO: Understanding Eye Dominance for Better Accuracy & Speed

Molotov Cocktail defense, antifa

Molotov Cocktail 101: How They’re Made & How to Defend Against Them

How to Survive Waterboarding Torture

Waterboarding 101: What Is Waterboarding and How to Prepare Yourself

The Mantis Blackbeard.

VIDEO: The Mantis Blackbeard AR-15 Trigger Reset System for Dry Fire

What to do during a negligent discharge on the range.

Mister Manners: You’re Downrange Pasting Targets When Shots Are Fired

Riot Survival, Survival Tips, Riot Gear

Mister Manners: How to Avoid Trouble During a Violent Protest

site logo
The Premier Firearms & Survival Magazine
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms Of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • View All Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Class III & More
    • Sponsored
      • SIG Sauer
  • Gear
    • View All Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
  • Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
  • News
  • View All Lifestyle
  • People
  • Podcasts
  • Rides
  • Survival
  • Tactics & Training

© 2022 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.