New rifle...

[rugersmygun]

I just purchased my first target rifle I picked up the Rem 700 5R 20" threaded barrel so I guess the easy part is done "the rifle" so now what? I read a post the other day that said "now learn to shoot"...I have grown up around guns all my life and thought I was a decent shot until I started trying to shoot long distance I guess it magnifies all my bad habits so how do I "learn" to shoot at the age of 37...? Can some of shed some light any suggestions will be greatly appreciated..

 

[liltank]

Get yourself a 20MOA base. Have the trigger done on it. You want it as light as you are comfortable having it. For a field gun it is suggested to stay in the 1.5-2.5lbs range. Me personally, I'm nuts and like my triggers in the ounce range. But for having to wear gloves, it makes a difference. Get loading and find what the rifle likes, or find some factory match ammo or premium hunting ammo and see what it likes. Make sure you have a good bi-pod, or some sort of front rest. Make sure to use a sand bag or pad the bi-pod on a table when doing load test. Or if you choose to do so, shoot prone with your bi-pod resting in the grass. Make sure the barrel is completely free floated. If the rifle is new, look into doing a barrel break in. There a ton of different methods to do it.

For field shooting prone you'll want to pre-load your bi-pod a little by pushing into the rifle with your toes in the ground. Learn to keep a consistent cheek weld. You may have to make or purchase an adjustable cheek piece to keep your eyes aligned with the scope properly. Dry firing is a good way of learning a good trigger stroke. You want to be able to stroke the trigger dry so that you are not flinching or blinking at the snap of the firing pin. You'll see your point of aim jump if you are not consistent. If you are consistent, the cross hairs will stay in the center.

Don't hold your rifle with a death grip! Just relax. Depending on your comfort level with the rifle, allow your trigger hand thumb to rest to the side of the pistol grip so you don't torque the rifle when the gun recoils. The big thing is staying relaxed and not trying to over control the rifle. I prefer to shoot with both eyes open. It's difficult to learn if you shoot with one your whole life, but you won't fatigue as quickly. What scope are you using? I noticed in your last post that you said you have one on hand already.

Tank

P.S. It's an unwritten rule that you have to show the rifle porn when stating you have a new rifle!

 

[MontanaRifleman]

There are a lot of good sticky's in "the Basics, Starting Out" forum and a lot of good articles in the Technical articles section.

 

[MMERSS]

I have grown up around guns all my life and thought I was a decent shot until I started trying to shoot long distance

Rugersmygun,

LR shooting and hunting can be a completely new experience and often without a plan and direction frustrating. Many times I have had friends approach me and state they want to start hunting long range to include ranges up to and past 1000. First thought "1000 yards and beyond, yikes." A simple question for them, "What have you done so far to be comfortable at your intended ranges and if not comfortable what is your plan to get there?" Common reply, "I want you to show me." For a few of those serious in pursuing the interest I invite them to a maximum effective range shooting school. During the beginning of the multi-day school I provide them with a simple pre-exam to test their knowledge on LR shooting and hunting. Usually very few if any of the questions are answered and all of them have many years of shooting experience. You are not alone.

Best advise I can give at this point, do as much research as your time allows, buy a book their worth the investment, find someone in your area who has experience and hang on and if possible go to a LR school. Most important practice, practice and practice.

I apologize for not providing specifics. If you have any questions I'll be happy to assist where I can.

Good luck and good shooting.