RIFLE

RIFLE – a single shot .22 smallbore rifle for 20, 50 & 90 metre shooting, or a .177 air rifle for 10 metre indoor shooting. Note: always seek advice from experienced coaches or shooters prior to considering making any purchase of new or second hand equipment.
SLING– can be made of composite “rubber” or leather and can be up to 40mm in width. (SB)
GLOVE – a padded glove provides comfort and support for the hand under the rifle. (SB/AIR)
BODYWEAR – a close fitting garment under the shooting jacket, helps eliminate movement and pulse. (SB/AIR)
JACKET – a fitted jacket shooting or a coat with padded elbows is necessary for comfort and support. (SB/AIR)
HAT – some protection from distracting light is useful. (SB/AIR)
SPOTTING SCOPE – more often used in .22 shooting and used for locating shots on the target. (SB)
BULLET/PELLET BLOCK – large enough to hold the required number of bullets or pellets, and have a lid to protect the ammunition. (SB/AIR)
HEARING PROTECTION & SHOOTING GLASSES – it is essential to use glasses, ear muffs / plugs on the range. (SB/AIR)
FIRM SOLED SHOES for shooting standing with a .22 or with an air rifle.
AMMUNITION - try to use the best ammunition that you can afford.

NOTE: (SB/AIR) means that this item is used in both .22 smallbore and .177 air rifle

First realise that perfect sight is not required!! Many of the world’s best shooters wear glasses.

A few simple hints:

Keep both eyes open (less fatigue on the eyes)
Use a blinker (a simple headband and a strip of card or plastic milk carton)
Look as straight forward as possible
Focus more on the foresight element. (the target may appear “greyish” or blurred.

Your good “sight picture” will last for about 6-8 seconds

FORESIGHT – a metal or perspex element is used in the sight at the end of the barrel with diameters ranging from 3.5 – 4.2mm. Many shooters shoot varying element sizes, for the different matches and styles of firearm. Test out what works best for you and do not be afraid to experiment.

REARSIGHT – the aperture closest to you – although it can be variable, it is often set at approximately 1.2 – 1.3mm. Again this is personal preference, however remember that a rearsight too much smaller than 1.2mm is getting rather small and may ask more than your eyes can give, while one larger than 1.3mm may let in too much light and again work your eyes to their limit. Full glaring sun or very dull overcast conditions may require you to alter the rearsight just a bit - experiment and learn from it.

CORRECTING THE SIGHTS – the rear sight can be altered to move your group to the middle of the target.

The top dial (A) corrects ELEVATION – up or down, and the side dial (B) corrects WINDAGE to the left of right.

Always remember to look “front on” to the dial to correctly determine the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions until they become habit.

Your coach will help with sight correction, and remember that your first aim in shooting is to shoot all your shots in one group - the smaller the better ….. and then the sights can be moved to put the group to the middle of the target.

Correct breathing is essential for living and just as important in shooting. Oxygen is needed for MUSCLE CONTROL, STEADINESS & CLEAR SIGHTING.

Breathe normally until the rifle starts to settle. The rifle should "position" on the target area. If this is proving a challenge, then first read the article on the Sound Shooting Position. This will help you with your natural point of aim.

Cease breathing for only 4-6 seconds and release the shot or try the cycle again. Extending the process past this recommended 4-6 seconds will be a challenge as the body will start to react to the disruption in oxygen flow.

There are two basic types of triggers:

SINGLE STAGE – where one smooth finger movement releases the shot.

TWO-STAGE – where there is a first lighter movement, and the second heavier movement to release the shot.

SENSITIVITY of feel is required for the light-weight trigger of a target smallbore or air rifle, and the first pad of the index finger is usually used.

When the rifle settles, pressure is applied to the trigger and the shot is released. Over time and with good practice, the trigger release will become a semi-automatic response to a steady hold and good sight picture. Be willing to stop and commence your cycle again if it does not feel right.

Having reviewed the basics, its time to get a little more specific - please choose the area you wish to investigate next.

Tricia Van Nus
March 2003