So I'm shooting my .22 Neos and I'm luvin' it, but I'd sure like to improve. I have a swinging target and I'm trying to shoot at 50 feet with about 40% success on a good day. Yes I can shoot better the closer I am, but I keep wanting to move back. I'm shooting freehand with my left elbow tight to my ribs to try to support myself, but I am still pretty shaky. I have a red dot scope on it. I know I'm pulling at times... so please post any helpful advice here!
Thanks a bunch!
Not quite sure what you're getting at, but I shoot air pistol Field Target (10-25 yards) from a modified Creedmoor position - on my back, left hand supporting me, and pistol rested between my knees. Also good for pistol silhouette - 25 to 100 yards with rimfire.
When shooting at a moving target, you must learn to lead the target. The two most popular methods are: to swing thru the target, and shoot as your sight picture gets in front of the traget. The other method is to anticipate where the target will be when the bullet gets there, shooting in fornt of the target.
First, take off the red dot. it is to restrictive of your field of view at that close range. Shoot with both eyes open, be sure you are shooting on the same side as your dominant eye. Left eye dominance and right hand shooter will not have a high impact percentage. What is the diameter of your target? Paper plate or golf ball?
I would suggest you become proficient on a stationary target. Moving targets, while it sounds good, are for the advanced shooter, wing shooter, or someone who grew up shooting rabbits with a .22. Clutching the pistol to your ribs will not give you the freedom of movement needed to hit a swinging target. At best something like the Weaver stance, both arms more or less out-stretched with one hand supporting the other hand gripping the pistol. The Neos is fairly light, you should be able to shoot it with one hand, turned slightly sideways to the target. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are marksman. Enjoy the practice and go one step at a time.
First, listen to all the above advice.
Second, and more important (in my opinion) keep shooting. Experience is a hard road, but also the only road to success.
When you spend the same on ammo as you've spent on your gun initially, you're ready to buy more gear.
I agree with most every body here. I wold take off the red dot and thn practice the swing through method. It worked for me when I was a kid. To try and shoot where your target is goin to be takes time and practice. the swing through method works becouse you are actually swing past the target not shooting where you perceve where the target is goin to be when the bullet gets there.
Follow advice above, also if you feel the gun is a bit heavy and you need to strengthen your wrist, take an empty milk container (gallon, plastic ones). Fill with water. You now have a weight to strengthen your hand and wrist. Periodically, grasp the milk container, extend your arm and hold in position. Do this while watching T.V. or whatever. You will be less "shaky". When all else fails---keep shooting!!!
Get a few hours of training. If you practice 8 hours a day, and practice poor stance, grip and trigger pull, you'll not shoot well, and you'll need much more time to "unlearn" bad habits, and instill new ones.
Are you kidding me? I am Deadeye Dick at close range with my red dot. I can acquire targets about 500% faster than trying to focus on rear and front sight and the target at the same time. Decided to do a little mod on my BuckMark a while back.
thanks everyone! My swinging target is 4 targets (golfball size) hanging down and when you hit them they swing up, then there is a 5th on the top that when it's hit the bottom 4 will swing back down to the hanging position.
Focusing is an issue for me and I'm still figuring that out too... long story short, born with cataracts, 4 surgeries, and I am now near sighted in one eye and farsighted in the other eye, that is how they made me so that I can see both near and far, but I cannot focus both eyes together on something that is either near or far, so my depth perception is, well, my husband has learned not to throw things at me! Anyways, I either have to focus on the target and have a blurry sight, or focus on the sight and have a blurry target... makes things interesting anyway! I have been focusing on the dot and have had to have both eyes open to see the target, again, interesting.
Thanks again! I appreciate how you're all so helpful and patient with the newbs!
Great advice here, the only thing i might add, is resting your left elbow on your chest instead of holding it against. And find the beat of your hart. The gun will climb every so slightly on a pump. Shoot at the bottom of your hearts
rest point.
Just my 1 cents worth
With your eye situation, the red dot sight is your friend. Use it. (just my opinion) Both eyes open is best..... do that too... when you can.
If you can buy cheap paper plates, use them for targets...... eyes like to align circles, and they do it naturally, and quickly.
Proper stance, grip and trigger squeeze are products of repeated, proficient, demonstrations of same.... OVER TIME you will notice that you can hold the gun up longer for more shots on target. At this point, 6-8 seconds is plenty until your arm strength increases. If the sights start to shake, lower your arms and rest for 15 seconds, then go again.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Firearms Forum
2.2M posts
71K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to all firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!