8/27/2014 4:18:25 PM
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Section 4: Guns/General Subject: Shooting Groups Msg# 898095
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Here's another answer to the overall issue of to center or not to center. This seeped back into my head last night when I should have been sleeping.
When teaching an absolute beginner to shoot, one of the hardest things to do is to get this point across, that they should concentrate on a good sight picture and not concern themselves about where the bullet actually hits. Beginners will see the first shot hit off center and invariably - instinctively, maybe - apply Kentucky windage to try to bring the next shot onto the center of the target. That never works. They don't yet have the control or even the ability to recognize the subtleties involved in a perfect sight picture so they end up chasing the shots all over the target without learning anything. It's best to teach them to repeat the proper sight picture as best they can and then analyze the resultant groups to discover their problems. As they develop a better feel for shooting and repeat the basics, including sight picture, their groups will not only tighten up but shift and become more consistent in relation to the bull. Then you can apply the sight changes needed, assuming the gun has adjustments for that. Having them try to hit the bull every time before they're ready only distracts from the lesson and creates more problems. Learning that is a big step on the way to becoming a shooter. I don't know if you agree, but I suspect that others here who have taught will. Stu |
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For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where: I thought we were talking about already-tight groups in pictures. If you are showing off a tight group and know how to re-zero your gun why not impress your readers by showing them you have more than just half the shooting skills necessary to put the group on target? I'm much more impressed by a group of hits than I am by a group of misses. We're trying to sell gunzines, here, and at least Bob and I are not impressed by misses. Of course I'm arguing from a narrow perspective......but I just can't accept the notion that guns were invented to not hit a target. |