Real Life Rifle Tips?

[dududf]

So I'm going to the range either tomorrow, or next weeks Saturday and I'll be using a rifle for the first time (Up until now I've been using hand guns). I don't know anyone personally other then my dad who knows anything about rifles, as up here it's not really a common hobby.

So I was wondering if anyone new any tips about rifling? This will be kinda long range rifling if it matters, with a scope of course. Also, I'm not sure which rifle we'll be using as we have at least 15 of em, and 1 of them is heavily modified (I hope I'm firing that puppy =] )

*Edit This'll be target shooting at a range of course. After wards I'll be doing some go carting. Sadly we can not combine the two activity's.

Please avoid stupid answers. "Don't point at others" would be an example, I've been to the range before and I know the basic things. I'm looking for Rifle related information. I appreciate the information.

 

[Baby Tea]

Breath evenly when firing.
Squeeze the trigger, don't pull it.
Always listen to the range officer/your dad. I know that one it probably 'duh', but you never know.

Last time I fired a rifle, which wasn't too long ago, I wasn't standing up, I was sitting down in front of a stand. If you're standing, if it's a decent caliber round, then have one leg back a bit to brace yourself (Standing flat-footed is obviously a stupid thing to do). Lean your shoulder into the butt of the gun a bit, too. You don't want it to whip your shoulder back (Again, if it's a decent caliber round). That'd be bad (And painful the next day). It's like you're pushing against it, but pulling it toward you. The idea is to create stability. You won't hold it like a rock, nobody does, but the more stable you can get it, the more accurate you'll be.

Most important: Have fun! I love guns! I'm getting my ownership and hunting license this summer!
I can't wait!

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

Hold the stock of your gun to your shoulder. Never leave gaps between the stock and your shoulder, because when the gun goes off its kick can give you a nice bruise.

 

[open trap]

Dont look down the barrel when its loaded.

 

[toastmaster2k8]

If you sit/lay in the right firing position you just got to hold your breath line up your shot and squeeze the trigger. what type of rifles are you using? I use my brothers M1A from time to time and that's a great gun.

 

[dududf]

I've been to the range before, so avoid reeeaaally stupid questions. Like "Don't say "Hey it's jammed" " and turn around and point it at someone saying "Can you fix it?"

Things like, don't put your eye right next to the scope, or don't leave a gap in between the stock and the gun are helpful.

 

[Blights]

If you can go prone or sit down, if you do stand up, brace yourself, I almost fell over first time I fired a rifle standing. Also, don't put your eye too close to the scope, if it recoils and you can't hold the gun still, you are screwed.

 

[Stuntcrab]

WARNING: Do not point at others.

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

Don't point it at other people.

Control breathing and squeeze the trigger when you've completely breathed out.

 

[Jodah]

Unless it is in several pieces for cleaning a gun (hand gun, rifle, or shotgun) is always loaded, even if its not.

I won't go in to any more safety tips as you have used hand guns before so I will assume you know what you are doing.

As for proper use of a rifle :
Squeeze the trigger evenly, never jerk it

Breath evenly while pulling the trigger, some people (myself included) like to hold their breath completely

If you are using a scope, your eye should line up with the scope when you rest your head. Ideally you can close your eyes, rest your head, open your eyes and see through the scope perfectly. If this is not the case the mount should be adjusted if possible.

If you will be adjusting the scope for yourself, fire three shots without changing anything. If they are grouped well, then you can adjust the scope. If they are not, then it is you doing something wrong, not the rifle.

 

[Bureacreative]

lean forward a little bit, keep the sock tight to your shoulder. DO NOT touch the barrel after a few rounds have gone through it.it hurts.

 

[jdun]

I assume you know about the safety rules but lets refresh it anyway.

1. All guns are always loaded. Even if they are not, treat them as if they are.
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target.
4. Identify your target, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything that you have not positively identified.

It looks like you going to do bench shooting. Get a stable rest for your gun. Jam the rifle stock on your shoulder. Put your weight onto the rifle. Get a firm grip. Control your breathing and squeeze the trigger. That's the very basic.

You do not need to set your scope to the highest power. If you're doing 100 yards 4X should be fine.

 

[Sn1P3r M98]

You do not need to set your scope to the highest power. If you're doing 100 yards 4X should be fine.

Hell, I killed an antelope at 225 yards on 7X so that backs up that fact. But yeah, pretty much what everyone else said. What kinds of guns will you be using? I have lots of guns and could give you more detailed tips if I knew what you would be shooting.

 

[Joeshmoe5]

If you find reloding to be too slow switch to a class that has slight of hand.

 

[SadakoMoose]

Practice SPORTS and PROPS.
Even though these steps were designed by the US Military for field and range use of the M16 and it's variants, it is helpful to know when you are using a semi automatic rifle.

 

[Ironic Pirate]

If you find reloding to be too slow switch to a class that has slight of hand.

And switching to your sidearm is always faster.

 

[Airsoftslayer93]

i always find it useful to have a "spotter" for maybe the first 10 minuites at the range, someone who will tell you clearly where your shots are landing so that you can correct yourself

 

[jdun]

You do not need to set your scope to the highest power. If you're doing 100 yards 4X should be fine.

Hell, I killed an antelope at 225 yards on 7X so that backs up that fact. But yeah, pretty much what everyone else said. What kinds of guns will you be using? I have lots of guns and could give you more detailed tips if I knew what you would be shooting.

For hunting I use 1x, 2x, or 3x. I rarely go beyond 3x. The more magnification the more limited your field of view will be. Basically it means the more magnification the less you see, ie tunnel vision.

 

[jdun]

i always find it useful to have a "spotter" for maybe the first 10 minuites at the range, someone who will tell you clearly where your shots are landing so that you can correct yourself

If he is shooting in an out door range than he should have a spotting optic. Most range will provide one if he doesn't own it.

I assume the OP rifle is zero in at XXX. If that is the case the OP should hit paper 10 out of 10 times at 100 yards. The hard part is grouping, ie putting five rounds in a half a inch circle consistently.

 

[Wadders]

Dont put your eye too close to the scope. Unless you like having a panda eye, that is. Also hold it tight into your shoulder. Failure to do so will again result in a nice round bruise.

And dont forget your basic gun safety rules or guidelines or whatever. I'm not going to insult your intelligence by repeating what really ought to be common sense, but gun safety is the most important thing. Ever.