Help, having Basic Marksmanship Issue/ Bad Habits?

[AlwaysLastPlace]

Quick note:
Don't click the YT link unless you are a real coach and love watching students take 30 minutes to take 4 shots.

Here is the problem. I can shoot through a sub half-inch hole with a .30 pellet at 25 yards. I can do it somewhat reliably so the result on the paper is multiple shots in one hole.

Sounds like I am bragging.

NO! I'm sucking like a Hoover and a Kirby made a demented lovechild that had to be euthanized.

I need help.

When the plate wobbles and falls from impact on the steel backer I decide to aim at the hole on paper 1" further away. NOW I string the shots like a toddlers sticky snot goober.

What am I doing differently? What marksmanship principle am I most likely missing when I shoot one inch further distance on paper?

These look like good shots but they are not. At 100 yards there would be at least an inch between POIs.

This is terminal sucktittude, the kind that is catching so you cannot just "embrace the suck." I must Get Gud; or die trying.

 

[Vana2]

I've seen that inconsistencies in shooter form are the biggest concern. That being said, (for confidence reasons) have a friend check gun and the optics are ok.

Then it's a matter of paying attention to all the little things that add up into a bigger problem. Research the things that the competitive shooters do to improve. Re: grip, tension, trigger finger position, breathing, etc. etc.

Set up a plain backstop at close range (the minimum focus range on your scope) and put up a plain piece of cardboard with a small dot for an aimpoint (no distracting target). Focus on consistent groups. Experiment to find what works for you and the airgun. Video yourself to see if you can catch problems (flinching, jerking the trigger, not following through) or inconsistencies (head position, grip, cant).

Once you get dialed in, slowly increase the range.

Hard to make suggestions without watching you shoot. Relax, have fun and keep at it.

Cheers!

 

[Goldwing]

Video yourself to see if you can catch problems (flinching, jerking the trigger, not following through) or inconsistencies (head position, grip.
Do this for use, as Vana2 suggested, set your camera wear it will pick up as much as possible visually to see what might show up.
Attention to your heart beat, index finger placement on the trigger, learning to pull the trigger on the down side of your heart beat rhythm will help immensely
So much more to fine tuning your skill, body position, safety glasses set on your face properly to not distort your target view possible, pellet quality, clean barrel, how you rest the rifle to stabilize it and on and on .........

 

[Struckat]

LOL, awareness is the first step.

 

[Chukar60]

I would determine your basic basics. Practice those until they become habit. Then relax and enjoy shooting for a while until the objective itself is not kicking your a$$.
I have seen a number of people who were so wrapped up in trying to succeed that hey left enjoying themselves on sidelines. Then they burned out and lost interest. Don’t take yourself so seriously.

 

[cavedweller]

Quick note:
Don't click the YT link unless you are a real coach and love watching students take 30 minutes to take 4 shots.

Here is the problem. I can shoot through a sub half-inch hole with a .30 pellet at 25 yards. I can do it somewhat reliably so the result on the paper is multiple shots in one hole.

Sounds like I am bragging.

NO! I'm sucking like a Hoover and a Kirby made a demented lovechild that had to be euthanized.

I need help.

When the plate wobbles and falls from impact on the steel backer I decide to aim at the hole on paper 1" further away. NOW I string the shots like a toddlers sticky snot goober.

What am I doing differently? What marksmanship principle am I most likely missing when I shoot one inch further distance on paper?

These look like good shots but they are not. At 100 yards there would be at least an inch between POIs.

This is terminal sucktittude, the kind that is catching so you cannot just "embrace the suck." I must Get Gud; or die trying.

Not enough information for me to help you

 

[Goldwing]

LOL, awareness is the first step.

Yes, yes, there's a good book called "Think about what you are thinking" by Manda Maxwell that can help in watching your thoughts
I tell my brain to shut up sometimes because of those pest neons moving around till the day we die.

 

[AlwaysLastPlace]

Video yourself to see if you can catch problems (flinching, jerking the trigger, not following through) or inconsistencies (head position, grip.
Do this for use, as Vana2 suggested, set your camera wear it will pick up as much as possible visually to see what might show up.
Attention to your heart beat, index finger placement on the trigger, learning to pull the trigger on the down side of your heart beat rhythm will help immensely
So much more to fine tuning your skill, body position, safety glasses set on your face properly to not distort your target view possible, pellet quality, clean barrel, how you rest the rifle to stabilize it and on and on .........

Thanks I will do this.
I really want to get better. And I have been blaming the gun. It has some issues, sure, but shooting through a half inch hole just fine then not being able to shoot at all without stringing... It's good and bad. I've isolated a problem, and isolated that the problem is me. But it's probably a hard to spot one. So I appreciate the help.

 

[AlwaysLastPlace]

Thanks I will do this.
I really want to get better. And I have been blaming the gun. It has some issues, sure, but shooting through a half inch hole just fine then not being able to shoot at all without stringing... It's good and bad. I've isolated a problem, and isolated that the problem is me. But it's probably a hard to spot one. So I appreciate the help.

I need to add that AoA has supported this rifle above and beyond any expectation when you buy a used air rifle.

 

[AlwaysLastPlace]

Not enough information for me to help you

What more info can I give? I can one hole multiple shots through a half inch square. But if I try to shoot a dot on a paper I string. That isn't a lot of info but it is so specific that it has to be a direct symptom of some failure that is equally specific, right?

 

[AlwaysLastPlace]

T

I've seen that inconsistencies in shooter form are the biggest concern. That being said, (for confidence reasons) have a friend check gun and the optics are ok.

Then it's a matter of paying attention to all the little things that add up into a bigger problem. Research the things that the competitive shooters do to improve. Re: grip, tension, trigger finger position, breathing, etc. etc.

Set up a plain backstop at close range (the minimum focus range on your scope) and put up a plain piece of cardboard with a small dot for an aimpoint (no distracting target). Focus on consistent groups. Experiment to find what works for you and the airgun. Video yourself to see if you can catch problems (flinching, jerking the trigger, not following through) or inconsistencies (head position, grip, cant).

Once you get dialed in, slowly increase the range.

Hard to make suggestions without watching you shoot. Relax, have fun and keep at it.

Cheers!

Thanks. Do you have any advice on magnification while I do this exercise?
Also, I am, unfortunately, at my min focus range. DNT is 25y. Yikes. It's the only gripe I have about the scope 7-35x56. I'm stringing shots at 25 yards with consistent fps and weighted pelets. Its sad, I know.

It is POSSIBLE that the exit diameter is close enough to be called a 56 but I think it might be a bit smaller. Only other possible gripe about the scope but it is unconfirmed.

 

[ocpgunner95]

Which way are your shots stringing? Left to right, or up and down? Left and right are trigger squeeze and cheek weld, up and down is almost always breathing.
Use the same part of your finger every single time,
put your scope to the highest magnification, close your eyes and practice eye relief, if you are seeing the whole view, with no black rings then your cheek weld is good.

Last but not least breathe in, breathe out, place your cheek weld, breathe in, get your trigger finger positioned, breathe out, at the natural pause between breaths is where you want to take your shots.

Hope this helps

 

[AlwaysLastPlace]

I would determine your basic basics. Practice those until they become habit. Then relax and enjoy shooting for a while until the objective itself is not kicking your a$$.
I have seen a number of people who were so wrapped up in trying to succeed that hey left enjoying themselves on sidelines. Then they burned out and lost interest. Don’t take yourself so seriously.

Thanks for the encouragement. I was definitely laughing and having fun. I didn't know I could shoot a pellet through a hole with almost no clearance at a target behind it.
I think the reason I am acting all alarmed is that I string shots a lot and never thought it was me until it basically smacked me in the face that it had to be me.

 

[AlwaysLastPlace]

Which way are your shots stringing? Left to right, or up and down? Left and right are trigger squeeze and cheek weld, up and down is almost always breathing.
Use the same part of your finger every single time,
put your scope to the highest magnification, close your eyes and practice eye relief, if you are seeing the whole view, with no black rings then your cheek weld is good.

Last but not least breathe in, breathe out, place your cheek weld, breathe in, get your trigger finger positioned, breathe out, at the natural pause between breaths is where you want to take your shots.

Hope this helps

Brother, I am stringing them up, to the left like I am drawing a c from the bottom. On the last strung shot I justified low right and it still went high left.
However, if I put a plate 1" in front of the target with a half inch hole I can shoot through that hole into the same spot on paper over and over.

 

[ocpgunner95]

Brother, I am stringing them up, to the left like I am drawing a c from the bottom. On the last strung shot I justified low right and it still went high left.
However, if I put a plate 1" in front of the target with a half inch hole I can shoot through that hole into the same spot on paper over and over.

do you wear bifocals or reading glasses? You might be opposite eye dominant and your eye is shifting your POA without you realizing it. The 1” hole theory is what makes me think this. Opposite eye dominance comes to fruition with square targets.

 

[AlwaysLastPlace]

LOL, awareness is the first step.

Yeah, I have been aware that shots have been stringing for a while but always had an excuse, a puff of wind or something. However, when I saw that I NEVER string if I shoot through a hole in a steel plate in front of the target that was the awareness moment. It's me. It's always been me. It good because it gives me a problem to find and bad because it's been a long time of me saying, meh, good enough'

 

[AlwaysLastPlace]

do you wear bifocals or reading glasses? You might be opposite eye dominant and your eye is shifting your POA without you realizing it. The 1” hole theory is what makes me think this. Opposite eye dominance comes to fruition with square targets.

There IS some cross dominance! What sorcery is this 1" hole theory? If I Google it will I learn or is it only something for wizards?
(Still Halloween Vibing)
Also shooting with glasses is better for me than contacts by far. I was using glasses in all shots.

 

[ocpgunner95]

There IS some cross dominance! What sorcery is this 1" hole theory? If I Google it will I learn or is it only something for wizards?
(Still Halloween Vibing)

Think of this, if you are looking through a 1” hole to shoot every single time, your scopes natural curve Marrys to the hole, making it simple to line up the circle to the circle….the square can (especially at 100yds) make a mirage when you are using your non dominant eye, I watch people shoot with the wrong eye 30-40 times a year

 

[ocpgunner95]

I will share a test for everyone here to test their dominant eye.
Extend your arms out in front of you and create a triangle with your thumbs and forefingers. Focus on a distant object through the triangle with both eyes open. Close one eye and see if the object stays centered. If it does, the open eye is your dominant eye.

 

[AlwaysLastPlace]

Think of this, if you are looking through a 1” hole to shoot every single time, your scopes natural curve Marrys to the hole, making it simple to line up the circle to the circle….the square can (especially at 100yds) make a mirage when you are using your non dominant eye, I watch people shoot with the wrong eye 30-40 times a year

Ohhh that is interesting. Can you send me anywhere I can learn more? I tried to Google it before your reply and I just got a ton of cross dominance videos, nothing about the 1" Theory like you are saying. I'll be honest I had to reread a couple times and pretend I was holding a toilet paper roll for a sec.

Ok so you are saying, forget the cross hairs, my brain can put a small circle in roughly the center of a bigger circle or vice versa with either eye and might not notice a ton of difference. I imagine it's a "theory" because it is usually true for most people most of the time, at least. But if I use the circle and line it up on straight lines and corners my non dominate eye doesn't like it.

if I have that right then a couple questions for you. You said 100 yards mirage. Are you just saying that it takes some distance to manifest or is there something specific about 100 yards specifically?

When I have aim at sqares I will try to find a straight line somewhere and put a put a horizontal mill hash up against it. Could be the edge of the paper or whatever. That tendency probably really confirms that I am having some dominance trades.

I LEARNED to shoot a scope with a 1.25 to 4 Trijicon. Bindon Aiming Ret. So oops I may have trained my brain to do this switching dominance between eyes.

I'll do some testing on this specifically and I think I know how I will do it.

My ret center is a dot so perhaps the reason I can shoot the lights out like Annie Oakley is because a half inch square hole is basically looking through a square tube to see the center of a circle dot ret. My brain can put a square frame down over a dot at the frames center. But not the other way around.

Dang bro. If that's it, you saved me a lot of pellets and crying.

Genius. If that is it then I need to figure out how to apply this and get gud!