One of the many joys of being a Training Geek that I am, happens whenever I encounter new-to-my-matches shooters. It's quite interesting to hear the first thing out of their mouths in conversation....
"I have a newly purchased McMillan Tac-50, how do I get started in PR?"
"I'm attending a sniper course in Northern Ontario, you likely will have never heard of this place...."
"I just bought an Accuracy International rig in .338 Lap Mag, why do I need a .22 trainer?"
I call these conversation starters, "The KISS of death..." and this experience usually does not end too well for the shooter...
If you want to get serious about PR shooting, then get some great fundamental training at the (Facebook Search them...) Project Mapleseed Event nearest your home gun club.
These guys are fantastic and their delivery is right up there with mine, better yet, I'm stealing some of their shzt... that's the ultimate compliment!
So here are some pictures and some anecdotal comments to accompany them...
Get a decent .22LR rig with a magazine feed (lots of magazines, too) and mount up the best optics you can. Don't cheap out on the optics. Here's a Vortex PST scope for around $1600 with MRad reticle
I'm using a CZ455 American Synthetic as my personal trainer rig. The optic is a Falcon Optic from Frontier Firearms 5 x 25 x 56mm FFP or front focal plane MRAD reticle
My sling is a Turner Saddlery Biothane (material) M1907 Sling. They are in Clay, Abalama and they ship to Canada. This is the last sling you will buy...
Along my journey to my first Black Belt, my sifu/master/sensei/instructor/mentor reminded me that, "Goals you set , are goals you get..."
It's nice to win the Rifleman badge, but the payoff is in your increased skills and marksmanship and self esteem and confidence. That confidence is what you take to the matches with you. Well, the skills too....
I get a kick out of hunters (I worked at Barrie Cabelas store Gun Counter) who tell me that there's no need to train in the standing position. It costs too much money to shoot from the standing when I can merely sit on the bench.
Well, it costs more money and pride if you DON'T train from the standing position and miss your Trophy Moose/Deer/Bear/Elk/Goat/Sheep
Adopt the sitting position and discover what position gives you the best stability... which leg in front? Take a Yoga class , this helps old pharts like me get into position.
Now have a look at the use of the sling... find a good sling that works for your training purposes. If you are not training, I'm sorry to announce that you ain't gonna have much success once we start stressing you in the competition games.
Examine the different .22LR rigs and their optics choices. You are only limited by your imagination. We even had many iron sight shooters at this event.
Once you get good with your different positions, expand your comfort level and start shooting with a tripod and PIG Saddle
In short... they Project Mapleseed folks are top shelf. Their training methodology is top notch and most parallel to my brand of delivery. The $40 or $50 or $60 they charge for ONE day of very intense training understates their great abilities/potential.
Warmest regards out there!!
Barney
AKA, your tactical Teacher!