Also, if you know which rifle you will be using, try to get a .22 or pellet rifle that matches its look and feel. I had been doing only bench shooting for almost 20 years. I was out boar hunting 2 years ago, and took 3 shots to do what I should easily have been able to do with one. Mymain go-to gun is a Marlin 1895, so I bought a Henry .22 that closely resembles it in terms of weight, size and feel. I put Firesights on both. Now, I also have a Rossi 92 with Firesights, so practising with all 3 sharpens the skills. Anyhow, this year I did what I had to do with 1 shot, exactly where I aimed.
Another fantastic help is going for grouse/rabbit/squirrel with a .22. You have to make head shots, and it is great practise. I also used a Kentucky Rifle in 45 witr mild round ball loads on small game.
But, as others have mentioned, the very first thing to learn is trigger control, grip, stance, breathing - all of which you should do from a bench. Once you have it all down pat, and can consistently shoot good groups, then move on to the simulations. Also, if you can find an old graybeard to read your targets, they can really help. My son-in-law, when he first started shooting, did fairly well, but all his shots were off to the right. I was able to point out that he was pulling the gun when squeezing the trigger. Now, he is a very good shot off the bench.
