| Following is an interview with a gun | | | | Bullets initially go up in trajectory only |
| specialist: "I would start out with a good | | | | because of your aim point (distance of |
| .22 magnum rifle, in a bolt action. Learn / | | | | target). You can ask all the questions you |
| practice breathing, and practice good trigger | | | | want, but you won't be a better shot without |
| control. I do not know if you plan to use | | | | practice." |
| iron sights or mount a scope on the rifle, | | | | |
| but practice with iron sights first. You can | | | | "I stand behind my comment 100% as a former |
| try seachering the web and see what you come | | | | instructor; I have had to instruct shooters |
| up with." | | | | to break all kinds of bad habits. It is |
| | | | actually easier to teach someone who has |
| "They make .22 rifles, in a m-16 version. In | | | | never shot versus someone who is self taught |
| .22 long rifle. The sights are similar. And | | | | or taught by friends and family with no |
| you will have a familiarization with | | | | military experience in the incorrect manner. |
| "Military" sights. Breathing, use of finger | | | | As has been abundantly mentioned, a 22LR or |
| on the trigger, range estimation, and | | | | Mag would be the optimum starter! First you |
| compensating for the wind are just a few of | | | | should familiarize yourself with weapon |
| the things you will have to master. Knowing | | | | safety!" |
| the weapon is the most important thing | | | | |
| though." | | | | "The 22 has nada for recoil, which allows you |
| | | | to concentrate on the important issues about |
| "Firing a rifle before entering the Military | | | | shooting. Breathe control, trigger squeeze |
| is not a bad thing. Practice basic | | | | consistency in your aim point and the proper |
| marksmanship, grouping your shots, practice | | | | sight picture. Start out with a rifle with |
| breathing and trigger control. Yes, different | | | | iron sights, there'll be time enough (when |
| strokes for different folks. I would expect | | | | your eyes get old) to switch to a scope! All |
| that different branches teach different | | | | these lessons you learn now will serve you |
| tactics, and methods for marksmanship. But, | | | | very well when (or if) you move up in |
| the basics of rifleman ship are all the | | | | caliber." |
| same." | | | | |
| | | | "In my opinion, it's much better if you |
| "Imagine how many different answers he is | | | | practice marksmanship before you join. The |
| going to get. Well, the idea was that when | | | | best snipers were often hunters. I shoot |
| you start to teach yourself how to shoot you | | | | plenty and don't have any bad habits. My dad |
| form bad habits which your instructor has to | | | | would correct me on any bad habits, so I see |
| get you to break. I also plan on getting an | | | | nothing wrong with practicing, as long as you |
| AR-15 when I get enough money. I wanted to | | | | have someone who knows how to shoot. Some of |
| get one so I can get the basic feel of an | | | | the best snipers are/were hunters... which |
| M-16." | | | | mean they had been shooting accurately for |
| | | | years, not a few months or weeks. Their |
| "There's nothing wrong with shooting before | | | | military instructors probably didn't notice |
| entering a service. The problem lies with | | | | mention if they had any bad habits as they |
| attitude, thinking that DS doesn't know what | | | | were shooting accurately so didn't need more |
| he's talking about. I kind of wish I have a | | | | scrutiny." |
| .22Magnum, but my 10/22 serves me well. | | | | |
| Advantage of 10/22 is that parts are readily | | | | "Though I have also seen folks who said they |
| available; you can put on heavy barrel, | | | | had been shooting or hunting for years and |
| different stocks, upgraded parts on receiver, | | | | said they knew what shooting was all about, |
| etc. Also, .22LR is sold almost everywhere | | | | shoot horrendously and fail to qualify many |
| and for less than .22Magnum." | | | | times. As to whether you have any bad habits |
| | | | or not I couldn't say. I don't know your |
| "One bad habit that privates need to shake | | | | fathers history (whom you indicated taught |
| off is insisting that bullets rise up in | | | | you too shoot) or do I know your history as |
| trajectory after leaving the barrel. It does | | | | your profile doesn't give any indication of |
| not rise up, what if you fired the rifle | | | | experience. |
| upside down? Is it going to hit the dirt? | | | | |