Question: What are the steps in the complete shot firing cycle?
4 posters
Page 1 of 1
Question: What are the steps in the complete shot firing cycle?
Question: What are the steps in the complete shot firing cycle?
I have read bits and pieces of it and have attempted to summarize it here.
Shooting Cycle Technique
Please reply with possible additions or corrections.
I am slowly developing my technique so as to shoot the rounds in a consistent manner. In my studies on shooting I have found that this is important.
I am writing this also to fix it in my memory.
Here are ancient tomes on the subject:
https://bookspublicdomain.com/Shooting/Automatic-Pistol-Shooting-by-Walter-Winans.html
https://bookspublicdomain.com/Shooting/The-Modern-Pistol-and-How-to-Shoot-It-by-Walter-Winans.html
https://bookspublicdomain.com/Shooting/A-B-C-of-Snap-Shooting-by-Horace-Fletcher.html
These are all from other shooters.
Between shots I deep-breathe to steady my nerves and reduce the wobble of the sights. Not to mention my dependence on the oxygen bottle. One author pointed out that when in competition and when the sound of firing begins in any situation, a person's adrenaline may rise somewhat.
Since Bullseye shooting is usually done with a 45 degree stance, I can look straight down my right arm to make sure it is straight with my elbow slightly rotated counter-clockwise to reduce the recoil bending my elbow. I should tense slightly all the muscles from my wrist through my shoulder. But not so much as to start the wobbling. The wrist, arm, and shoulder act as the stock of a rifle.
The grip should be tight enough to control the recoil; because, a grip that is too loose will cause an automatic to fail to eject the previous empty brass and cycle the next round in. A grip that is too tight will cause extra wobble of the sights. The wobble will never disappear 100%. I have read it described as about the tightness of grip as when using a hammer.
Since I use a red dot sight, (an old man's crutch and accepted in competition today,) I locate and orient the dot in the center of the sight. Slowly I raise the gun until the sight is on the target. With a red dot one does not have to concentrate on the front sight, just keep the dot on the bullseye. THEN put the finger inside the guard and on the trigger. Most put the middle of the first segment of the finger on the center of the trigger. Putting the finger inside the guard too soon may cause an unsafe and embarrassing negligent discharge.
Slowly but steadily squeeze the trigger straight back. The sound of the shot should be a surprise to avoid anticipating or jerking the trigger.
Let the trigger reset, take the finger out of the guard, lower the gun, and start the cycle again.
Thanks in advance for your wisdom on this subject.
Guest- Guest
Re: Question: What are the steps in the complete shot firing cycle?
Just a couple thoughts:
Most important, If your trigger is too slow, it will introduce error cover-up and induce hesitation. Work with a trigger that is the same for all stages and is the purest form of operation during unobserved dry fire. Work toward a smooth determined operation.
Unless the dot is physically mounted the same distance above your wrist pivot as your eye is located above your shoulder pivot, the wrist angle will change between the bench and the target if the dot is aligned in both extremes. The optimum is to find the wrist position that allows alignment at the target and use that position to start the raise from the bench. Experience will allow you to expect and see the dot move into the center of the tube as the target comes into view, from this solid wrist hold.
Most important, If your trigger is too slow, it will introduce error cover-up and induce hesitation. Work with a trigger that is the same for all stages and is the purest form of operation during unobserved dry fire. Work toward a smooth determined operation.
Unless the dot is physically mounted the same distance above your wrist pivot as your eye is located above your shoulder pivot, the wrist angle will change between the bench and the target if the dot is aligned in both extremes. The optimum is to find the wrist position that allows alignment at the target and use that position to start the raise from the bench. Experience will allow you to expect and see the dot move into the center of the tube as the target comes into view, from this solid wrist hold.
Re: Question: What are the steps in the complete shot firing cycle?
Looks like you are developing a written shot plan. That has proven to be a valuable tool. Put it in your own words and add/ delete things that work/ don't work.
BE Mike- Posts : 2503
Join date : 2011-07-29
Location : Indiana
Mental shot plan
My mental shot plan has evolved from listing all the steps of good preparation and technique to a list of goals important to completing a match. These are listed below. dipnet
Shot Plan-slow fire
A. Prior to arriving: 1) fill out SR-1 form and have exact match fee; 2) load 2 magazines with 22s and attach to magnet in shooting box. Double-check that all BE gear is in gun and ammo box. For state and regional matches, a backup gun 22 and 45 can be a match saver.
B. Upon arrival, submit form & fee, get targets; set up 50-yd slow fire target in correct lane. Set up brass catching net. When allowed to open box, focus spotting scope and make sure I’m looking at my 50-yd target. Fill out scorecards, set out clip board w/pencil, match ammo, check timer, and exchange scorecards. Relax; use visualization techniques & breathing to mentally prepare for match. Find a sense of confidence.
C. 3-min prep: remove pistol, turn on red dot and set intensity; make sure elevation setting is right for 50 yards. Assume stance, relax shoulders, find grip and begin dry fire practice, focusing on centering dot in black and especially on trigger control.
Match begins
1. Don’t follow commands until completing ~10 dry fires (the command “Fire” may be given but it is not necessary to load and shoot at that moment).
2a. When ready, load pistol, employ breathing technique, raise pistol, and if hold is steady, trust the wobble area and execute a deft trigger pull.
2b. If hold is not steady, lower pistol, breath, relax shoulders, and re-grip; repeat slow fire technique. Concentrate on centering dot, trusting wobble area, and squeezing the trigger.
3. Check target after each shot. This detects less than optimum shots and provides pleasure with deep shots. Scoping also helps to establish an even pace of fire. If shot less than optimum, make correction and proceed. The goals are to shoot with an even cadence, maintain proper technique, and focus, focus, focus. Sometimes it is necessary to “fight” for a deeper hold but do not let this process exceed about 5-6 seconds before repeating shot process. Anticipate shooting well, recall the satisfaction of an X-ring hit; execute technique with a quiet confidence.
4. Upon completing string, make pistol safe and load magazines. Step behind red line to indicate to RO that you have completed string.
5. After scoring and complementing fellow shooter, look at group just fired. Make a mental note of possible corrections but do not fret over errant shots.
Timed Fire
1. Goal is to use much of the 20 seconds as possible to shoot as deep a string of five shots. Focus is on centering the dot in the black and carefully squeezing the trigger.
2. Raise pistol with command “ready on the right” and mentally check grip (middle and ring fingers pulling pistol straight back, thumb and little finger relaxed).
3. Wait for a brief moment after “fire” command; shoot within my own cadence.
4. Upon completing strings, make pistol safe and load magazines. Step behind red line to indicate to RO that you have completed strings.
5. After scoring and complementing fellow shooter, look at group just fired. Make a mental note of possible corrections but do not fret over errant shots.
Rapid Fire
1. Goal is to fire five aimed shots using proper techniques within 10 seconds.
2. Raise pistol with command “ready on the right” and mentally check grip (middle and ring fingers pulling pistol straight back, thumb and little finger relaxed).
3. The first shot should break shortly after the target turns (this is often the best aimed shot, hitting the X-ring). This allows the most time for the remaining shots. This is my preference; I've watched High Masters shoot by waiting for what seems like eternity and then shooting and getting all 5 shots off.
4. Shoot the remaining 4 shots within as even a cadence as possible, focusing on centering the red dot in the black and squeezing the trigger for each shot. Intense concentration is needed to shoot deep shots over the 10-second interval.
5. Upon completing strings, make pistol safe and load magazines. Step behind red line to indicate to RO that you have completed strings.
6. After scoring and complementing fellow shooter, look at group just fired. Make a mental note of possible corrections but do not fret over errant shots.
Shot Plan-slow fire
A. Prior to arriving: 1) fill out SR-1 form and have exact match fee; 2) load 2 magazines with 22s and attach to magnet in shooting box. Double-check that all BE gear is in gun and ammo box. For state and regional matches, a backup gun 22 and 45 can be a match saver.
B. Upon arrival, submit form & fee, get targets; set up 50-yd slow fire target in correct lane. Set up brass catching net. When allowed to open box, focus spotting scope and make sure I’m looking at my 50-yd target. Fill out scorecards, set out clip board w/pencil, match ammo, check timer, and exchange scorecards. Relax; use visualization techniques & breathing to mentally prepare for match. Find a sense of confidence.
C. 3-min prep: remove pistol, turn on red dot and set intensity; make sure elevation setting is right for 50 yards. Assume stance, relax shoulders, find grip and begin dry fire practice, focusing on centering dot in black and especially on trigger control.
Match begins
1. Don’t follow commands until completing ~10 dry fires (the command “Fire” may be given but it is not necessary to load and shoot at that moment).
2a. When ready, load pistol, employ breathing technique, raise pistol, and if hold is steady, trust the wobble area and execute a deft trigger pull.
2b. If hold is not steady, lower pistol, breath, relax shoulders, and re-grip; repeat slow fire technique. Concentrate on centering dot, trusting wobble area, and squeezing the trigger.
3. Check target after each shot. This detects less than optimum shots and provides pleasure with deep shots. Scoping also helps to establish an even pace of fire. If shot less than optimum, make correction and proceed. The goals are to shoot with an even cadence, maintain proper technique, and focus, focus, focus. Sometimes it is necessary to “fight” for a deeper hold but do not let this process exceed about 5-6 seconds before repeating shot process. Anticipate shooting well, recall the satisfaction of an X-ring hit; execute technique with a quiet confidence.
4. Upon completing string, make pistol safe and load magazines. Step behind red line to indicate to RO that you have completed string.
5. After scoring and complementing fellow shooter, look at group just fired. Make a mental note of possible corrections but do not fret over errant shots.
Timed Fire
1. Goal is to use much of the 20 seconds as possible to shoot as deep a string of five shots. Focus is on centering the dot in the black and carefully squeezing the trigger.
2. Raise pistol with command “ready on the right” and mentally check grip (middle and ring fingers pulling pistol straight back, thumb and little finger relaxed).
3. Wait for a brief moment after “fire” command; shoot within my own cadence.
4. Upon completing strings, make pistol safe and load magazines. Step behind red line to indicate to RO that you have completed strings.
5. After scoring and complementing fellow shooter, look at group just fired. Make a mental note of possible corrections but do not fret over errant shots.
Rapid Fire
1. Goal is to fire five aimed shots using proper techniques within 10 seconds.
2. Raise pistol with command “ready on the right” and mentally check grip (middle and ring fingers pulling pistol straight back, thumb and little finger relaxed).
3. The first shot should break shortly after the target turns (this is often the best aimed shot, hitting the X-ring). This allows the most time for the remaining shots. This is my preference; I've watched High Masters shoot by waiting for what seems like eternity and then shooting and getting all 5 shots off.
4. Shoot the remaining 4 shots within as even a cadence as possible, focusing on centering the red dot in the black and squeezing the trigger for each shot. Intense concentration is needed to shoot deep shots over the 10-second interval.
5. Upon completing strings, make pistol safe and load magazines. Step behind red line to indicate to RO that you have completed strings.
6. After scoring and complementing fellow shooter, look at group just fired. Make a mental note of possible corrections but do not fret over errant shots.
Dipnet- Posts : 186
Join date : 2014-06-09
Location : Gainesville, Florida
Re: Question: What are the steps in the complete shot firing cycle?
I've written down three key focus points and taped them to my gun box in view when I'm shooting. They are mostly for SF, and I say them
In my mind during my shot once my pistol is raised. They are: Pressure. Pressure on the trigger as the gun settles into the aiming area.
Accept the wobble. Gun settles, minimum movement.
Roll. Roll into the trigger. I'll abort when it ain't goin right, hopefully!
So,
Pressure
Accept the wobble
Roll
Kurt
In my mind during my shot once my pistol is raised. They are: Pressure. Pressure on the trigger as the gun settles into the aiming area.
Accept the wobble. Gun settles, minimum movement.
Roll. Roll into the trigger. I'll abort when it ain't goin right, hopefully!
So,
Pressure
Accept the wobble
Roll
Kurt
kjanracing- Posts : 410
Join date : 2015-02-17
Location : Arvada, Colorado
![-](https://2img.net/i/empty.gif)
» Another from the archives - Seeking Zin
» SW 52 firing pin question
» Dry Firing Question
» Question on shot process
» Skid shot question
» SW 52 firing pin question
» Dry Firing Question
» Question on shot process
» Skid shot question
Page 1 of 1
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum