There seems to be a gap in the usual rifle classes offered these days. They are either designed toward tactical-door-kicking, or ultimate-1000-yard-sniper classes. Along with several of my hunting pals, I found myself wishing for a reasonable short to mid-range precision rifle class, with an emphasis on hunting scenario shots.
Fortunately INGO provided the hookup. Phylodog has made a career shooting long range and teaching others to shoot, so I connected with him and we set up a one day beginner rifle class with a max range of 400 yards. Since the crops aren't planted yet, we were able to shoot on my farm in Warren County.
Phylodog (Cory) is clearly a professional, both in knowledge and teaching ability. He jumped right in at ground level, using both classroom style teaching and range time. He covered (not necessarily in this order):
Shooting from prone, seated, and kneeling.
Shooting off a bipod or off bags.
Using a rear bag.
Zero distance and max point blank range.
Ammo selection.
Explanation of MOA.
Proper rifle hold and trigger press.
Follow through.
Elevation hold and dialing.
Wind hold and dialing.
Using a sling for shooting tension.
Calling wind.
We started at 100 yards, and Cory took chronograph readings for each of our rifles and ammo, so that he could generate accurate ballistic charts for the day. We used those charts the rest of the day to determine our adjustments.
For good or bad, we had quite a bit of wind that day. Pretty steady right around 10mph, which allowed us to work on shooting in the wind, but also made accuracy at distance pretty dang tough. While we all managed to get decent groups at 300 yards (albeit with some horizontal stringing due to wind) we could barely hit steel at 400. On the upside, I now know my limits for deer and elk when it's windy. (Not very far!)
I'm sure there are aspects I'm forgetting, but Cory and the other participants can fill in the details. It was a great class and we all learned a lot!
Fortunately INGO provided the hookup. Phylodog has made a career shooting long range and teaching others to shoot, so I connected with him and we set up a one day beginner rifle class with a max range of 400 yards. Since the crops aren't planted yet, we were able to shoot on my farm in Warren County.
Phylodog (Cory) is clearly a professional, both in knowledge and teaching ability. He jumped right in at ground level, using both classroom style teaching and range time. He covered (not necessarily in this order):
Shooting from prone, seated, and kneeling.
Shooting off a bipod or off bags.
Using a rear bag.
Zero distance and max point blank range.
Ammo selection.
Explanation of MOA.
Proper rifle hold and trigger press.
Follow through.
Elevation hold and dialing.
Wind hold and dialing.
Using a sling for shooting tension.
Calling wind.
We started at 100 yards, and Cory took chronograph readings for each of our rifles and ammo, so that he could generate accurate ballistic charts for the day. We used those charts the rest of the day to determine our adjustments.
For good or bad, we had quite a bit of wind that day. Pretty steady right around 10mph, which allowed us to work on shooting in the wind, but also made accuracy at distance pretty dang tough. While we all managed to get decent groups at 300 yards (albeit with some horizontal stringing due to wind) we could barely hit steel at 400. On the upside, I now know my limits for deer and elk when it's windy. (Not very far!)
I'm sure there are aspects I'm forgetting, but Cory and the other participants can fill in the details. It was a great class and we all learned a lot!
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