If you use duplex-type reticles, learn the MOA subtension between the crosshair and the top of the lower duplex post. This can be extremely handy when judging the necessary elevation, or holdover, for long shots. Outdoor Life Online Editor
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Extended shooting sessions with magnum handguns can leave the hands and wrists feeling tired and weakened. You can avoid this by using Pro-Aim braced shooting gloves. They not only lend support and recoil absorption to the hand and wrist but also brace the wrist for a steadier aim. If you don't have braced gloves, wrap your wrist and upper arm with an elastic bandage. Outdoor Life Online EditorWhen two or more shooters hunt upland game, put the right-handed shooters on the left side of the party and lefties to the right. Right-handed shooters swing more easily to the left, and left-handed shooters swing best to the right, making the party more efficient. Outdoor Life Online EditorAccuracy problems with bolt-action rifles might be caused by improper bedding of the action in the stock. To be sure: 1. Tighten the front guard screw only. 2. With the tips of your fingers pressed against the barrel and top of the stock, you can detect movement of the barrel as the rear guard screw is alternately tightened and loosened. 3. Repeat with rear screw tightened first. A bit of movement is normal, but excessive motion indicates a bedding problem. Outdoor Life Online EditorLearn to keep your rifle mounted when cycling the action for a follow-up shot. Don't make the mistake of lowering the gun to admire the shot. It is also a good idea to practice shooting while wearing the gear you plan to hunt with afield. Outdoor Life Online EditorThe sitting position is one of the most efficient and accurate shooting positions a hunter can master. The trick is to have the rifle's sling adjusted so it is tight on your arm and completes the "triangular brace"Â be-tween forearm, elbow and knee. Adjust the length of the sling before your hunt so that it has the desired tightness when you drop into a fast sitting position. When the sling is properly adjusted for the sitting position, it's also right for shoulder-carrying your rifle. Outdoor Life Online EditorA cheap but effective trigger-pull gauge can be made by attaching a known weight, or weights, to a hooked length of rod or a stiff wire. For example, attach wheel weights until it totals 3 pounds. With the gun held vertically and the weight gauge hooked over the trigger, you can tell if the release weight is more or less than 3 pounds. Make several of these weights with different values, or make the weights removable. Outdoor Life Online EditorSome models of telescopic sights offer maximum definition and brightness when the reticle is in the "optical center"Â of the optical system. The optical center of the scope can be found by rotating the scope in a simple cradle made by cutting v-notches in a cardboard box. If the reticle is out of the optical center it will appear to circle around a target as the scope is rotated. Make adjustments until the crosshairs remain fixed on the target as the scope turns. Mount the scope using shims and windage adjustment bases so the reticle remains near the optical center when the rifle is zeroed. Outdoor Life Online EditorFor positive identification of your reloads and a professional, personalized look, make your own stick-on box labels using the label makers available at office supply stores. Outdoor Life Online EditorA quick way to estimate the range of a game animal is to visualize the number of football fields between you and the target. Outdoor Life Online EditorWhen you drop into a sitting position to take a shot at long-range game, be sure to angle your legs and body so that you're at about a 45-degree angle to the target when you bring the gun to your shoulder and aim. The 45-degree angle is where the sitting position is most steady; it also provides more flexibility for shooting at moving or running game. Outdoor Life Online EditorWhen you drop into a sitting position to take a shot at long-range game, be sure to angle your legs and body so that you're at about a 45-degree angle to the target when you bring the gun to your shoulder and aim. The 45-degree angle is where the sitting position is most steady; it also provides more flexibility for shooting at moving or running game. Outdoor Life Online Editor
Want to work on your accuracy and gunsmithing this summer? Start by checking out these 11 pointers from Outdoor Life’s legendary shooting editor, Jim Carmichel.
