2020-2021 Rifle Season

[22SqnRAE]

Steve,

I'm a Target Rifle shooter for discipline. My passion is Service Rifle. But there's a world of difference between Service scoring at 100/200m and variable positions on a Figure 11 target and the variability of a .308 155 grain projectile form 300 to 1000 yards with open sights.

I do shoot TR most weekends for the meditative effects of setting up, going through the routine of prepping rifle, fixing sights for the range, adjusting for windage and considering any sight settings to account for light conditions. This ritual allows me to forget about what I was thinkign about before getting to the range. When it's my turn to take to the mound and set up ready for my Serial, I'm thinking bullets, bolt, mat, glove, ears. On the mound it's sling tensions, elbow and hip position, target, foresight, rearsight, breathing, aiming pattern. Repeat for 11 or 13 shots depending on first or second serial. I'm sure your shooting follows a similar pattern.

All this usually takes about 3 hours for me and the rest of the club. A great afternoon, thinking only shooting and banter.

The actual concentration is only done on the mound and it really does take a bit to wipe your mind clean of all the thoughts you had prior to driving through the range gates. This is the key.

If you don't concentrate on the mound, you'll end up making the most use of the target, which is not what you want. (that is, all over the place instead of a nice tight little group.)

Consider the disruption, turmoil, 'new normal' and angst that your operating under. Clearing all that from your mind when driving through the gate is a big ask. Not seeing the kids as you remember them is a major unsettler.

Be kind on yourself, you're under stress. Some of s work well under stress, other crumble. I happen to be a carrier...

It takes practice and time to get your rhythm back. Enjoy sending happiness pills downrange first, then worry about scores. You'll get back there...!

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