Practicing with a firearm and live ammunition—whether at a shooting range or in the field—is undeniably the best training for hunting season and shooting scenarios. However, if outdoor practice is challenging, these three indoor shooting drills will enhance accuracy without the need for live rounds.
1. Enhance Accuracy with Shooting Sticks
Primos Trigger Stick
Gen 3 Tripod
Shooting Stick
Utilizing shooting sticks significantly improves accuracy in the field, ensuring clean, one-shot kills during hunts. While these aids are prevalent in regions like Africa, they remain under-utilized by North American hunters.
Whether opting for a monopod, bipod, or tripod, these devices require practice before their first use in the field. It is essential to deploy the stick, acquire the target, and execute an accurate shot swiftly.
Prior to a first African safari, dedicating a few minutes each night to practice with the rifles intended for use helped make the process quick, smooth, and instinctive.
Visualize the entire scenario—from spotting the quarry and adjusting the height of the sticks to firing the first shot and cycling the action for a rapid follow-up.
2. Master Trigger Control
Trigger control is a critical component of accurate shooting. After confirming that the rifle’s trigger operates smoothly, developing familiarity with that trigger is essential.
Every trigger varies slightly, yet accurate shooting is attainable even with less-than-ideal triggers if the shooter is accustomed to them. Dry firing is the most effective method to achieve this familiarity.
Using a set of snap caps allows for extensive practice without risking damage to the firing pin. Engage in various shooting positions, ensuring each shot is squeezed accurately. Additionally, practice squeezing the trigger with eyes closed to focus entirely on the feel and break.
3. Utilize Laser Training Technology
Advancements in technology have elevated dry firing through various laser training kits. These kits typically include a cartridge sleeve, one or more laser training cartridges, and a target.
Once the appropriate cartridge and sleeve for the rifle or handgun caliber are chambered, each trigger squeeze projects a visible laser shot on the target, allowing for visible grouping and recording.
This technology provides insights into how grip, position, and trigger control affect shot accuracy, enabling necessary adjustments. It can even track results for multiple shooters, fostering friendly competition.
By practicing these drills, hunters will emerge from winter hibernation with improved shooting skills, surpassing the average bear.
