Variables of shooting accurately
- Bob Hanna: Someday
- May 21, 2020
- 951
Hey everybody. It’s been a really crazy past few weeks since our farm sale. I appreciate all the cards and comments of encouragement. Retiring, selling property, finding a new home, packing, and add a pandemic on top of all is a bit much.
We have made several trips to Kentucky, looking for just the right place to check off all our “want list.”
Problem is we expect it now. We should be able to just turn on our computer, and there it is. God is surely teaching us a lesson on patience.
Because of the pandemic, we (like you) have not been able to enjoy going places to eat, see friends and family, and the only traveling we’ve done is to look at homes. A lot of screen time, on the computer, phone and TV.
I have been able to do some groundhog hunting around the house. For our anti-gun/anti-hunting friends, shooting groundhogs is necessary as they are very destructive to property and a nuisance. We even had them burrowing under our house trailer at the farm.
A few days ago, I missed the same groundhog three times at 100 yards with my .22 Savage. Lucky day for him. He did run to his hole but kept sneaking back out after a few minutes. I said lucky, not smart. It was then I realized my scope had been bumped.
The next day another one came out, also at about 100 yards. So I grabbed Taryn’s .270 Encore. This .270 has been one of the most accurate and consistent guns we own. Knowing the scope was set at 200 yards at zero, I aimed 2 inches low and made the perfect shot.
Which is kind of what I want to touch on in this article — there are many variables when it comes to shooting accurately. This is just for the young or beginning shooter to help you begin to understand ballistics.
First thing, above all else, is safety. Guns, when used properly, can be fun. Used improperly, they can be deadly. I recommend taking the hunter safety course to get started. Handle every weapon as if it were loaded. Many deaths have been attributed to being shot by an “empty” weapon. Never point a gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot. This is rule number one.
Every gun is different. Every shooter is different. Every situation is different. The best teacher is experience, and practice, practice, practice!
Attitude is next. This is something a lot of teachers forget about. Respect is key, both for the weapon and the target. Having respect for your weapon means treating it with care. Proper cleaning and oiling helps to preserve its longevity and accuracy. Proper storage also keeps them out of unwanted hands.
Gun safes not only keep your guns secure, but also provide a clean and dry environment to help them last longer. There are even dehumidifiers that fit inside safes to keep moisture out. Try, and I said try, to allow enough room in storage so you don’t have to stack them on top of each other.
Confidence comes with time and practice. If you are afraid of handling or shooting a gun, it may not be for you. Find an instructor who will help you learn to shoot with confidence, especially at critical moments, whether it be at targets, wildlife or even in self defense in a life or death situation.
Another critical point is choosing the appropriate gun. Granted, there are so many calibers that there is a lot of overlap. From the .22 caliber to the .500 Nitro Express rifle or the .550 S&W Magnum handgun, finding the right gun for the right job helps to ensure success in all situations.
We will continue on this subject next time. As for now, let’s continue to pray for our country, pray for our leaders (whether we agree with them or not), pray for those who have yet to acknowledge a Savior who cares for them and seeks their love in return.
God bless.