Summary: Welcome to Episode 122 of Gun Guy Radio! This is the podcast that shines a positive light on the firearms lifestyle. I’m your guest-host J.W. Ramp and this is your weekly dose of positive firearms talk, without the politics. Announcements:Looking for guns & gear reviewers, bloggers and editors for the Firearms InsiderContribute to the show by shopping Amazon.com via our affiliate banners.Main Topic:Intro to Long Range ShootingWill have Chris A. from Black Heart Consulting on with us.http://www.blackheartconsulting.org/Background & ExperienceHistory of the SniperThe Verb “to Snipe” originated in the 1770’s among soldiers in British India where a hunter skilled enough to kill the elusive Snipe(Bird) was dubbed a “Sniper”Early History dates back to the American Revolutionary War, The British Lovat Scouts were considered the first “Snipers” in the Boerr War in 1899 and first to use Ghillie Suits. WWI Snipers get Scopes and where the “SS” or “Scout Sniper” comes from. WWII famous sniper on sniper battle of Stalingrad with Vassily Zaitsev VS Major Konig (Enemy at the Gate). Vietnam enters Carlos Hathcock 93 confirmed and Chuck Mawhinney 103 confirmed. Hathcock opens first official US Sniper School.Fundamentals of MarksmanshipBone SupportThe Rifle becomes an extension of your body. Prone is your best friend. You want to make sure you’re directly behind the weapon with the buttstock of the weapon in the pocket of your shoulder. Depending on your dominant eye you’ll want to use your non dominant arm and hand as support for your sand sock/bag while your dominant hand manipulates the bolt, turrets and loads your rounds.Muscle RelaxationThe most important aspect of muscle relaxation is making sure you’re not in a position that you’re not comfortable in. You have to be relaxed and not “muscling” the weapon. You don’t not want to constantly move your body or weapon to line up your shot. This wll result in bad mechanics and you’ll never reach your Natural Point of Aim.Natural Point of Aim is achieved once your Bone Support and Muscle Relaxation is perfect. Your weapon will be on target even if you decide to get off of your weapon and then get back on. If you’re using a Bi-Pod you can use the “push-up” method to check this by having the buttstock firm in your shoulder and doing a “push-up”, moving left to right and going back into your position. You should be back on target. Natural Point of Aim is also key for re-engaging the same target after recoil. If you’ve achieved Natural Point of Aim your weapon will come almost directly back onto Target after the recoil settles.Trigger ControlThe most important fundamental in my opinion is Trigger Control. If you’ve achieved Perfect Bone Support, Muscle Relaxation and if that Natural Point of Aim is dead on and you don’t have perfect Trigger Control… you’ll never hit your target.Trigger Control is “continuous”. Meaning you need to follow through like a golf swing or basketball shot. You want to feel surprised when that round goes down range.A slow steady pull to the rear. Never jerking the trigger. Come up with a Ditty for every shot. “A SLOOOOW STEADDYYY PULLL TOOO THEEEE REARRRR”Breath ControlNatural Respiratory Pause. The Key moment when your body does not have any oxygen in your lungs.“Breath in… Breath out…. Pause…..” There will be a 2-3 second pause that your body is no longer breathing in or breathing out. This is the ideal moment you want to time your trigger control to take your shot.Never hold your breath. This increases your heart rate and will start to jump your reticle.SupportsBi-Pod - Most common now. Mounted on Weapon and Quick EmploymentGear - LVB or Buttpack with Hog Sadle. Big Con is you have to take your gear off. Oldschool SnipersSand Bag or Bench Support - Very stable and used mostly at ranges.Tri Pod - Used for multiple shooting positions. Quick Employment in the field.Stop and Reset! - Very Important… Unless you’re taking fire from the enemy, he’s advancing onto
