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I went to the range to day for the first tome since basic training, 3 years ago, and did really poorly. I know it’s my own fault for not doing well but many people are telling me the M16 and M4 are really different to shoot. Contrary to my performance today I’m not a terrible shot.
They didn’t feel too different. The biggest change for me was using iron sites, as in basic we use CCOs. If anything I’d say that was part of my poor performance.
Are they that different? Different enough to go from shooting 32-34 targets with easy to not qualifying.
I know I need to fix it and I will. Also, anyone have any tips?
They didn’t feel too different. The biggest change for me was using iron sites, as in basic we use CCOs. If anything I’d say that was part of my poor performance.
Are they that different? Different enough to go from shooting 32-34 targets with easy to not qualifying.
I know I need to fix it and I will. Also, anyone have any tips?
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Rifle Shooting
Weapons
Rifle Shooting Weapons
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 17
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Biggest difference barrel length and fixed versus collapsible stock. What were you shooting? If M16 what version?
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Make sure you zero the iron sites and maintain cheek to stock when aiming.
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SPC (Join to see) What SSgt (Join to see) advised is spot on and PO1 H Gene Lawrence is correct. Technique and practice, technique and practice brother.
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Shooter's Corner: "Sight Alignment and Trigger Control"
Part 3 in a series. This time, SSG Andrew McElroy of the Army Marksmanship Unit goes over the two main firing tasks of Sight Alignment and Trigger Control. T...
They're not that different. You have probably gotten rusty on some basic skills, due to lack of practice.
Check out the video I link, as it has the plainest instructions you'll get on proper shooting technique. You'll notice that the soldier demonstrating is wearing a presidents 100 tab. That is the elite of the elite as far as rifle marksmanship is concerned.
For my personal recommendations?
I recommend practicing the dry fire with a quarter balanced on the barrel. It will help you know how you're doing on trigger pull. Hold the weapon very tightly. The tighter you pull the rifle into your shoulder, the more you control the rifle, the less the rifle can move around.
Consider natural point of aim as well. You should be laying or kneeling in such a position that you can close your eyes, count to 5 re-open your eyes, and still be on target laterally. (You'll be off a little vertically) If you're not on, change your body position until you are. Practice until you naturally get into position.
With iron sights, making sure that you place your cheek against the stock in the same place every time is very important. The M68 is far more forgiving in that matter than irons are. Place your cheek in a position that you can find every time. It should also be a tight press. In basic I was taught to touch my nose to the charging handle. That way you're forced to take the same cheek weld each time. I don't like it, because it forces me I to a very uncomfortable position, but it works for some people.
I would also recommend reading TC 3-22.9. It has excellent, and quite up to date infor on rifle marksmanship. Reading it actually did help me become a better rifleman.
https://youtu.be/_6x1cLByjgw
Check out the video I link, as it has the plainest instructions you'll get on proper shooting technique. You'll notice that the soldier demonstrating is wearing a presidents 100 tab. That is the elite of the elite as far as rifle marksmanship is concerned.
For my personal recommendations?
I recommend practicing the dry fire with a quarter balanced on the barrel. It will help you know how you're doing on trigger pull. Hold the weapon very tightly. The tighter you pull the rifle into your shoulder, the more you control the rifle, the less the rifle can move around.
Consider natural point of aim as well. You should be laying or kneeling in such a position that you can close your eyes, count to 5 re-open your eyes, and still be on target laterally. (You'll be off a little vertically) If you're not on, change your body position until you are. Practice until you naturally get into position.
With iron sights, making sure that you place your cheek against the stock in the same place every time is very important. The M68 is far more forgiving in that matter than irons are. Place your cheek in a position that you can find every time. It should also be a tight press. In basic I was taught to touch my nose to the charging handle. That way you're forced to take the same cheek weld each time. I don't like it, because it forces me I to a very uncomfortable position, but it works for some people.
I would also recommend reading TC 3-22.9. It has excellent, and quite up to date infor on rifle marksmanship. Reading it actually did help me become a better rifleman.
https://youtu.be/_6x1cLByjgw
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Make sure you have a good zero first. Then go with the basics. I love shooting them but old eyes like optics and all of mine have something. Also try to stay with the same ammo at first.
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If you are tall, the M4 can be too small to get a good steady hold and repeatable sight picture. I did not shoot the M4 well, but could shoot an M16A2.
Small arms marksmanship is perishable. Three year gap with no other marksmanship....yikes. Is there an Engagement Skills Trainer where you are? Book it through DPTMS and use the marksmanship training modules. You can shoot until you work out the fundamentals like breathing, consistent sight picture, steady hold, trigger squeeze, grouping. It can also show you in playback what you are doing whether you know it or not. No ammo, so you can just bang away until you've got it. You can also qualify on the EST, score card and all.
Small arms marksmanship is perishable. Three year gap with no other marksmanship....yikes. Is there an Engagement Skills Trainer where you are? Book it through DPTMS and use the marksmanship training modules. You can shoot until you work out the fundamentals like breathing, consistent sight picture, steady hold, trigger squeeze, grouping. It can also show you in playback what you are doing whether you know it or not. No ammo, so you can just bang away until you've got it. You can also qualify on the EST, score card and all.
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LTC Jason Mackay
SPC (Join to see) - EST is a installation asset. Call DPTMS at the Garrison and see I find they have one on post. I have to think they have to have one or at AP Hill because the MPs use a different module in it for defensive tactics and shoot-don't shoot drills.
Call them and see. Also see if another nearby imstallation has one. It is usually part of TASC. https://home.army.mil/belvoir/index.php/about/Garrison/DPTMS
Call this number: [login to see]
You request the EST like a range. You have to go to it. It's hard installed in a warehouse like building. There is an air compressor system that you hook into for recoil and to cycle the bolts in the weapons. The one in Heidelberg was the sh*t.
Call them and see. Also see if another nearby imstallation has one. It is usually part of TASC. https://home.army.mil/belvoir/index.php/about/Garrison/DPTMS
Call this number: [login to see]
You request the EST like a range. You have to go to it. It's hard installed in a warehouse like building. There is an air compressor system that you hook into for recoil and to cycle the bolts in the weapons. The one in Heidelberg was the sh*t.
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Lots of good advice so far SPC (Join to see), and a good video from SSgt (Join to see). I'll just throw this out there and you can take it or leave it. Buy an AR-15 and go to the range once a month. It's pretty addictive and cheap to buy and shoot. Then you can follow the advice of the guys that offered it up. Trigger squeeze while keeping the sights aligned is probably the hardest part, but easy enough to achieve with practice.
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Three years is a long time my friend. The fundamentals aren't really any different, but the skills are perishable. Things like running iron sights vs. optics, barrel length, and cheek weld all come into play...but the "cure" is time on the range. None of the above will matter if your sights aren't properly zeroed. If owning your own isn't practical at the moment, you might invest in a .22 and membership to a civilian range. If you can get your hands on something that closely resembles your service weapon in weight, form, and function...even better. If the .223 gets pricey, maybe consider an "AR" style rifle chambered for .22 long. If the money's less of a problem, consider a shooting coach...I did, and it paid off in spades.
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