at the risk of sounding repetitive, I will repeat myself.
the human psyche will naturally try to be protective when subjected to violence.
in the case of shooting a rifle, this violence is from both sound and a sudden buffeting, and can be made worse by a scope in the head.every time we shoot the rifle, we react in a protective manner, and these reactions can become a habit, good or bad, that will ingrain.
the bad habits ingrain more naturally and tend to dominate.
they demonstrate as a flinch.
sound can be dealt with by wearing protection, and now electronic protection is more hunting friendly.
double protection can be worn in practice.
there is only one way to truly deal with recoil.
this is to develop what is called follow through, which is to be aiming the rifle after the shot is fired.
this must be done so much that it becomes the predominating habit.
the best way is never to do it wrong from the start, as then you don't have to get back to zero before moving ahead.
however most of us have done it wrong, and have to work on it 'till we die.
the best way to develop and maintain follow through is to fire the best shot you can, and call that the count of 1.
then count 2 and 3 while still doing the best aim possible.
do this with an air rifle, a 22, and any other rifle you fire not in anger.
with big kickers, as mentioned above, do not fire too many shots.
many serious shooters will dry fire at least 10 times a day doing this, making sure that each shot is perfect as is its follow through which is part of the shot.
in the end, if you do not cheat or be a wanker a good habit will form.
when you hunt it might go back a little, so you keep training.
people play lip service to this and then forget it proptosaurus because it means work, and there is no glamour or instant gratification in it.
however, like all the really good things in life, you only get out of it what you put in, and no amount of money thrown at it, or short cuts will do it for you.
bruce.
www.africahunting.com
