TargetTalk

I'm a 16 year old target air rifle shooter. I have been in the sport for nearly three years now and have been shooting with a Champ Choice jacket for the past 6 months. I have been able to average about a 564 in standing and about a 580 in 3-P. What kind of point increases should I expect with pants and boots, and what should i expect if i get top of the line equipment. In addition is my current average of enough quality to warrent such an expense. All responses welcome. Thanks

What rifle are you currently shooting? It may be holding you back more than your jacket/pants/boots.

JJ

I would suggest that proper fitting pants, boots and jacket will help your scores. Pants certainly very helpful standing, and kneeling, less use prone.

If you've been shooting 3 years then you should have a good idea as to your ability and committment. If you're prepared to spend the money required now and grow with it then I think it'll help. As JJ said though the gun may also be a factor. As will be more coaching / training.

Rob.

If this is "your" sport, don't be concerned if you are shooting well enough to get better equipment. If you are committed to the sport, you will never regret getting the best.
Also, never underestimate the mental value of knowing that you have the "best" of everything on the line.
I have no air rifle experience, however, two separate equipment changes in outdoor prone moved me first to expert and then master almost instantly.

Freepistol wrote: I have no air rifle experience, however, two separate equipment changes in outdoor prone moved me first to expert and then master almost instantly.

Just out of curiosity, what were they ? I dabble with prone and would be interested in what you did to climb up the ladder ?

Rob.

I am currently shooting an cmp anshutz 8002 and i have no real coach. My dad helps me as much as he can but has no target or competition shooting experience. I consider myself fairly dedicated practicing everyday and reading the Ways of The Rifle book. Any reviews on Air Rifle Shooting by the same company

I have been able to average about a 564 in standing and about a 580 in 3-P

These score are very respectable for your age and experience .... congratulate your Dad for the help as many don't get as far as you have.

Your rifle is fine ... gear that fits can only help as well.
But gear is not the end all , as you probably realize.

A good investment would also be Lanny Bassham's tapes. "With Winning in Mind" and "Mental Management fo Shooting Sports" are two good starters. Any of the places you are looking at gear will have these.

Also, there is nothing wrong with you and/or your Dad/Coach attending a coach school. Go on the USA Shooting or NRA website and see if there are any in your area.

Become affliated with the American Legion one way or another and shoot their postal series to qualify for their National Match .... you're in the ballpark with a bit more work.

At 16 do you have a school nearby that you can shoot with? Or even a nearby club?

I'm shooting with the local 4-h club where i'm the only percision competitor and my dad is the coach.
Thank you for the advise about the camps, we are now planning to attend a 3-p camp and my dad has ordered me the with winning in mind book.
I appriciate the out pour of advise and support, shooting is my passion and I love to see that others are interested as well

My dad also wants to point out that when i said i was in the sport for three years i ment shooting in general, beginning with sporter .22. I participated in sporter air in a year and a half ago and began percision about 7 months ago. So if this changes any adivise i would be deeply appriciative. He also sends out his thanks for the support as well.

Feel free to PM me ..... I'm a 4-H Coach/Project leader too.

We only shoot a few 4-H competitions in New Mexico .... our County match and the state match .... other than that it's all USA Shooting, CMP, and NRA events.

Keep shooting the .22 as well, and even if you have a "sporter 22" shoot it in your gear ... shoot prone matches and as many other matches as you can.
While your state 4-H may not have an "any gun" (and gear) division, if you ever go to 4-H Nationals, that's what it is.

RobStubbs wrote:

Freepistol wrote: I have no air rifle experience, however, two separate equipment changes in outdoor prone moved me first to expert and then master almost instantly.

Just out of curiosity, what were they ? I dabble with prone and would be interested in what you did to climb up the ladder ?

Rob.

Hi Rob,
A good leather coat got me to expert and a switch to acrylic front sight inserts {from metal} got me to master. I've had people tell me I'm nuts about the difference it made, but my groups noticeably tightened after the switch. My theory is it has to do with even, unobstructed light flowing through the sight.
Ben

Freepistol wrote:

RobStubbs wrote:

Freepistol wrote: I have no air rifle experience, however, two separate equipment changes in outdoor prone moved me first to expert and then master almost instantly.

Just out of curiosity, what were they ? I dabble with prone and would be interested in what you did to climb up the ladder ?

Rob.

Hi Rob,
A good leather coat got me to expert and a switch to acrylic front sight inserts {from metal} got me to master. I've had people tell me I'm nuts about the difference it made, but my groups noticeably tightened after the switch. My theory is it has to do with even, unobstructed light flowing through the sight.
Ben

Ben,
Cheers for that. My rifle came with acrylic elements anyway, although I'm considering having a 'play' with an extension / bloop tube. The only downside is I'm not a great eqipment cleaner :(

I'm also planning on taking the saw and dremmel to my stock and shortening it and cutting down the cheekpiece. I'm quite short and the gun is really aimed at taller shooters (it's an 1813 supermatch)

Rob.

your cloths, unless improperly fitted, shouldnt make a difference in your accuracy unless your weather and landscape varies...your gun would deffinately make a difference.

Kurt