Do you occasionally get completely unexplained flyers, or have a shot land straight down at 6 O’Clock, right below your point of aim? That could be caused by poor or inconsistent trigger technique. How you pull the trigger can and does affect your accuracy.
Many gun enthusiasts start with pistols. When they later start shooting rifles they may carry over some not-so-good practices acquired from shooting handguns with heavy 4 to 6-pound trigger pulls. You may want to “re-learn” your trigger techniques to get better rifle results.
Shooting Sports USA has a good article on trigger technique that offers many useful tips. That article also has many helpful illustrations, including the one shown above. Another illustration shows different types of trigger shoes (straight vs. curved) and explains how each makes a difference: “With a lightly curved trigger, the shooter’s finger can contact the trigger either high or low according to preference. Higher contact will increase the resistance.” READ ARTICLE HERE.
The article analyzes common errors, such as pulling the trigger with the very tip of the finger rather than the pad of the index finger: “Using the tip of the finger can lead to lateral pressure on the trigger, which throws off the shot.”
The article also explains that you should check your trigger regularly to make sure it is functioning properly and is not out of adjustment: “Just like any other moving part, the trigger can suffer from wear. In such a precise mechanism, tiny amounts of wear can cause major problems.”
The ergonomics of the Eliseo Tubegun allow a nice, straight trigger pull.
Trigger Tips
Six Suggestions for Making your Trigger Control More Consistent.
1. If your triggers are adjustable, set the pull weight appropriate to the discipline. For a hunting rifle, you don’t want an ultra-light trigger pull. For High Power, you may want a two-stage pull, while on a Benchrest rifle you may prefer a very light trigger.
2. If you have a two-stage trigger, experiment with different combinations of First Stage and Second Stage.
3. Have a friend watch you as you pull the trigger, and maybe even take a close-up video as you pull the trigger. This can reveal a variety of flaws.
4. Practice dry-firing to see if flaws in trigger technique are causing gun movement.
5. As an experiment, try pulling the trigger with your middle finger. Ergonomically, the middle finger has a more straight alignment with the tendons in your hand. This exercise can help you identify alignment issues with your index finger.
6. For stocks with adjustable Length of Pull you may want to set the LOP differently for bench shooting vs. prone or F-Class shooting.
When Only the Best Will Do…
German-made Bix’N Andy triggers, available from BulletCentral.com, are among the very best you can buy. Available in both single-stage and two-stage, Bix’N Andy triggers are extremely precise, repeatable and smooth. The unique internal, friction-reducing roller ball system allows for extremely low reset force, yielding an ultra-crisp let-off. Bix’N Andy triggers can be fitted with a variety of trigger shoes according to shooter preference.
The CMP Offers Pistol Marksmanship 101 courses, with handguns and ammunition provided.
Those wanting to enhance their pistol skills now have a great opportunity thanks to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The CMP will offer Pistol Marksmanship 101 Courses at the 2023 CMP Eastern Games Matches and the CMP’s Talladega Quarterly Matches. These hands-on pistol courses are designed for seasoned pistoleros as well as those completely new to bullseye pistol shooting. Notably, pistols and ammo will be provided by the CMP.
The CMP Eastern Matches will be held April 28 to May 7, 2023 at the Camp Butner National Guard Training Facility in North Carolina, with the Marksmanship 101 Course set on the opening day. In addition, Pistol Marksmanship 101 courses will be conducted during the CMP’s Talladega Quarterly Matches, held at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama, on May 13 and August 26, 2023.
The CMP’s Marksmanship 101 Courses, taught by highly skilled instructors, train individuals on firearm essentials and competition basics in a closely monitored setting. Participants learn safety, positioning, how to load/clear a pistol and more through classroom work and active training on the range. At the close of the course, students will shoot an Excellence-In-Competition match. NOTE: Hearing and eye protection are required during live firing. Juniors must be at least 14 years old to participate.
About the CMP Travel Games:
The Travel Games are regional competitions held throughout the year, featuring CMP’s own rifle and pistol outdoor events. A common part of the CMP schedule for the last decade, the Games are centered around recreation-oriented competition and educational activities that are designed to accommodate experienced marksmen as well as those hoping to learn more about the sport. See CMP’s full lineup of Travel Games at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-travel-games.
Will you compete at this year’s NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury, Indiana? Then there’s an excellent digital magazine you should read. Shooting Sports USA has a guide to the 2022 NRA National Matches with great photos, match results, and interviews with top shooters. Featuring complete coverage of last year’s competitions at Camp Atterbury, including the High Power Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, and Precision Pistol National Championships, the recap can be viewed for free online. CLICK HERE to READ.
2022 NRA National Matches — Full Report
At the NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury, high-level competitive shooters from around the nation can test their skills and celebrate their achievements with medals and trophies. The 2022 NRA National Matches special edition magazine, published digitally by Shooting Sports USA, celebrates the 2022 NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
SSUSA’s 2022 digital recap begins with the opening day festivities, including the First Shot Ceremony with Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb, and goes on to cover the three different phases of the NRA National Matches. Plus, there is special coverage of the 2022 Pershing International Trophy Match, where the U.S. smallbore rifle team recorded a historic victory over Great Britain.
The home of the NRA National Matches since 2021, Camp Atterbury is an active National Guard training facility located south of Indianapolis, near Edinburgh, Indiana. For the 2022 National Matches, Camp Atterbury employed 30 Silver Mountain electronic targets for the Rifle Range Six. The moder e-targets allow faster, more efficient matches, with no pit duties for competitors.
The USAMU’s SFC Brandon Green shot superbly last year at Camp Atterbury. Green won numerous matches, capturing the Long Range Rifle Championship and many other honors. Here’s Brandon with his trophies from 2022.
Here are Cadets Hayle and Jesse Mayer, from the Texas A&M Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), at the 2023 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships at Fort Benning, Georgia in March 2023. The annual, live fire training event is open to Army ROTC cadets and all soldiers in the active duty, Army Reserve, and National Guard, and is therefore commonly called the ‘All Army’. CLICK HERE to Read Full Story on USAMU website. (Photo by Lt. Col. Michelle Lunato.)
Cadet Sisters Compete at the U.S. Army Small Arms Championships Story by Lt. Col. Michelle Lunato U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit
This year’s U.S. Army Small Arms Championships was more than just a unique training event for two Texas A&M ROTC cadets, it was a family affair. Cadets Hayle Mayer and Jesse Mayer, who are sisters, participated in the week-long, comprehensive, live-fire marksmanship training event that brings together more than 250 soldiers from across the U.S. Army to the Maneuver Center of Excellence.
The annual event, which is commonly called the “All Army”, is hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) and begins with All Army competitors receiving a variety of classes from the USAMU champions and experienced trainers.
After that, the soldier competitors, who were a mix of service members from active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and ROTC, competed in 11 different courses of fire during the week … both rifle and pistol matches, with and without combat gear, as well a 4-stage multi-gun match.
As a senior, All Army 2023 was Jesse’s second year to compete and the cadet said each year has been extremely helpful in developing her soldier skills. “I think both times that I have come here, I have really grown as a marksman … just learning the basics, what I am capable of, watching improvement each year, and just learning how complex marksmanship is. It’s been really incredible each time.”
For her sophomore sister, Hayle, it was her first All Army experience. With limited prior marksmanship experience … Hayle said she was trying to absorb all that she could. “I am just learning basically everything you can about shooting.”
Cadet Hayle Mayer, with Texas A&M ROTC, competes in the Bullseye Pistol Match at the 2023 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Sisters Come from a Multi-Generation Military Family
Though Hayle and Jesse may at be different levels of marksmanship knowledge, the sisters say that military life in general is nothing new to them. In fact, they were born into that life since both their parents were Marines, both grandfathers were soldiers, and a grandmother was an Airman.
That meant that military life was just always there. It’s what we saw and respected, Jesse explained. “Everyone was so disciplined and so patriotic. There was just such a higher purpose to the military that I always saw, and I wanted to be part of that.”
So when it came time for college, joining an Army ROTC program was nothing out of the ordinary because both our parents instilled a strong sense of independence and strength in us, Jesse said.
“Growing up, I watched it — the honor, the sacrifice, and what it meant to give back and serve other people, your Country and your family.”
With all that, Jesse is proud to say that she is contracted to commission in May of 2024 and looks forward to carrying on her family’s tradition of service.
“It means a lot to me to serve my Country, to push myself in any way that I can, and it is part of a family legacy — being in the military — and I just want to complete that and do that for my family.”
Berger Twist-Rate Stability Calculator On the Berger Bullets website you’ll find a handy Twist-Rate Stability Calculator that predicts your gyroscopic stability factor (SG) based on mulitiple variables: velocity, bullet length, bullet weight, barrel twist rate, ambient temperature, and altitude. This cool tool tells you if your chosen bullet will really stabilize in your barrel.
How to Use Berger’s Twist Rate Calculator
Using the Twist Rate Calculator is simple. Just enter the bullet DIAMETER (e.g. .264), bullet WEIGHT (in grains), and bullet overall LENGTH (in inches). On its website, Berger conveniently provides this info for all its bullet types. For other brands, we suggest you weigh three examples of your chosen bullet, and also measure the length on three samples. Then use the average weight and length of the three. To calculate bullet stability, simply enter your bullet data (along with observed Muzzle Velocity, outside Temperature, and Altitude) and click “Calculate SG”. Try different twist rate numbers (and recalculate) until you get an SG value of 1.4 (or higher).
Gyroscopic Stability (SG) and Twist Rate
Berger’s Twist Rate Calculator provides a predicted stability value called “SG” (for “Gyroscopic Stability”). This indicates the Gyroscopic Stability applied to the bullet by spin. This number is derived from the basic equation: SG = (rigidity of the spinning mass)/(overturning aerodynamic torque).
If you have an SG under 1.0, your bullet is predicted not to stabilize. If you have between 1.0 and 1.1 SG, your bullet may or may not stabilize. If you have an SG greater than 1.1, your bullet should stabilize under optimal conditions, but stabilization might not be adequate when temperature, altitude, or other variables are less-than-optimal. That’s why Berger normally recommends at least 1.5 SG to get out of the “Marginal Stability” zone.
In his book Applied Ballistics For Long-Range Shooting (3rd Ed.), Bryan Litz (Berger Ballistician) recommends at least a 1.4 SG rating when selecting a barrel twist for a particular bullet. This gives you a safety margin for shooting under various conditions, such as higher or lower altitudes or temperatures.
Story idea from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
New Deluxe Extra-Long Shooting Mat with Extended Sides
Creedmoor Sports now offers a new Deluxe Long Range Shooting Mat with extended right- and left-side wings. This 32″ x 106″ mat was designed with feedback from long-range shooters who needed features not found in conventional shooting mats. The mat is available now for $199.95 at Creedmoor Sports.
Deluxe Long Range Shooting Mat Features
Centrally located, non-slip MegaGripII rubber pad to prevent rear bag from slipping
Increased overall length and width (at 106″ OAL, the mat is 8.8 feet long!)
Side flaps with storage compartments for increased space when shooting
Rear extension flat to keep shooter’s entire body on the mat
Front flap to lessen dirt and debris from muzzle blast
This roll-up style Deluxe Long Range Shooting Mat has a 1000 denier Cordura Nylon upper with a water-resistant vinyl bottom. Stake pockets and stakes are included to keep the mat in-place on windy days.
Creedmoor Sports Deluxe Long Range Double Mat
The Deluxe Long Range Double Mat gives shooters more real estate on the firing line. Measuring 56″ x 67″, this double-sized mat features the same construction as conventional Creedmoor Sports mats, but is twice the size. The increased footprint provides increased space for equipment (spotting scope, ammo box, shot log, tablet for electronic target viewing).
This 56″-wide Double Mat can comfortable support two (2) individuals. This has many benefits:
Shooter and spotter can be side-by-side by for improved communication
Mat allows coaching from alongside the shooter
Mat works for Pair Firing in team competitions
Price for the Deluxe Double Mat (as shown) is $249.95. Or you can order a custom, made-to-order version with various color fabrics for $289.95. This item is hand made to order at the Creedmoor Sports Alabama facility and can take 14-20 business days to ship.
Team USA won Gold and Silver at the recent 2023 F-Class World Championships held in South Africa. With a strong, come-from-behind performance on the last day of the team match, The U.S.A. F-Open Team topped South Africa to win the F-Open Team Championship with a 3540-366V score (South Africa finished with 3535-374V — a “V” is like an “X” in the USA). Congratulations to the 2023 USA F-Open team, the new World Champions!
In the F-TR Division, Team USA took silver with a 3462-284V score, close behind winning Team South Africa which finished with 3518-307V. One of our Forum members noted that the South Africans won F-TR with a superb showing on Day 2: “I’m in awe of the performance of the South African F-TR team. Their 1762-162V on day 2 would be good enough for second place in F-Open. Only Team USA F-Open had a better score of all the teams for Day 2.”
The F-Class World Championships were held March 26 – April 1, 2023 at the Genl De Wet Shooting Range outside Bloemfontein, South Africa. The multi-day individual matches had some tough conditions with strong, twitchy winds and rain delays. And the winds were challenging for the team matches as well.
Both F-Open and F-TR team matches were shot at multiple metric distances: 700m, 800m, 900m. The high-scoring American F-Open shooter was B. Kolodziej with 448-50V. His team-mate Todd Hendricks (444-53V) had the most Vs with 53.
The high-scoring American F-Open shooter was B. Kolodziej with 448-50V. The F-Open Team USA (3540-366V) finished five points ahead of South Africa (3535-374V).
In the F-TR Division, Team USA took silver with a 3462-284V score, close behind winning Team South Africa Protea which finished with 3518-307V. Great Britain’s F-TR squad was third with 3376-222V. The top scoring American F-TR shooter was T. Hogg who finished with 438-40V. Among all F-TR shooters, the highest score achieved was 447-38V by H. Rolfes of winning Team South Africa Protea.
Scary weather — lightning and thunder — during individual competition.
There were some very tough weather conditions during the individual matches. Forum member C.J. Rowe reported: “World’s Individual Final Day: The day’s course of fire is two strings of 2+20 at 900m shot 3 to-the-mound, which will conclude the Individual portion of the World Championships. Huge rains and thunderstorms the evening prior left most of the roads on the range washed out, and much of the 900m ready area looked like a mud pit. But that didn’t deter any one or any thing, and after the daily prayer from the General, the match started promptly as always.
Both F-T/R matches turned out to be challenging. The first, while not easy, was in line with conditions we had seen throughout the past two weeks. The second match was an entirely different story all together! Winds switched over to full value (for the first time since we have been in South Africa, as the prevalent condition has been a fishtailing tail wind), with velocities unseen previously (anywhere from a low of 10 mph to highs approaching 20 mph), with very rapid let-offs and pickups, and the scores showed it.”
F-Open World Champions — Team USA
F-Open Team USA Member Shiraz Balolia posted this on Facebook: “I would like to thank SABU and the South African F-Class Team for putting up an amazing World Championship in Bloemfontein, South Africa. After a hard fought battle and a dramatic comeback from behind, Team USA F-Open won the Gold Medal and became the new World Champions. I am proud to have been a part of this team for many years, as this was my 4th and final World Championship. I was the last shooter on the line and after a long interval Trudie Fay coached my very last shot into being a pin-wheel V Bull (dead center bullseye) at 900 meters or almost 1000 yards. Thank you to my great teammates for an outstanding performance. Amazing memories!”
PHOTO CREDITS: All images except top from Forum member C.J. Rowe. SEE Forum FCWC F-TR Thread. Top photo from Facebook, courtesy Erik Cortina and F-Class John.
This article Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No reproduction on any other site is authorized without permission and fees.
Each summer for the past 100 years, the nation’s top Service Rifle Teams have competed in National Trophy Infantry Team (NTIT) Match at Camp Perry, Ohio. In this match, known informally as the “Rattle Battle”, six-member teams shoot at 200, 300, 500 and 600 yards with time limits — 384 rounds total. To win this match, the six shooters must work like a finely-tuned machine. This is a popular match with spectators as there is plenty of action in a short time span.
The National Trophy Infantry Team Match (NTIT) was first fired in 1922. Only four civilian teams have ever won the prestigious Infantry Trophy that goes to the winner of this match. The first civilian team to win this honor (we are told) was the Massachusetts Team in 1929 followed by a Nebraska Civilian Team in 1930. Seventy-nine years later, in 2009, the California Grizzlies Junior Team won the Infantry Trophy.
The Infantry Trophy Team Match is a unique event where scoring is based on how many hits six-person teams, which begin the match with 384 rounds of ammunition, can score on banks of eight silhouette targets at distances of 600, 500, 300 and 200 yards during 50-second firing periods. The NTIT is sometimes called the “Rattle Battle” because it requires firing, moving to the next firing point with all gear in tow. The match emphasizes extremely fast, accurate fire and good communication among teammates. CLICK HERE for more information.
This video shows the winning 2011 NTIT team at Camp Perry. Six USAMU shooters started with a combined load of 384 rounds to be fired at 8 targets from 600 and 500 yards prone, then 300 yards seated, and finally 200 yards standing.
For the past two years (2021 and 2022) the USAMU-Greenwood Team has won the title with a 1431 score in 2021 and 1344 in 2021. The record team score for this match is 1466, set by the USAMU-Remily Team in 1996. For more information about this great team event, read Unraveling the Mystery of the Rattle Battle on the Shooting Sports USA website.
The National Trophy Infantry Team Match (NTIT) was first fired in 1922 and has been part of the the CMP’s annual National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry. The NTIT is called the “Rattle Battle” because it emphasizes extremely fast, accurate fire.
Our friend Grant U., who runs the Precision Shooting Journal on Facebook, says the NTIT is a special match, a real “crowd-pleaser: “The National Trophy Infantry Team Match (Rattle Battle)… was always one of my favorite team events. It takes a hell of a lot more planning, practice, and precision than one might expect. You get one shot at it and the entire team had better be running on all cylinders because there are no alibis. Each team of six shooters is allocated 384 rounds and when the teams fire at 600 and 500 yards, it sounds like a war.”
SFC Brandon Green, one of the nation’s finest marksmen, won the 2018 NRA High Power Rifle Championship at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
PHOTOS courtesy U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. U.S. Army photos by Michelle Lunato/released. See more on USAMU Facebook Page.
The new Tunable Ultimate Recoil Device from MDT allows you to shoot smaller calibers with nearly 3.14 times more recoil. This is a big deal for tactical competitors who want to cross-train with rimfire rifles that use much more affordable .22 LR ammo. (Good .22 LR ammo can be purchased for under $0.15/round.)
With this new MDT reverse-pulse muzzle brake, a .22 LR rig will feel like a .223 Rem, and a .223 Rem can feel like a .308 Win. The added recoil provides realistic training, stressing perfect body position while allowing you to save money on ammo.
Watch Video to See Tunable Ultimate Recoil Device in Action
With very large calibers (.338 and above), the MDT-TURD can increase felt recoil up to 900%. This heavier recoil pulse can help a shooter build muscle strength during training.
Built with marine-grade submarine steel and reverse baffles, the MDT-TURD creates parabolic concussion forward and to the side. The unique patent-pending design removes the need for hearing protection for the shooter while creating disorientation for competitors at your match.
The above image shows a .22 LR tactical rifle on recoil-measuring slide platform. (See Video at 1:15 time-mark). With the MDT-TURD fitted, the rimfire rifle shows significantly greater recoil — 314% more compared to the same rig with bare muzzle. This allows more effective cross-training, as the device-equipped rimfire rifle will have a recoil pulse more similar to a centerfire PRS/NRL rig.
This image show how the forward-angle brake ports INCREASE the felt recoil by venting the explosive energy FORWARD. This effectively pushes the rifle backward, increasing felt recoil. This way a .223 Rem can recoil like a .308 Win, and a .22 LR rimfire rifle can recoil like a .223 Rem.
About MDT ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
MDT was born with a single purpose — to provide better value and better accuracy for precision rifles. The first MDT chassis was developed from the ground up based on the needs of shooters. Our engineers verified every function and feature based on the input from competitive shooters. The end result was a game-changing product called the TAC21 that continues to perform at the range, in the field and in competitions around the world.
Today, MDT chassis systems, magazines, and accessories are still developed the same way. We collaborate, question and verify our concepts with precision shooters from around the globe to ensure that every MDT product is designed with the same single purpose — to provide our customers with the absolute best product possible.
At its upcoming Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Indianapolis, Indiana, the National Rifle Association (NRA) will launch a new activities program for Millennials — young Americans in their 20s and early 30s. The new MRA (Millennial Rifle Activities) program will include a series of special events for Millennials held throughout the nation. These MRA “gatherings” will be unique among NRA competition disciplines. First, all participants in MRA events will receive a participation badge or trophy for showing up. Second, though shooting at targets will be encouraged, no actual gun-handling is required. Millennial participants can choose to watch instead. Finally, for those who do choose to shoot at MRA events, scoring will be optional. Actual scores will be kept confidential, and there will be no published rankings. “At MRA events”, promises an NRA news release, “all participants will be winners!”
The NRA’s new MRA activities program targets “Millennials” — the young Americans raised on video games and the internet. If you’re not familiar with the term “Millennials”, this refers to Americans born between 1980 and 2000. They represent “the first generation that grew up with the internet and the first to have truly incorporated technology into their daily lives.” READ More.
Scoring Optional at Millennials Matches
Creating a competition program for Millennials has been challenging. With short attention spans, Millennials are easily distracted and they lack motivation to prepare or practice. Very self-absorbed, Millennials were raised on “instant gratification” and see themselves as entitled. These personality traits seem to run contrary to the focus, self-discipline, and mindset required for serious competition. Accordingly, the NRA has taken a whole new approach to MRA matches — scores won’t count and the focus will be on participation. Said one member of the NRA Competition Committee: “These were the kids who got ‘participation trophies’ for playing soccer. We are offering the same kinds of rewards. At our Millennial Matches you’ll be acknowledged just for showing up. Scoring will be optional. The emphasis is not on winning, but on participating.”
An NRA spokesman told us: “We’ve done a lot of research into the Millennial group. This demographic is very different than older generations. They expect to be rewarded for participation and they don’t want to be judged by objective standards, such as numeric scores. We’ve also learned that they like to do activities on the spur of the moment and without preparation. That’s why actual shooting will be optional at MRA events. We expect that many participants will arrive completely unprepared — without a gun or ammo. But they can still participate, and be acknowledged… and that’s what it’s all about. We want to get more Millennials involved, whether they actually shoot or not.”
NRA Millennials Outreach Follows Success of NRA Programs for Women
The NRA’s outreach programs have enabled the organization to grow its membership base successfully. For example, in recent years the NRA has significantly expanded the ranks of female members. The NRA now offers a wide variety of programs expressly for women, including Women on Target instructional shooting clinics, and women’s wilderness retreats. The NRA also has a dedicated website for women, NRAWomen.com. This full-featured site promotes women’s activities and recognizes top lady shooters.
Millennials Create Unique Challenges for Match Directors
Dennis Santiago is a seasoned match director with decades of experience running NRA matches. He said that finding a formula for the new Millennials Match “gatherings” has been a challenge: “Designing a competitive course of fire for the new MRA Millennials discipline is not as easy as you would think. Millennials have short attention spans and it is difficult to draw them away from their digital devices. You have to come up with range commands that can attract their attention. We are thinking of sending commands via Twitter, or possibly streaming match instructions over TikTok.”
Dennis also noted that a shooting competition with “optional scoring” is something new and different for the NRA. “The concept of recording and reporting scores was hotly debated. Ultimately we decided to make scoring optional. We concluded that mandatory scoring would probably discourage participation by Millennials. To a generation that has been rewarded for simply showing up, we wanted to create a ‘safe space’ and a non-threatening environment for this new class of competitor.”
The NRA’s new MRA activities program targets “Millennials” — the young Americans raised on video games and the internet. If you’re not familiar with the term “Millennials”, this refers to Americans born between 1980 and 2000. They represent “the first generation that grew up with the internet and the first to have truly incorporated technology into their daily lives.” 
