When shots miss the target, the cause is usually identifiable.
Diagnosing shooting problems correctly prevents wasted ammunition and frustration.
This page focuses on separating shooter error from equipment issues, using repeatable observation and data.
Shooter Error vs Equipment Error
The first step is determining whether the issue originates from the shooter or the rifle.
Most problems can be isolated with a consistent shooting process. I check my errors in these steps…
- Did I make a clean shot? Or did I pull it off target?
- Incorrect data implemented
- Inconsistent body position, breathing control or trigger press
- Loose equipment on your rifle
- check your ammo
After that, I will ensure proper torque on all equipment, if you see rounds “all over the place” and nothing is consistent, start with checking torque specs throughout your rifle and optic. Mechanical fundamentals should be verified using
Rifle Setup
Vertical Stringing
Vertical stringing is commonly caused by improper breathing control, one of the 5 pillars of the fundamentals of marksmanship, another possibility could be velocity inconsistencies. You will notice this at your zero distance as it pertains to breathing control, more than a velocity inconsistency. (This will look like all your rounds forming a “string” up and down)
Horizontal Stringing
Horizontal dispersion is often related to wind input, rifle cant, or trigger control. Trigger control will be evident at your zero distance more than wind or rifle cant being a factor. (This will look like your impacts all having the same elevation, but displayed as a “string” horizontally)
Cold Bore Shift
Some rifles exhibit a cold bore shift between the first shot and subsequent shots.
This should be documented and accounted for rather than ignored.
Environmental Effects
Wind, temperature and density altitude influence bullet flight.
Ignoring environmental changes leads to unreliable impacts. When shooting at distance, be sure to enter as much information as you can, temperature, altitude, humidity, shot angle. Most of this information can be found on your iPhone weather app, kestrel or another ballistic solver.
Environmental inputs are measured during
Range Work and Data Collection.
Confirming the Solution
Once a suspected issue is corrected, confirmation shots must be taken.
Reliable fixes produce repeatable results.
Training helps shooters identify problems quickly and apply corrections efficiently.
Equipment Malfunctions
If you have covered all shooter errors possible, AND you have made sure proper torque specs throughout all screws and equipment, you may have faulty equipment. The possibility of your barrel being out of spec is slim, however it’s a possibility. You have a higher chance of your equipment such as scope base/ scope rings/ optic not operating as they should. Check your scope base “pic rail” for wear marks for movement on the scope rings. This will look like shiny areas on the pic rail where the rings sit, movement back and forth from recoil will cause rubbing on the two metal surfaces and show up as a “shiny spot”. Checking scope rings, once your scope is leveled, torqued and in place, make a witness mark on the area where the scope tube touches the scope ring. I like using a silver sharpie as it is very visible. The silver sharpie marks should be touching, if a gap starts to appear, or if the scope mark disappears, you have scope movement in the rings. Check these things first before sending in your rifle to the manufacturer or to your gunsmith.
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