Booked a plains game hunt to Namibia for this September so figured I had better get my butt off the bench and do some off hand shooting. What an eye opener Put up a 10in paper plate at 100yds. Got about a quarter in with open sights and about 50% with the scoped rifles. The 7 and 9.3x64 shoot 1.5in all day. I have got my work cut out for me. What really made me feel bad was a junior service rifle shooter next to me doing better at 200yds with an M1A. Bob

First, Will is right (God, I hate saying that) start in close and work out.

Here are my personal limits.

Off hand max 2.5 power - 75 yds
Sitting/Kneeling max 4 power - 125 yds
Sticks max 6 power - 175 yds
Prone and Supported max 8 power - 250 yds


Mike

Find out from your PH what type of shooting sticks you'll be using and make a set similar - there are many tips here on AR!! Shoot as often as you can between now and departure using the sticks as well as a few field positions (including some off-hand).

I had a similar experience and found that after just a few range sessions off the bench, the groups (number of shots on the paper plate) improved dramatically. Practice from varying ranges and not just from the 100-yd line.

You're doing it wrong. You start at 15 or 25 yards and work up.



I'm sure someone will chime in about being able to shoot 10" paper plates at a 1000 yards, but is irrelevant.

If your range has permanent benches, don't forget to try some kneeling shots while leaning against one. I've never used it in Africa, but a tree-supported kneeling shot has put pork on the table more than once here in California.

Practice, practice, practice. Back in my younger days (waaay back), I shot competitively in Olympic three hundred meter free rifle, which is standing only. Took out a rifle this year and had about the same experience you did.
Will is right (oooh, I hate saying that too). Went to 25 yds, 50 yds, and finally 100 yds...and I won't say how long it took to move to the further ranges to get mostly hits.
Max

Thanks guys. I feel a little better now. Will make up some shooting sticks and go back this weekend. Mike--That 9.3x64 HDS brass I bought from you will be going to Africa with me. Thanks again, Bob