Posted by CIMEX on February 16, 2002 at 04:37:21:
When should I actually
start the breathing cycle (deep inhale, deep exhale) when I raise the rifle? I
would be comfortable starting the cycle only after I have settled my position,
but that will mean holding the rifle for too long. Some told me starting the
cycle earlier, like at the part where I am about to lower the rifle into
position, but I'll end up focusing too much on the breathing cycle to actually
aim. Either way, I'll screw up pretty badly.
Also, my rifle's tipping
slightly forward when I'm holding it, obviously meaning that my rifle's heavier
at the front. I've no weights at the front, so some suggested moving my left arm
(I’m a right master-eye shooter) forward, but that makes it hard for me to hold
the rifle for long. I've never seen rifle weights for the back of the rifle, and
I don't reckon they'll be cheap even if they existed. So should I just bear with
that little imbalance, or find ways to correct it?
Posted by Richard Hutchinson on February 16, 2002 at 07:15:18:
What kind
of rifle do you use? They do make weights for the rear. You might also want to
try lowering your but plate as this will also bring the barrel up.
Posted by Lou C on February 16, 2002 at 08:11:04:
Shouldn't that be
raising the butt plate? I might have something wrong, but it seems if you raise
the butt, the barrel will drop not raise. Do I have that right?
Lou
Posted by Richard Hutchinson on February 16, 2002 at 18:36:02:
Ops, I
guess that's why I shoot pistol. At least I knew to move it ;)
Posted by Lou C on February 16, 2002 at 08:14:30:
When I shoot the
standing position for air rifle silhouette I take most of my deep breaths before
I bring up the gun. Then I take little breaths while I focus on the front sight.
That only lasts for a little while though until I need more air. If no shot has
happened by that time, I start over again.
Lou
Posted by Michael Ray on February 16, 2002 at 09:31:26:
: When should I
actually start the breathing cycle (deep inhale, deep exhale) when I raise the
rifle?
You should start before you raise the rifle into position. After you
have it in position, you'll continue some normal breathing until your body
settles down, then shallow breaths from the stomach as you look through the
sights to verify your natural point of aim. You may think this requires too much
focus, but I bet you didn't ride a bike very well the first time either. This
isn't rocket science - all you are trying to accomplish is to have enough O2 in
your body so when you are finally ready to aim (body settled, NPA verified), you
let the lungs balance and can hold the natural respiratory pause for 8 seconds
at most.
: Also, my rifle's tipping slightly forward when I'm holding it,
obviously meaning that my rifle's heavier at the front.
That is true of most
match air rifles. It sounds like you have either a pretty loose grip with your
right hand or perhaps the stock is not long enough to get decent contact in your
shoulder. I'd fix that problem before your breathing. You won't do well when the
rifle butt is moving in your shoulder while you're aiming.
Posted by Nancy Johnson on February 26, 2002 at 13:44:41:
When should I
actually start the breathing cycle (deep inhale, deep exhale) when I raise the
rifle? I would be comfortable starting the cycle only after I have settled my
position, but that will mean holding the rifle for too long.
Some told me
starting the cycle earlier, like at the part where I am about to lower the rifle
into position, but I'll end up focusing too much on the breathing cycle to
actually aim. Either way , I'll screw up pretty badly
Posted by nancy johnson on February 26, 2002 at 14:07:47:
To answer your
first question: Everyone has their own breathing method and to say there is
truly a right way and a wrong way would be misleading. I am a "breather;" I
breathe from the time I pick up my rifle to the time I am "settled." I don't
want to tell you to not make this your main focus, but this is something that
becomes very subconscious. As you become more confident taking your shots
faster, you won't have the concern about holding your rifle up for too long. If
you find that you are holding too long, put the rifle down and start over. You
have to determine when it is appropriate to start your breathing cycle, but I
think it is something that will come without having to make it your main focus.
Breathing is definitely an important part of the game, but it is something that
should not overshadow all the other aspects of your shooting. Work on getting
settled a little faster and then you won't have to worry about holding up the
rifle forever. My last words on the topic-breathe until you are ready to take
the shot. Once I pick up my rifle, I breathe until my head is down on my
cheekpiece. Even after it is there, I take another of couple of breaths to
settle myself. There is nothing wrong with starting over if you have to.
In
answer to your second question, the weight problem is very common. An
inexpensive and very effective way to put weight on the back of the rifle is
with sodering wire. You can find this at your local hardware store in the
welding supplies. It comes in different gauges-I prefer the thicker wire since
it is heavier. You can wrap the wire in a couple of different places: between
the butt plate and the end of the stock or underneath your cheekpiece (if your
cheekpiece is raised). You may have to experiment with different amounts of
weight, but I think you will find this to be a cheap and easy fix. It comes on a
roll and I would recommend just one roll to start out with. I think you'll be
happy with this. Some times it is not position that is the problem; if you have
a gun that is not balanced correctly, all the fidgeting in the world won't fix
it. Try the sodering wire.
Hope this helps!! Good Luck!
Nancy
Johnson
2000 Olympic Gold Medallist
10 M Air Rifle
When should I
actually start the breathing cycle (deep inhale, deep exhale) when I raise the
rifle? I would be comfortable starting the cycle only after I have settled my
position, but that will mean holding the rifle for too long. Some told me
starting the cycle earlier, like at the part where I am about to lower the rifle
into position, but I'll end up focusing too much on the breathing cycle to
actually aim. Either way , I'll screw up pretty badly.
Posted by Grzegorz on February 27, 2002 at 04:26:17:
>...I don't reckon
they'll be cheap even if they >existed. So should I just bear with that
little >imbalance, or find ways to correct it?
Hi, weights that are used
to balance car alu wheels are perfect (they have special adhesive tape, and you
can put them where you wish)...
Grzegorz
Sponsored by Pilkington Competition Equipment