The Anschutz .22 rifle
We shot the Anschutz .22 bolt action rifle tonight. At 17 yards using the sites on the rifle I was able to shoot a 5” group after 34 shots. Only the first shot was off since it was the first time I had ever shot the gun before and didn’t understand that the site was flipped down. Once I flipped it up it was almost easy.
It was a nice rifle. It felt very comfortable in my hands and the trigger was just right – if that makes sense coming from an untutored amateur.
I want to get better, but I’m beginning to think that there’s more to marksmanship than just throwing lead at targets.
UPDATE: Feb 9, 2008
I shot the Anschutz again today. This time I sent the target back as far as it would go – 20 to 25 yards. Using the advice that Chad offered in his comment I shot another relatively tight group again. I found that at the distance my biggest trouble came from actually seeing the target due to shadows cast by the roof of the range. I also felt that I could maintain the sighting on the target by handling the bolt using just enough force to kick out the spent cartridge and load the next round. This may seem a bit obvious, but I still have a tendency to slap the spent shell out and slap the next one.
Like the Neo, the more I shoot this gun the more I like it. It just feels well balanced, almost like a precision instrument. It’s hard to explain because honestly I’m new to gun reviews.
Chad:
There is a bit more. Its one of those things that simple practice will get most people to 90%. But that last 10% you need a pro to pass on the secret knowledge. Maybe not secret knowledge, but there is still things to learn.
6 February 2008, 11:16 amLike exactly how to breath. The way I learned is breath in and out slightly larger than normal breaths, then when ready to fire, you breath out about 25% of a full breath, then hold it. This will stiffen your upper torso and keep the gun from swinging. Just shoot within 2-3 seconds or else pause, breath again, and try again a few breaths later.