I Thought I Was Doing These Two Things (Correctly), But Actually I Wasn’t

rjinga · May 8, 2016, 06:11 PM

What are those things that I thought I was doing, but I wasn’t, you ask? Front sight focus and compressed surprise break.

I thought that I was using a front sight focus until I started doing some dry-fire practice at home this weekend with my C308 rifle. While doing it, I realized that I was “kind of” focusing on the front sight, but I was also still trying to look at the target at the same time. I changed that to front sight in sharp focus while placed on, or in front of, the fuzzy target.

Then, while doing some searching on the forums about FSF, I found a really good post that included a description of, and video link to, Col. Jeff Cooper’s compressed surprise break. After watching the video, I guess I’d describe what I was doing as a compressed anticipated break. While I was trying to press, and not jerk, the trigger, in my mind I was still like “here it comes, here it comes, any moment now – click.” Now, I’m pleasantly surprised every time the trigger breaks.

James K · May 8, 2016, 09:25 PM

When asked about the secrets of good shooting, I always reply, "Concentrate on the sights and squeeze the trigger." Simple but it works.

Jim

9x45 · May 10, 2016, 09:00 PM

It's not squeeze and breath, that's for Bullseye shooting, it's grip it and rip it.

dyl · May 10, 2016, 10:14 PM

Pistol shooting.

There is a lot of fun self-discovery in store for you. Especially since you've shown that you have the patience and awareness to actually try shoot better - and whaddya know it's working!

Pep in CA · May 10, 2016, 10:38 PM

I tried using snap caps mixed in with live rounds my last time at the range. I think it helps develop the sense of the surprise break.

May 8, 2016, 06:11 PM	#1
rjinga Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2012 Location: N. E. Georgia Posts: 512	I Thought I Was Doing These Two Things (Correctly), But Actually I Wasn’t What are those things that I thought I was doing, but I wasn’t, you ask? Front sight focus and compressed surprise break. I thought that I was using a front sight focus until I started doing some dry-fire practice at home this weekend with my C308 rifle. While doing it, I realized that I was “kind of” focusing on the front sight, but I was also still trying to look at the target at the same time. I changed that to front sight in sharp focus while placed on, or in front of, the fuzzy target. Then, while doing some searching on the forums about FSF, I found a really good post that included a description of, and video link to, Col. Jeff Cooper’s compressed surprise break. After watching the video, I guess I’d describe what I was doing as a compressed anticipated break. While I was trying to press, and not jerk, the trigger, in my mind I was still like “here it comes, here it comes, any moment now – click.” Now, I’m pleasantly surprised every time the trigger breaks. __________________ "Yo homie. Is that my briefcase?" Sig Sauer P229 SAS GEN 2 E2 9mm; PTR 91, GI model; Chinese Type 56 SKS; Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm

May 10, 2016, 09:00 PM	#3
9x45 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2000 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,089	It's not squeeze and breath, that's for Bullseye shooting, it's grip it and rip it. __________________ Sometimes my Glock forgets where to look.....

May 8, 2016, 09:25 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	When asked about the secrets of good shooting, I always reply, "Concentrate on the sights and squeeze the trigger." Simple but it works. Jim

May 10, 2016, 10:14 PM	#4
dyl Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,310	Pistol shooting. There is a lot of fun self-discovery in store for you. Especially since you've shown that you have the patience and awareness to actually try shoot better - and whaddya know it's working!

May 10, 2016, 10:38 PM	#5
Pep in CA Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2016 Posts: 191	I tried using snap caps mixed in with live rounds my last time at the range. I think it helps develop the sense of the surprise break.