Barefoot shooting

ffs1942 · January 23, 2014, 12:31 PM

I've worn various footgear in matches over the years, from combat boots to sneakers. I've never tried actual shooting boots, but I think they're illegal in state game matches and impossible to walk in. Most walkable shoes or boots have squishy soles that encourage rocking.

In 10m airgun practice in the basement I'm always barefoot, so I noticed I have a much more stable contact with the ground. I started shooting 10m matches barefoot, at least in the summer.

After I got my new M1, I shot in my first civilian service rifle match, the instructor at the clinic actually recommended shooting barefoot, though he doesn't. I did this, but was the only one doing it. Nobody minded. I put my shoes on off the line to be polite or in the pits because of splinters.

It seems a good way to shoot. I have a more solid plant on the ground except when kneeling. It also avoids rules conflicts due to unauthorized footgear. I note some SASS shooters (women in dresses and bonnets) do this apparently to avoid the discomfort and expense of period footwear.

Anybody else do this or am I just acting like a hippy?

Dc777 · January 23, 2014, 02:04 PM

Interesting approach. I might try that.

ffs1942 · January 23, 2014, 03:14 PM

best offhand or prone. Works well sitting if your feet aren't slipping or if you sit indian style. Can't do it kneeling since I no longer have the flexibility to sit on my foot. Kneeling's a case for a full boot.

4EVERM-14 · January 23, 2014, 03:31 PM

For shooting standing barefoot is actually very stable. There are a number of advantages to it. I remember one Olympic competitor who practiced barefoot.
It may not be advisable with all of the unpleasant things one could step on at the range. Flat shoes with thin soles like shooting boots are probably the best alternative.

Jimro · January 23, 2014, 04:23 PM

I also shoot barefoot a lot in my 10m basement practice.

For actual competition I picked up a set of Walmart brand "Converse" style sneakers, nothing more than a flat rubber sole, not squishy at all. They work very well for good foot to ground contact.

For running I use New Balance Minimus shoes, they have no padding whatsoever.

Never tried the sneakers on the high power line, might be worth a shot if the weather is warm enough to convince me not to wear boots.

Jimro

jimbob86 · January 23, 2014, 05:21 PM

Quote:

am I just acting like a hippy?

Dunno- do you still bathe?

Don P · January 24, 2014, 08:33 AM

Quote:

I also shoot barefoot a lot in my 10m basement practice.

For actual competition I picked up a set of Walmart brand "Converse" style sneakers, nothing more than a flat rubber sole, not squishy at all. They work very well for good foot to ground contact.

I have to ask, why practice differently that you actually shoot. Constancy is the key.

Jimro · January 24, 2014, 08:53 AM

Don P,

Because my goal is to become a better rifleman, not to win competitions. And sometimes it is just easier to shoot in my pajamas... Other times I'll get home from work and shoot a 12 bull target in uniform (wearing boots that are not competition legal).

At last months match I came in dead last. But I'd increased my personal score by 60 points from the start of last year, which is not bad (considering I did 7 months in Afghanistan where I couldn't practice at all, whoever tells you that if you want to shoot you need to join the military has obviously never served in the military).

Jimro

4EVERM-14 · January 24, 2014, 05:13 PM

Jimro.
Thank you for your service.

Jimro · January 24, 2014, 11:50 PM

4EVERM-14,

You are totally welcome, but honestly it is my privilege.

Jimro

Rifleman1776 · January 25, 2014, 10:29 AM

It is still a free country, thanks to people like Jimro. So, I say 'do yer own thang'. As long as it is within range rules.
I have never heard of 'shooting boots'.
Most of my shooting is with traditional muzzle loaders. Are soft soled moccasins legal on the range?

ffs1942 · January 25, 2014, 11:52 AM

When I was in we got very little range time. In Korea, we confirmed our zeros before all patrols, but that was 3 rds. We had simulators, like FATS and Weaponeer, but these were a poor substitute. The only way you could get more trigger time on Uncle's dime was to get in the shooting matches and form and train a team.

I used airguns to practice for service matches. This worked totally well with the M16 due to its negligible recoil. Still worked with pistols, but no air pistol combined all the effects of a pistol, notably recoil. I even shrank the match targets for subcal practice.

In the Nat Gd, I used pellet guns for hip pocket training. I think a Crosman 357 and a Marksman Biathlon Trainer. There were no good replicas yet. I replaced the Crosman 357 with an Umarex Beretta. Now, Crosman has come up with a pump up M4 replica and a firebreathing nitro piston M16A2 replica. I'd be training troops with these if I weren't retired.

I'm going to service rifle matches with a service grade M1. Not the ideal, but I want to see what I can do with the old soldier.

WESHOOT2 · January 25, 2014, 01:35 PM

I go to matches like I go into real life.

I don't wear racing shoes (or go barefoot).
I don't wear shooting glasses.
I don't because in real life I'll be 'competing' as I am at that moment.

Yes I shoot many matches from concealment. Except that's 'cause I'm too lazy to take off my coat

Sierra280 · January 26, 2014, 04:24 AM

Shooting barefoot....I'll try it out in a few months when the cement pad at the range warms up a little

As for other special equipment, I've never heard of shooting boots, but I love my driving moccasins. They feel solid, non-slip, fit like a glove and almost feel like being barefoot. If shooting boots are illegal in the matches you are competing in, you might give them a try.

4EVERM-14 · January 26, 2014, 09:21 AM

http://shop.monard.com/shoes/
This link shows Shooting Boots for ISSF rifle shooting. They have flat and curiously square soles. While providing some ankle support they are as close to barefoot as you might want to be in unfamiliar range systems. There have been rule changes that seek to clarify what is suitable footwear versus specialized equipment that offers artificial support. Within strict rules they are still legal.

Dragline45 · January 26, 2014, 12:41 PM

Stepping on a small stone or piece of brass the wrong way might be enough for you to miss your shot, I feel like you would be better suited with a pair of moccasins or those relatively new toe shoes. Both would let you achieve the same thing without leaving your bare skin exposed to sharp objects.

Jimro · January 26, 2014, 11:42 PM

The ISSF rule require rounded toes now, so some competitors at my last match were laughing about buying new boots to grind the soles round... NRA rules generally follow ISSF rules for air rifle. I'd like to see the NRA adopt an "Adult 3 Position Air Rifle" match format same as the juniors shoot even if it didn't have ISSF approval it would still lower the cost barrier to getting people on the firing line.

One of these days I'll break down and buy a Crosman MAR177 for real off season training. http://www.crosman.com/croswords/?p=2565

Jimro

warningshot · March 13, 2014, 03:51 AM

Then can I shoot the match wearing only the Tarzan loincloth, complete with knife? For better air circulation of course.

darkgael · March 13, 2014, 06:32 AM

Shooting boots have always looked a bit awkward to me. I suppose that they work well enough. Many fine shooters use them.

This made me wonder:

Quote:

I don't wear shooting glasses.

While NRA rule books do not demand eye protection, match directors and range operators frequently do. How do you deal with a match when you show up and they tell you that you must wear eye protection?
Just askin.
Pete

ffs1942 · March 13, 2014, 12:50 PM

I pocket carry my CCW piece, a 2" .38. At a service rifle match I needed that pocket for single feed rounds, so I moved my piece. My scorer thought this "weird" even though he confessed to having a CCW permit too. Not wishing to offend and considering it might be a range safety violation, I unloaded and stowed my .38. Odd when he travels he leaves his pistol at home because he has an AR in the car.

Speaking of ventilation, watch out for hot brass coming in your loincloth in the sitting pos. Happens with my Daisy Dukes.

BTW, I think eye protection is only suggested at any match I've shot.

WESHOOT2 · March 13, 2014, 02:42 PM

Quote:

While NRA rule books do not demand eye protection, match directors and range operators frequently do. How do you deal with a match when you show up and they tell you that you must wear eye protection?
Just askin.
Pete

There are many various "shooting glasses", those with apetures, or specialized focusing points.

I just wear my daily progressive trifocals.
Or, on occasion, non-prescription safety glasses (to emulate losing my prescription eyewear).

I NEVER shoot without wearing eye protection. Nor should anyone; eye protection, IMO, is mandatory.

JD0x0 · March 13, 2014, 06:32 PM

I've shot barefoot.

You should checkout Sand Socks. They're as good as being barefoot, except they give you some minor protection from rough ground, sticks, hot brass, etc.
I first discovered them at my local hunting store. I prefer the socks over wearing shoes. They're pretty much neoprene socks, similar to a wetsuit. They're intended for the beach, but I've used them in various environments.

WESHOOT2 · March 14, 2014, 11:30 AM

Are those the ones with the separate toesies?

Some of our club members (www.GMPSVT.com) wear them.

January 23, 2014, 12:31 PM	#1
ffs1942 Member Join Date: December 14, 2010 Posts: 79	Barefoot shooting I've worn various footgear in matches over the years, from combat boots to sneakers. I've never tried actual shooting boots, but I think they're illegal in state game matches and impossible to walk in. Most walkable shoes or boots have squishy soles that encourage rocking. In 10m airgun practice in the basement I'm always barefoot, so I noticed I have a much more stable contact with the ground. I started shooting 10m matches barefoot, at least in the summer. After I got my new M1, I shot in my first civilian service rifle match, the instructor at the clinic actually recommended shooting barefoot, though he doesn't. I did this, but was the only one doing it. Nobody minded. I put my shoes on off the line to be polite or in the pits because of splinters. It seems a good way to shoot. I have a more solid plant on the ground except when kneeling. It also avoids rules conflicts due to unauthorized footgear. I note some SASS shooters (women in dresses and bonnets) do this apparently to avoid the discomfort and expense of period footwear. Anybody else do this or am I just acting like a hippy?

January 23, 2014, 02:04 PM	#2
Dc777 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2013 Location: South West, Alabama Posts: 609	Interesting approach. I might try that. __________________ NRA member Paintings were made to look at, and guns were made to be shot. If you aren't going to use them as they are intended for, get rid of them and buy a Picasso.

January 23, 2014, 03:14 PM	#3
ffs1942 Member Join Date: December 14, 2010 Posts: 79	It's... best offhand or prone. Works well sitting if your feet aren't slipping or if you sit indian style. Can't do it kneeling since I no longer have the flexibility to sit on my foot. Kneeling's a case for a full boot.

January 23, 2014, 03:31 PM	#4
4EVERM-14 Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2006 Location: Pennsy Posts: 720	For shooting standing barefoot is actually very stable. There are a number of advantages to it. I remember one Olympic competitor who practiced barefoot. It may not be advisable with all of the unpleasant things one could step on at the range. Flat shoes with thin soles like shooting boots are probably the best alternative. __________________ David NRA Benefactor Member Distinguished Rifleman #731 Presidents 100

January 23, 2014, 04:23 PM	#5
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	I also shoot barefoot a lot in my 10m basement practice. For actual competition I picked up a set of Walmart brand "Converse" style sneakers, nothing more than a flat rubber sole, not squishy at all. They work very well for good foot to ground contact. For running I use New Balance Minimus shoes, they have no padding whatsoever. Never tried the sneakers on the high power line, might be worth a shot if the weather is warm enough to convince me not to wear boots. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

January 24, 2014, 08:53 AM	#8
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	Don P, Because my goal is to become a better rifleman, not to win competitions. And sometimes it is just easier to shoot in my pajamas... Other times I'll get home from work and shoot a 12 bull target in uniform (wearing boots that are not competition legal). At last months match I came in dead last. But I'd increased my personal score by 60 points from the start of last year, which is not bad (considering I did 7 months in Afghanistan where I couldn't practice at all, whoever tells you that if you want to shoot you need to join the military has obviously never served in the military). Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

January 24, 2014, 05:13 PM	#9
4EVERM-14 Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2006 Location: Pennsy Posts: 720	Jimro. Thank you for your service. __________________ David NRA Benefactor Member Distinguished Rifleman #731 Presidents 100

January 24, 2014, 11:50 PM	#10
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	4EVERM-14, You are totally welcome, but honestly it is my privilege. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

January 25, 2014, 10:29 AM	#11
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	It is still a free country, thanks to people like Jimro. So, I say 'do yer own thang'. As long as it is within range rules. I have never heard of 'shooting boots'. Most of my shooting is with traditional muzzle loaders. Are soft soled moccasins legal on the range?

January 25, 2014, 11:52 AM	#12
ffs1942 Member Join Date: December 14, 2010 Posts: 79	Jimro is right When I was in we got very little range time. In Korea, we confirmed our zeros before all patrols, but that was 3 rds. We had simulators, like FATS and Weaponeer, but these were a poor substitute. The only way you could get more trigger time on Uncle's dime was to get in the shooting matches and form and train a team. I used airguns to practice for service matches. This worked totally well with the M16 due to its negligible recoil. Still worked with pistols, but no air pistol combined all the effects of a pistol, notably recoil. I even shrank the match targets for subcal practice. In the Nat Gd, I used pellet guns for hip pocket training. I think a Crosman 357 and a Marksman Biathlon Trainer. There were no good replicas yet. I replaced the Crosman 357 with an Umarex Beretta. Now, Crosman has come up with a pump up M4 replica and a firebreathing nitro piston M16A2 replica. I'd be training troops with these if I weren't retired. I'm going to service rifle matches with a service grade M1. Not the ideal, but I want to see what I can do with the old soldier.

January 25, 2014, 01:35 PM	#13
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	I dress once a day I go to matches like I go into real life. I don't wear racing shoes (or go barefoot). I don't wear shooting glasses. I don't because in real life I'll be 'competing' as I am at that moment. Yes I shoot many matches from concealment. Except that's 'cause I'm too lazy to take off my coat __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

January 26, 2014, 04:24 AM	#14
Sierra280 Junior member Join Date: July 29, 2013 Location: Gardnerville, NV Posts: 569	Shooting barefoot....I'll try it out in a few months when the cement pad at the range warms up a little As for other special equipment, I've never heard of shooting boots, but I love my driving moccasins. They feel solid, non-slip, fit like a glove and almost feel like being barefoot. If shooting boots are illegal in the matches you are competing in, you might give them a try.

January 26, 2014, 09:21 AM	#15
4EVERM-14 Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2006 Location: Pennsy Posts: 720	http://shop.monard.com/shoes/ This link shows Shooting Boots for ISSF rifle shooting. They have flat and curiously square soles. While providing some ankle support they are as close to barefoot as you might want to be in unfamiliar range systems. There have been rule changes that seek to clarify what is suitable footwear versus specialized equipment that offers artificial support. Within strict rules they are still legal. __________________ David NRA Benefactor Member Distinguished Rifleman #731 Presidents 100

January 26, 2014, 12:41 PM	#16
Dragline45 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2010 Posts: 3,513	Stepping on a small stone or piece of brass the wrong way might be enough for you to miss your shot, I feel like you would be better suited with a pair of moccasins or those relatively new toe shoes. Both would let you achieve the same thing without leaving your bare skin exposed to sharp objects.

January 26, 2014, 11:42 PM	#17
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	The ISSF rule require rounded toes now, so some competitors at my last match were laughing about buying new boots to grind the soles round... NRA rules generally follow ISSF rules for air rifle. I'd like to see the NRA adopt an "Adult 3 Position Air Rifle" match format same as the juniors shoot even if it didn't have ISSF approval it would still lower the cost barrier to getting people on the firing line. One of these days I'll break down and buy a Crosman MAR177 for real off season training. http://www.crosman.com/croswords/?p=2565 Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

March 13, 2014, 03:51 AM	#18
warningshot Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2009 Posts: 995	If you are allowed to go barefoot... Then can I shoot the match wearing only the Tarzan loincloth, complete with knife? For better air circulation of course.

March 13, 2014, 12:50 PM	#20
ffs1942 Member Join Date: December 14, 2010 Posts: 79	Thanks Tarzan I pocket carry my CCW piece, a 2" .38. At a service rifle match I needed that pocket for single feed rounds, so I moved my piece. My scorer thought this "weird" even though he confessed to having a CCW permit too. Not wishing to offend and considering it might be a range safety violation, I unloaded and stowed my .38. Odd when he travels he leaves his pistol at home because he has an AR in the car. Speaking of ventilation, watch out for hot brass coming in your loincloth in the sitting pos. Happens with my Daisy Dukes. BTW, I think eye protection is only suggested at any match I've shot.

March 13, 2014, 06:32 PM	#22
JD0x0 Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2013 Posts: 1,037	I've shot barefoot. You should checkout Sand Socks. They're as good as being barefoot, except they give you some minor protection from rough ground, sticks, hot brass, etc. I first discovered them at my local hunting store. I prefer the socks over wearing shoes. They're pretty much neoprene socks, similar to a wetsuit. They're intended for the beach, but I've used them in various environments.

March 14, 2014, 11:30 AM	#23
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Are those the ones with the separate toesies? Some of our club members (www.GMPSVT.com) wear them. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"