To shoot like an Olympian – think BRASS
MADISON – Hunters who want the proficiency of the world’s elite shooters seeking gold in August at Beijing’s 2008 Summer Olympic Games should think BRASS, says Tim Lawhern, Department of Natural Resources hunter education administrator.
“Good shooters practice the fundamentals,” Lawhern said. “The only difference between advanced shooters and basic shooters is the advanced shooters do the basics better.”
The basics, he says, can be summed up in BRASS -- breath control, relax, aim, squeeze and the shot. And part of targeting the basics is dry-firing – which means completely unloading the firearm before the trigger is pulled. However, remember to check the owner’s manual or with the rifle manufacturer before using this method. An alternative is to use inert ammunition or snap caps for practice.
“The best shooters in the world – including Olympic medal winners – all practice dry firing,” Lawhern said.
Dry firing method and shooting position
Place a target on the wall across a room or in the basement. Follow BRASS steps toward making an accurate and controlled shot. They are:
B – Breath or breath control. Breathe normally and come to a normal pause in the breathing pattern. Your shot should occur within the first 10 seconds of that easily-controlled pause. If not, do not shoot and resume your breathing until you can control a pause.
R – Relax. Relax the muscles and allow the bones to support the firearm. Bone support means the bones are aligned to support he rifle more than any other part of your body. And, when muscles are tight, they will twitch and flex without warning and, in turn, may cause your shot to go off aim.
In addition to bone support and muscle relaxation, Lawhern says another of the three key elements to all good shooting positions is the largely misunderstood concept of natural point of aim. This means having your body naturally pointed at the target -- whatever shooting position you are using -- so you are relaxed.
“To understand this concept, simply get into a shooting position with your eyes closed,” Lawhern said. “Open your eyes. If the sights are not on the target, you need to readjust your position. You should only need to make minor adjustments in the sight picture when you are in your natural point of aim.”
A – AIM. Place the sights or crosshairs exactly where you want the bullet to go and hold steady. Your goal is to see no change in the sight picture when the trigger is pulled and the firing pin is released.
S – SQUEEZE. Press the trigger straight back toward the rear of the firearm by using slow, steadily increasing pressure.
S – SHOT. The shot should not be a surprise. When it goes off, you should maintain your position on the firearm to ensure good follow-through. Lawhern says this means you don’t move anything, including the trigger finger, which should remain in the squeeze position. “Your cheek should still be on the stock and your eyes looking through the sights,” he said, adding the goal is no movement of the firearm as the bullet goes through the bore. “Even though the bullet has left the barrel, any movement during that millisecond on your part can and will throw off the sights.”
Lawhern says many shooters do a gopher movement – meaning they raise their heads looking for the shots. “If you use good follow-through, you will be able to better call your shots – and that means knowing where the sights were when the gun went off.”
“Remembering BRASS may not bring you a gold,” Lawhern said. “But it may bring you a bulls’ eye.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern, DNR Hunter Education Administrator – (608) 266-1317
