Rifle Shooting Fundamentals: Marksmanship Training & Target Acquisition Guide

From the Bench: A gunsmith's journey in marksmanship development

By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company

Originally published June 17, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025

After nearly a decade working with rifles and observing shooters at all skill levels, I've learned that good rifle shooting isn't about complex techniques or expensive equipment – it's about mastering fundamentals and practicing them consistently. Let me share what I've discovered about building solid rifle skills, especially here in Illinois where practice opportunities require some creativity.

The Illinois Challenge

Limited Practice Opportunities

The reality in Illinois: We don't have abundant rifle ranges, and hunting opportunities with rifles are limited primarily to coyote hunting. This creates a unique challenge for Illinois shooters who want to develop and maintain rifle skills.

What I've learned: This limitation forces us to be more creative and intentional with our practice. Every range session becomes more valuable when opportunities are scarce.

Making the Most of Available Resources

Indoor ranges: While limited to shorter distances, they're perfect for fundamental skill development

Outdoor clubs: Often the best option for longer-range practice

Private property: If available, can provide excellent training opportunities

Neighboring states: Sometimes worth the drive for specialized training

My observation: Illinois shooters often become more skilled because they have to make every shot count.

Rifle Shooting Speed vs Accuracy: Mastering Marksmanship Fundamentals

Understanding True Speed

Most people try to "rush" when shooting – this is one of the biggest mistakes I see. Real speed in shooting comes from smooth, efficient movements, not frantic rushing.

Bill Ogelsby's wisdom: "If you are slow in the brain, you will be fast with your hands." This quote has stuck with me for years because it captures a fundamental truth about marksmanship.

The Time Reality Check

Speed is a conceptualized reality. What feels like forever when you're behind the rifle is often just seconds in real time. One second equals one Mississippi – count it out, and you'll realize how much time you actually have.

What I've observed: Shooters who learn to work within natural time constraints shoot more accurately and, paradoxically, faster than those who rush.

Building Smooth Speed

The progression I recommend:

1. Master the fundamentals slowly – accuracy first

2. Build consistent technique – same process every time

3. Gradually increase pace – maintain accuracy while speeding up

4. Practice under pressure – simulate real-world conditions

Key insight: Smooth is fast, and fast is smooth. Jerky, rushed movements always slow you down in the end.

Target Acquisition Training: Fast Rifle Shooting Techniques

Learning to Pick Up Targets

You need to learn to pick up a target as quickly and smoothly as possible. This skill separates good shooters from great ones, whether you're hunting, competing, or just enjoying range time.

The challenge: Your eye, the sight, and the target must align quickly and consistently.

Dry Fire Practice for Target Acquisition

Here's a technique that works: Take the bolt out of your rifle and use a laser pointer to practice mounting and picking up your sight picture.

Why this works:

• Safe practice: No ammunition involved

• Immediate feedback: The laser shows exactly where you're pointing

• Muscle memory development: Builds consistent mounting technique

• Cost-effective: Practice at home without range fees

My experience: Shooters who practice this technique show dramatic improvement in target acquisition speed.

Progressive Training

Start simple:

1. Stationary targets at known distances

2. Multiple targets at the same distance

3. Targets at varying distances

4. Targets in different positions (standing, kneeling, prone)

5. Timed exercises to build speed

Moving Target Practice

Creative Training Solutions

Since formal moving target ranges are rare, we need creative solutions for practice.

The tire method: Put cardboard in a tire and roll it down a hill. You can't guarantee the direction the tire will travel – this unpredictability makes it excellent practice for leading moving targets.

Why this works:

• Unpredictable movement simulates real hunting situations

• Variable speed as the tire accelerates or decelerates

• Safe and simple setup with basic materials

• Repeatable for consistent practice

Alternative Moving Target Methods

Pendulum targets: Suspend a target that swings back and forth

• Predictable arc for learning lead principles

• Adjustable speed by changing pendulum length

• Safe setup in controlled environments

Clay pigeons: If regulations allow, excellent for learning lead and timing

Remote-controlled targets: Modern technology offers new possibilities

Balloon releases: Wind-driven targets for unpredictable movement

Leading Principles

What I've learned about leading targets:

• Start with the fundamentals on stationary targets first

• Understand angular velocity – closer targets require more lead

• Practice follow-through – keep the rifle moving after the shot

• Learn to read movement patterns – even "random" movement has patterns

The Natural Approach: Shooting as Sport

It's Just Like Throwing a Ball

Shooting is no different than throwing a football or a baseball – this analogy has helped many of my customers understand marksmanship fundamentals.

The parallels:

• Hand-eye coordination is essential in both

• Follow-through determines accuracy

• Consistent form produces consistent results

• Practice builds muscle memory

• Mental focus affects performance

Don't Overcomplicate It

Don't make it harder than it really is. This simple advice addresses one of the biggest problems I see: overthinking the shooting process.

Common overcomplication mistakes:

• Analysis paralysis – thinking too much instead of shooting

• Equipment obsession – believing gear solves technique problems

• Information overload – trying to apply too many tips at once

• Perfectionism – expecting immediate mastery

What works better: Focus on one fundamental at a time, practice it until it's natural, then add the next element.

Modern Training Approaches

Technology-Enhanced Practice

Since 2019, training technology has improved:

• Laser training systems for dry fire practice

• Shot tracking apps for performance analysis

• Video analysis to identify technique issues

• Electronic targets for immediate feedback

Structured Practice Programs

What I recommend now:

• Documented practice sessions – track what you're working on

• Progressive skill building – master basics before advancing

• Regular assessment – measure improvement objectively

• Varied practice conditions – don't just shoot from the bench

Illinois-Specific Considerations

Maximizing Limited Opportunities

Range time strategies:

• Plan each session with specific goals

• Bring multiple rifles if practicing different skills

• Use quality ammunition – make every shot count

• Document results to track progress

Off-Season Maintenance

Keeping skills sharp when ranges are closed or weather is poor:

• Dry fire practice at home

• Equipment maintenance and familiarization

• Mental rehearsal and visualization

• Physical fitness for shooting positions

Hunting Applications

For the limited rifle hunting we have:

• Practice from field positions – not just bench rest

• Simulate hunting conditions – cold weather, awkward positions

• Quick shot capability – opportunities are often brief

• Equipment familiarity – know your rifle intimately

Building a Practice Routine

Fundamental Skills Progression

Week 1-2: Shooting Position and Sight Alignment

• Master basic shooting positions

• Develop consistent sight picture

• Focus on trigger control

Week 3-4: Target Acquisition

• Practice mounting the rifle quickly

• Work on finding targets efficiently

• Build consistent cheek weld

Week 5-6: Multiple Targets

• Transition between targets smoothly

• Maintain accuracy while increasing speed

• Practice different shooting positions

Week 7-8: Moving Targets

• Start with predictable movement

• Progress to unpredictable targets

• Focus on lead and follow-through

Dry Fire Practice Schedule

Daily (5-10 minutes):

• Mount and sight alignment practice

• Trigger control exercises

• Position practice

Weekly (30 minutes):

• Laser pointer target acquisition

• Position transitions

• Simulated shooting scenarios

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Rushing the Shot

Problem: Trying to shoot too quickly

Solution: Focus on smooth, consistent technique first

Inconsistent Position

Problem: Different rifle mount each time

Solution: Practice the same mounting sequence repeatedly

Poor Follow-Through

Problem: Moving the rifle immediately after the shot

Solution: Hold the trigger back and maintain sight picture

Equipment Dependency

Problem: Believing better gear equals better shooting

Solution: Master fundamentals with basic equipment first

Advanced Techniques

Natural Point of Aim

Learning to find your natural point of aim eliminates fighting the rifle and improves consistency.

Breathing Control

Proper breathing technique helps with stability and timing, especially for precision shots.

Mental Game

Developing mental focus and shot routine becomes crucial as skills advance.

Environmental Factors

Learning to read wind, light, and other conditions separates good shooters from exceptional ones.

Equipment Considerations

Rifle Setup

Proper rifle fit is crucial for consistent shooting:

• Length of pull appropriate for your build

• Scope height for comfortable head position

• Trigger adjustment for clean, consistent breaks

Practice Ammunition

Choose ammunition that:

• Functions reliably in your rifle

• Groups consistently at your practice distances

• Fits your budget for regular practice

Training Aids

Useful practice tools:

• Shooting slings for position stability

• Laser bore sighters for quick scope checks

• Shot timers for measuring improvement

• Shooting mats for comfortable prone practice

Safety Considerations

Range Safety

Always follow basic safety rules:

• Treat every firearm as loaded

• Never point the muzzle at anything you don't want to destroy

• Keep finger off trigger until ready to shoot

• Be sure of your target and what's beyond it

Practice Safety

During training:

• Clear firearms before dry fire practice

• Use proper backstops for all live fire

• Wear appropriate eye and ear protection

• Follow all range rules and commands

Blue Coat Arms Company's Role

Supporting Rifle Shooters

How we help Illinois rifle shooters:

• Rifle maintenance to ensure peak performance

• Scope mounting and sighting for accuracy

• Trigger work for better shot control

• Custom modifications for improved fit and function

Training Support

We provide:

• Equipment recommendations for practice and competition

• Technical advice on rifle setup and maintenance

• Problem diagnosis when accuracy issues arise

• Custom work to optimize rifles for specific applications

Final Thoughts

Six years after writing the original version of this article, I'm more convinced than ever that rifle shooting success comes from mastering fundamentals and practicing them consistently. The principles haven't changed, but our understanding of how to apply them has deepened.

What I hope you take away: Don't get caught up in complex techniques or expensive solutions. Focus on the basics, practice regularly (even if it's just dry fire at home), and remember that shooting is a natural, learnable skill.

The Illinois challenge of limited practice opportunities can actually make us better shooters by forcing us to be more intentional and creative with our training.

No matter your era, we got your six – whether you're working with a vintage bolt-action or a modern precision rifle, the fundamentals of good marksmanship remain constant.

Questions about rifle setup, maintenance, or training techniques? Blue Coat Arms Company is here to help optimize your rifle for better shooting performance. Contact us at 217-416-5962 or BlueCoatArms@gmail.com.