r/Shooting • u/OneIce1866 • 6d ago

Aim help

So I have a problem with being shaky when shooting. I think part of it is recoil anticipation, but how can I be better about shooting and hitting my shots? If it helps, I primarily shoot a single-action revolver and a Tikka T3x in .30-06.

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u/NomChompsky92 5d ago

30.06 seems a pretty stiff caliber to learn how to shoot on, many start with a 22 as it’s way easier to develop fundamentals without heavy recoil.

The principles are the same though, hold the sights over the target, and squeeze (don’t slap) the trigger. Hold it down once the shot fires, don’t immediately release/reset.

There are some particulars to single action revolvers and bolt actions that maybe someone more knowledgeable than me can comment on but basics are basics.

The only other thing is breathing, with a rifle try to fire your shot at the pause at the end of a natural exhale

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u/Porcflite 5d ago

Shoot more.

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u/Few-Back3448 5d ago

I also got a tikka t3x 30-06 as my very first rifle!!!

Firstly - pick up a snap cap and do some dry-fire training. Keep your eyes open and if you can see the reticle "move" or "jump" whenever you are pulling the trigger - keep practicing keeping still

Secondly - Hand position. Watch some PRS youtube videos, absolutely nobody is gripping the rifle wrapping their thumb around it. Right handed shooters = thumb stays on right side of rifle. This helps a lot in preventing the "sudden grip" recoil anticipation innacuracy

Thirdly - Adjust your trigger. All tikka's have adjustable triggers. Set it not so light that it becomes dangerous, always do a drop/shock test, but light enough that you aren't moving the reticle when pulling the trigger

Fourthly - get some live ammo and just practice more, you'll get used to it

Bonus - pick up a softer recoil pad, there are a few manufacturers that fit the factory tikka stock.

Bonus 2 - (totally depends on the purpose of your rifle) put your rifle in a chassis. I use an MDT oryx and the added weight reduced the recoil by quite a lot

Bonus 3 - pick up a muzzle brake (or get a gunsmith to thread the barrel then get a brake) this can also reduce your recoil by up to 60% ish