There are a variety of ways you can improve your aim when shooting. Assuming you have your rifle sighted in properly, whether with open sights or a scope, flinching is one of the most common reasons people miss when they shoot.. So let’s get into why people flinch, and what they can do to reduce this tendency.

Shooting Too Much with Too Hot of Loads

Becoming an accurate shot does not require shooting a cannon on a consistent basis. If you will be hunting with a 7mm magnum, no doubt you will need to fire some rounds with this firearm to be ready. However, many great shooters have learned their skills firing a 22 caliber rifle or handgun. The basics are consistent from one firearm to the next. There is a physiological and psychological response to firing a large caliber firearm. This response can be overcome in a variety of ways, but the best thing to do is not to develop a serious flinching response from the outset.

Improper Fit Stock and/or Inadequate Recoil Pad

One of the simplest ways to reduce the tendency to flinch when shooting a given firearm is to make it hurt less. One very simple way to accomplish this is to make sure your firearm fits you properly. The length and fit of the stock should be right for you. If you are uncertain, either ask someone who is knowledgeable to take a look, or take it to a gunsmith and have him take a look. This is an easy fix.

Along with proper stock length, is having a proper recoil pad. This is a matter of personal preference. Some people actually dislike too cushy a feel in their pad. But, if you are flinching, and leaving the range with deep muscle bruises in your shoulder,fetter buckshot a recoil pad may be the solution. As you get a more cushioned pad it is likely you will need to compensate by shortening the stock. Again, have someone knowledgeable have a look.

Calling Your Shots

Every shooter flinches now and then. Every good shooter calls his shots. What this means, is when he squeezes off a round, he makes a mental note of where he feels the shot will travel. If he squeezes off a “flyer”, he knows it even before he looks at the target. Part of the process of reducing flinching is to recognize when it is happening. Calling shots will help you begin to take notice of when this is occurring.

When it comes to handguns and flinching, if you are shooting a revolver. one trick some people use is to have a buddy load the cylinder with some live rounds and some dummy rounds. Then he hands (carefully) the revolver to the shooter. It is quite eye opening when you squeeze off a dummy round and the barrel of your firearm jumps a few inches.