06/11/2025
Let's talk about the term "driving the rifle." In the video below, I demonstrate the difference between what "shooting the rifle" with poor fundamentals and what "driving the rifle" with proper fundamentals looks like.
For reference, I am shooting off a man-made prop/barricade in the standing position. The targets are at 536 yards.
The first target (ipsc) I am not influencing the weapon system as I should be and the rifle is doing what what it does, recoiling in the path of least resistance. Even though I still hit the target, I am unable to see the information that shot gave me.
The second target (diamond), I am "driving the rifle". Meaning, my hips and body are square to the target, the buttstock is as close to the center line of my body as possible, creating a solid backstop for the rifle to recoil into. My support (non firing) hand is putting steady downward pressure on the forend of the rifle while my firing hand is slightly pulling the weapon system into my chest. I am breathing normally (without holding my breath) and focusing on creating steady 90° rearward pressure on the trigger until it breaks. Once the trigger breaks, I am keeping my finger on the trigger until the recoil pulse is over (following through). At this point, I can then manipulate the bolt and re-engage.
Can you see the difference?
If I had done my part on the first shot, I would have known to correct 2 tenths to the right in order to impact the target in the center. Because I was unable to see the impact on the first target, I used the same hold and sent it, hitting the second target on the left side of the plate. Without knowing that information, I could have very easily missed that second target.
I hope this helps!
