Will O’Meara has been using the Covid-19 restrictions as the ideal opportunity to lock down on his training

Will O’Meara

Obstacles are opportunities. Every time you come up against a problem it offers you an opportunity to improve. If you are reading this article, then there’s a better than average chance that you love rifle shooting. The recent Covid lockdown has imposed restrictions that for many may meant no shooting. Personally, I took this restriction as an opportunity to improve. I have long since learned the value of ‘dry fire’ practise. It was originally through pistol shooting that I was introduced to the notion and since then I have consistently seen the benefits to my riflecraft too.

So, what extra stuff do you need to do this training? Nothing, but there are tools that can add to the experience. I have used simulators and cinemas, paint rounds and blanks, video and diagnostic tools but to honest you don’t “need” any of that. What you do need is some imagination plus a little time and discipline. In this two-part article we will look at the different aspects of practice that can be done to improve your skills without ever firing a shot.

There are some aides to add to your dry-fire training but first let’s explore some aspects of the training itself. As a soldier, a hunter, a guide and a competitor I have seen no other practice that gives you so much bang for your buck - partly because there is no cost and despite the fact that there is no bang!

Firstly lets dispel a myth - dry firing your rifle is bad for it. In the case of a modern rifle this is false, though antiques may be a different story. However, the use of a snap cap can be very useful to training - it allows you to simulate bullet pickup from the mag during the cycling of the bolt and it also may give you “nicer” feedback as the firing pin strikes. I think the simulation of pickup is most valuable and may iron out any issues that you may have with short stroking the bolt.