How to Use Semi-Automatic Rifles for Target Shooting

Semi-automatic rifles come in numerous calibers such as 22-caliber. They go up to 300 mags and higher. A 22-caliber has less recoil, of course, than the larger calibers. Some shooters prefer smaller calibers in semi-automatic target shooting. The smaller calibers are less expensive to shoot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Prepare to use semi-automatic rifles for target shooting by first making sure you have proper eye and ear protection. Beginners learn this type of target shooting best using a bench and sandbags. This helps hold the gun steady as you rest it on the sandbags.

2. Sight your rifle in starting at 25 yards when you use semi-automatic rifles for target shooting. If you shoot multiple distances, you need the bullet hitting your target about ¾ of an inch below the center of the bull's eye. This makes your bullet at 50 yards shoot dead center of your bull's eye and about 1 inch high at 100 yards.

3. Try a semi-automatic rifle that has a heavy barrel when you want to use semi-automatic rifles for target shooting. Heavy barrels don't heat up as quickly as lighter barrels. Heavy ones also shoot more accurately. Most sport shooters like this type of barrel on a 22-caliber semi-automatic rifle.

4. Put the right kind of scope on your semi-automatic rifle that's best for target shooting. These scopes are normally variable power. They have different types of cross-hairs to choose from. Most target shooters like the thin cross-hairs. Thin ones help group the bullets closer together when you use semi-automatic rifles for target shooting.