Rifle shooting books

[schmijar]

Alright gents, I'm looking for recommendations for books on the art and science of rifle shooting.

While I've been hunting for 30+ years, the vast majority of it has been northern Wisconsin whitetails. Which essentially means making quick decisions and then shooting through narrow windows, and a long shot being maybe 80 yards.

I've done a little hunting in the American west, and had my first African experience this year and I have gotten the job done, but there is definitely room for improvement and I want to apply myself better to the craft. I know shooting buddies who like the Long Range Shooting Handbook by Cleckner, but again, I am not interested as much in ultra long range or fussing with precision equipment, but more in being very dangerous hunter out to say 300 yards. Again not that I have a desire to shoot at game that far, but if 300 is super proficient, 150 is not intimidating even under less than ideal conditions.

Any suggestions for the fundamentals as I'm looking for?

 

[schmijar]

I should say, I like reading, but any good video series or other media would be of interest as well.

 

[Hogpatrol]

The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters, Miller, Cunningham.
The Book of Rifle Accuracy, Tony Boyer.
I own both, excellent wealth of information.

 

[ftrovato]

Shots at Big Game: How to Shoot a Rifle Accurately Under Hunting Conditions- Craig Boddington,​

Out of print but you can find it for a premium online.

 

[Inline6]

As much as I enjoy reading, take a class. Spend the money and the time to learn from a quality instructor. They can fix your body, hand, finger positions and you can see noticeable improvement with a few small adjustments. Something a book unfortunately can't do, been down this road both sides. You can only get so much out of theory, you will get more out of doing and seeing results down range (IMHO).

Just a little word of advice, it takes repetition to get good at something. Heavy recoiling rifles are not the best for learning.

 

[ARHinAK]

As long as the fundamentals of marksmanship are sound most of what needs to be learned can be done with a good shooting .22 and many bricks of ammo. A good instructor is a fine idea, after all you don’t want to be rehearsing bad fundamentals with those bricks off .22.

 

[Sourdough]

Agree about getting with an Instructor. Here is one I can highly recommend.
http://www.tacticalrifleman.com/courses/tactical-precision-rifle-101

 

[Bert01]

“The Art of the Rifle” by Col Cooper was one of the first ones I read. Some of O’Connors writings that deal with shooting at game are worth reading. There are lots more i’m sure.

I agree with going and doing it or training classes, repetitions will make you better. I have a .223 bolt gun setup like a trainer just for this.

Also look up the Appleseed project, it is fundamentals and a fun weekend.

Amazon.com

 

[Inline6]

Agree about getting with an Instructor. Here is one I can highly recommend.
http://www.tacticalrifleman.com/courses/tactical-precision-rifle-101

If he wants to come to Texas for a class, Rifles Only is one of the OGs. Jacob believes in safety, most quality instructor do.

 

[schmijar]

Thank you all for the thoughtful replies. I do agree a course would likely be best, but I'm sure this time of year, in my neck of the woods, I'll have to wait for spring. Hence asking about some winter reading.

In the meantime, I agree about heavy recoil bad, 22 etc, good. In getting started I bought some dummy rounds for my new rifle and do a lot of dry fire practice off sticks etc. Also plan to do a lot of 22 shooting this winter.

Thank you again, more suggestions are always welcome.