Aiming tests
Objective: To evaluate your aim and hold
Skill level: Advanced exercise for those usually scoring 95 or more, and with a good relaxed hold/aim and zero point.
Time: 1 detail with a pimpernel card on a fresh backer. The help of a committee member.
Background
 It can be hard for people to realise how much muscle input they use to hold the rifle on the aiming mark.

These exercises are designed to make you aware of the muscle input.
DO NOT PRACTICE THESE UNTIL A COMMITTEE MEMBER HAS "SIGNED YOU OFF" AS SAFE TO DO SO.
DO NOT PROCEED WITH SUBSEQUENT EXERCISES UNTIL YOU MASTER THE EARLIER ONES
Technique
Start these exercises once you have warmed up and sighted the rifle in.
Put up a single pimpernel card - no need for sighters.
Exercise 1
  • Aim on the first mark, and get into the breath holding stage.
  • Shut your eyes for 2-3 seconds.
  • Open your eyes.
  • Are you still on target?
If so release the shot.  Otherwise finger off the trigger and readjust your zero point repeat.  Do this 3 times on the same aiming mark.
Exercise 2
  • Aim on the same mark, and get into the breath holding stage.
  • Shut your eyes for 2-3 seconds.
  • Release the shot with your eyes closed.
IF YOU DONT HIT THE AIMING MARK THEN STOP THE EXERCISE AS YOU ARE NOT UP TO THIS ONE YET.
Exercise 3
  • Aim on the other mark, and get into the breath holding stage.
  • Shut your eyes and take 2 normal shooting breaths
  • Open your eyes
  • Are you still on target?
If so release the shot.  Otherwise finger off the trigger and readjust your zero point repeat.  Do this 3 times  on the same aiming mark.
IF YOU DONT HIT THE AIMING MARK THEN STOP THE EXERCISE AS YOU ARE NOT UP TO THIS ONE YET.
Exercise 4
  • Aim on the second mark again, and get into the breath holding stage.
  • Shut your eyes and take 2 normal shooting breaths
  • With your eyes shut return to the neutral position and release the shot
If so release the shot.  Otherwise finger off the trigger and readjust your zero point repeat.  Do this 3 times  on the same aiming mark.