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CartRifle Marksmanship Part 3: Follow Through
Growing up a baseball player, my coach would always emphasize the importance of good follow through when hitting. Always drilling into our heads that we should watch the ball make contact with the bat and keep our eyes on that point for a split second before looking up to see where it has gone. Easier said than done. But as we learned, follow through was a key fundamental. It could not be overlooked if we wanted to be a good hitter. The same applies to rifle marksmanship.
In shooting, the principals are the same. When you squeeze the trigger, it means that you must continue aiming, continue focusing on your breathing and hold control until after the shot is fired. This marksmanship fundamental called “follow through” is critical to improving your consistency as a shooter.
Follow through is critical to improve your consistency as a shooter.
Rifle Marksmanship Discipline: Follow Through
Follow Through explained simply: To be disciplined enough to complete a movement in its entirety. In the area of shooting according to former SWAT Team leader William “Bart” Bartholomew, “if you want tighter more consistent groups, it’s key that you learn and practice these disciplines”:
- Once the shot is fired, you must not shift your position, move your head, or allow the muzzle to drop until the sight picture is regained and held for a moment.
- Do not anticipate the shot and move before and during the time the bullet is still in the barrel.
- Remember what your sight picture looked like when the shot was fired. Was it good or were your sights pointed to one side or high or low? Remembering what your sight picture looked like when the shot was fired will tell you where the shot should have hit the target. It is vital to good shooting.
Watch the follow through position of long-range shooter Sean Utley as he never moves his head or shifts his position even after the shot is fired.
Rifle Marksmanship Practice, Practice, Practice!
Like anything else, shooting is a skill that requires hours of practice. To practice the skill of follow through, try shooting additional groups. Bart points out that you must continue aiming, breath control and hold control for two full seconds after each shot is fired. This technique will help you see improved results quicker than you think.
Rifle Marksmanship Key Takeaways:
- Good follow through does not allow for any undue rifle movement until well after the shot is fired.
- Have knowledge of the sight picture the instant the round was fired. This will allow you to analyze the shot group relative to the sight picture and make corrections.
- In a hunting situation, a follow up shot may be necessary. Follow through puts you in position to make that second shot.
- When at the range, if your spotter was unable to spot the bullet’s impact, good follow through will help you see the impact and make needed corrections for a bad shot.
William “Bart” Bartholomew currently instructs a 2-Day 1,000 yard Precision Rifle Course with the Guntry Gun Club of MD as well a 3-Day Long Range Precision School hosted by the Bergara Academy in MT. Bart is a retired Baltimore County SWAT Sniper Team Leader and has 46 years of long rifle experience—20 years as a Counter Sniper and is the recipient of the prestigious Carlos Hathcock Jr. Award.
Read the entire Rifle Marksmanship Series:
Part 1 – Scope Fundamentals
Part 2 – Trigger Control Equals Success
Part 3 – Follow Through
Part 4 – Breathing Control Techniques
Part 5 – Key Elements of a Good Shooting Position