2-stage trigger contributing to jerk/flinch?

[M14AMU]

You need to have a buddy to assist you in playing 'ball & dummy'!

 

[hkfan45]

There are three things that you need to do to fix your flinch. Get a hold of an accurate .22, and carefully shoot a couple of bricks of ammo. The other two things have to do with what caused the flinch in the first place. I am always amazed at how many fellows seem to feel that their manhood would be called into question if they took adequate measures so that the sound of their rifles firing was reduced to the point where it was not a factor in their shooting. In short, you need to start using double protection, high db rated foam plugs, under your ear muffs. The second thing is to realize that there is no shame is using additional padding at the shoulder when shooting at the range. I never shoot anything that has any recoil without extra protection, because I have a lot of time and money invested in my benchrest hobby, and I do not want to mess that up with a flinch. For me, a strap on pad has worked well (magnum version). Lacking that, a sand bag of the appropriate size and shape. This idea that the pain and noise are things that require manly endurance is at the root of your flinch problem. When the sound of your rifle's discharge is sufficiently attenuated, and the sensation of its recoil reduced to a shove, you will be well on your way.

Any suggestions for a 22? Unfortunately, I don't know anybody with one and I don't mind investing in one, preferable a very accurate one that will shoot well scoped and off a front rest. I'm also not against buying a used one.

 

[chkunz]

Are there any smallbore prone matches in your area? Hang out with those guys awhile and shoot with them some and you will learn a lot. Also Appleseed Project training is another good option.

Several folks recommended ball and dummy, did you blow that off?

 

[BoydAllen]

The choice of a .22 depends on your budget. Perhaps you can ask on .22 forums, since those guys will have a better idea. The ball and dummy suggestion is about having someone else load your rifle for you (while is is pointed in a safe direction) so that when you pull the trigger, you will have know idea whether it is loaded or not. I think that it is a very good idea. You can close your eyes tight, or stand and turn away. Be sure there are no sound clues either. If you take turns, you will probably have some laughs, and learn a lot. One thing that is very important to learning a good trigger pull is dry fire practice. I think that if you look into military marksmanship training, you will find that it involves a lot of dry fire practice...more than you might imagine. While your are researching the .22, I would get right on the dry fire practice, it will build muscle memory and build good habits. Set up a practice bench of some sort, with your rest and bags, and if you can manage it, without alarming your neighbors, a target that is at a distance that you can focus your scope at.
Another reason that fellows rush shots it that they hold their breath too soon and start to run out of air. You need to do what you have to to get rid of the " This is going to be uncomfortable. I want to get it over." feeling.

 

[tomh]

Don't know if it will fix your flinch but 99% of all 2 stage trigger problems come from the 2nd stage being too light if you can't feel somewhat of a "wall" when you come against the 2nd stage it's too light

 

[missed]

I was battling the flinching issue lately. After a BAD sinus infection I could not handle any of my braked rifles, It took shooting my 22 then getting back to the non braked barrels before I could get over the flinching. It took me a weekly trip to the range for about a month to break the habit. I hate my sinuses.

Lol , I had the opposite effect for me. I sighted in My trusty .458 with full sinuses and when I was done they were running clear!!!!!!!!!

Yeah that must be nice!! My sinuses were so tore up the pressure wave made me flinch bad!!

 

[Lefty2506]

Short answer is no. If you are inadvertently fireing the rifle before you intend to, thatsththat's not ana flinch. Increase thewthe of the 2nd stage and move on. If you're actually flinching (we all do, just a question of how much), the do the ball and dummy exercise already mentioned. If you can get ahold of a double action revolver, use it to do the coin trick above. The long heavy pull will build the fundamental control you need. After that, it's a head game. Force yourself to follow through. Eventually, on shots that "feel" really good, your brain will start to process recoil as desirable because of its association with a really well placed shot. This is where a very accurate 22 rf comes into play. Easier to train your brain to "like" a little recoil. Also, pistols are more effective for mastering recoil/flinching than rifles.

 

[divingin]

I doubt the trigger is the issue with flinch. It's probably either recoil or noise.

Not to argue your point, but I had a Jewell that had a tiny bit of creep just prior to letoff. It was damn near impossible to actually detect (even dry firing), but I think subconsciously I could feel it, and reacted to it (I could tell I wasn't concentrating through the entire shot process.)

So, yeah, it may be recoil or noise, but it could be the trigger as well.

I don't have 2 stage triggers on my rifles, but shoot them on International pistols. I prefer to set them up so the 2nd stage is about the same as the first, perhaps a little heavier (i.e. for a 1Kg overall weight, set 500gms for the 1st stage, and the other 500gms for the second.) That allows me to fairly rapidly take up the first stage while raising the pistol, then build pressure while concentrating on the sights, without having it break too early. YMMV.