How about some help?

[lone ringer]

Thanks for all the feedback.
While new to SB Silhouette I have shot XTC for the last 18 years. I'm a pretty good offhand shooter, with a Service Rifle. I use a 6:00 hold so understand the aim at a point. With my SR set up I can usually loose all wiggle- with a shooting jacket and a 13.5 LB rifle.
I have been aiming at the center of the animal, you're all saying pick a point?
NPA is understood and not a problem-
Trigger control- much different with a regular stock vs an AR/pistol grip. Although was told by an old Marine, who had a 99% off hand average, when shooting a M14 your trigger hand should squeeze the stock as if your were trying to wring the lindseed oil out of it. True in SB Silhouette? (may need that Pharr stock for next season, more vertical grip)
I also understand bad practice! I have seen my groups at all lines shrink and want to continue. I do worry that I can develop bad habits if I do not learn how those who do it well, do it.
Eyes have become a XTC problem. But learning to trust the post was easy, vs a 24X wobble!

Thanks for the advice!
chuck

Jud and Dave- my plans have been changed for my first 2 attempts at attending a match.Looks like the next rifle is July 17, which I will make.

Chuck, you did not state what kind of experience you had shooting off-hand so I gave you the advice I would give any beginner rifle silhouette shooter. I believe that the main problem you are having shooting silhouettes is the difference in equipment you are used to specially with trying to shoot with high magnification scopes. Back in the 80's we used to shoot at a military base in Miramar near San Diego where a lot of Experienced Navy shooters tried their hand at shooting HP silhouette but don't remember any of them making it big time into rifle silhouette mostly because of the difference in the equipment they were used to and they were more committed to shooting three position HP and long range prone shooting.
Have to mention that back then the run of the mill silhouette scopes were only 10X, 12X and 16X. Not many variables or higher magnification scopes then.

Just to give you an idea of what good Master silhouette shooters can do off hand I will tell you that some I know are able to aim and hit SB chickens on the head or keep their shots inside a nickel or dime at chicken distance, some of us are able to place the chickens on the stands sideways and hit them more than not. That is what you can look forward to doing if you stay with the sport and apply yourself. Would not be a bad idea if you would get a variable scope like a 6.5X20 and practice at the lower settings before moving up to higher powers.

[chuck d]

HI Tony-
The basic stuff is good. I do have my HP experience, but there is not alot that transfer directly. My first year of HP was very good, so everyone left me alone, no coaching or direction. Next few years were a struggle to improve. I'll listen to any and all. My scope is a 6x24, I will turn it down a bit and see how that helps this weekend.
Have always loved off hand, this game will give me my fill of that.

Thanks
chuck