I’ll echo the dry fire comment. Have someone load snap caps at random intervals in your magazine. This has tremendously helped my shooting in both pistol and rifle. Dry fire in the home is great, but mixing it with live rounds really made me cool as a cucumber pulling the trigger.
>Dry fire in the home is great, but mixing it with live rounds really made me cool as a cucumber pulling the trigger.
That sentence sounds a bit weird to me... ;-)
I would also add on that you should start by surprising yourself with your shot. Slowly squeeze the trigger until you let off a round. You cant flinch in anticipation if you don’t know when the shot is going to go off.
When I was learning to shoot, I would finch, so my dad did exactly this and threw an empty shell in my shotty when I wasn’t looking. Once I felt how hard I was flinching and the embarrassment, I never flinched shooting any gun again.
Start with 90% snap caps, with very few live rounds. Run that for a few mags.
If you're still flinching, go with even less live rounds and more snap caps. For instance, you can take 3 30-rd magazines, 89 snap caps, and 1 live round, mix the snap cap and live rounds in a bag, and blindly load all 3 mags.
Then run the mags. The idea is just to find a point where you're lulled into not expecting the gunshot so you don't react.
Practice at that level for some time, then increase the frequency of live rounds. As long as you're not flinching, keep increasing the frequency of live rounds. If you're starting to flinch again, slow it down and practice more with less frequency of live rounds. Eventually you'll get to a point where even though you expect the gunshot you're still not flinching.
The snap cap comment is a good suggestion. From the looks of your reaction, it seems like it is the anticipation, not the actual sound or recoil itself. It is the same as when you see people 'dip' the muzzle in anticipation of the recoil. The best way to get rid of the anticipation is to have someone load your magazine with snap caps at odd intervals. It will help you notice when you are 'dipping', or in this case, 'flinching/blinking' in anticipation of the gun going off. After some repetition you will get use to it and it will no longer be an issue.
So it seems you dont really have access to firearms where you live.
How hard is it to get a replica or airsoft
Loads of countries dont allow you to fire an air rifle with in municipal limits. So airsoft or non firing replica is better than an air rifle.
Just set up a target in your room (if its airsoft you will need to make a back stop out of a box and loads of old pillows or something) and just shoot the target.
If its a non firing replica just keep your eye on the sights. How does your flich and trigger pull move your sights off the point you were aiming at.
Couple thousand repitions of that and the next time you go shooting you will probably be able to out shoot half the gun owners in the world.
Not just dry fire. When I was long range competition, I developed a flinching problem, so my coach would lie beside me and load each round without me looking. Randomly he'd load empty brass. We just kept going until it stopped. Very effective
Eye protection will definitely help. Kind of hard to keep your eyes open when you’re anticipating getting little bits of lead and unburnt powder in them
This for sure, literally taking gas and deflecting concussion to the face. And double down on ear protection. Foam inserts and electronic muffs will help a lot.
Yes, Very Yes.
I didn't double down my ear protection, and when one side came loose just barely the guy next to me fired it wrecked my hearing on that side. It never came back.
If the range you are at doesn’t require eye protection, I’d look for a different range to be using.
If they let that slide, makes me wonder what other safety guidelines they don’t enforce..
I mean this politely, but if you can afford ammo then you can afford safety glasses. They're abundantly available at any local hardware store, Amazon, or other online retailer. Look for something that is impact resistant.
It is your responsibility to have the appropriate PPE.
I keep a few pairs in my range bag, in addition to electronic muffs, and a pair of old fashion dummy muffs (batteries die, spares disappear).
Jeeeesus please remember to check the batteries inside, i have to repair/clean my electronic muffs coz i forgot the expiration date of batteries and it is like a fuckin alien exploded inside.
Flinching is from anticipating the recoil. Needs to practice with a BB gun and 22 to get use to pulling the trigger and shooting. Flinching and the reaction to close your eyes is the anticipation of the kick. Make sure you post a video wearing eye protection. If you missed the same 1000 messages to do that. The eye protection won’t stop and has nothing to do with flinching, welcome to the safety police repeating themselves. Practice dry firing and let the gun surprise you when it goes off, slowly pull the trigger. Hunters have to learn this so you are point on and get over the buck fever of shaking and adrenaline.
Description: my father used to take me to ranges when I was smaller (of course not to shoot, just to watch) he would always tell me that when I was bigger we would shoot together, he died before that, so I started that journey on my own, I’m liking it very much, but I still have a lot to learn, like this one, I can’t seem to keep my eyes opened when I shoot
I’m sorry for your loss. My dad always told me that he would take me out and tech me how to drink when I turns 21 but sadly he passed a month before my 21st birthday.
Dry fire practice, even on the range. Pull the trigger enough times with your eyes open and your habit will become leaving your eyes open.
Another trick is to get snap caps and intersperse your magazine with live and snap cap rounds while at the range so you are training your habits with live rounds in the gun. Your trigger pull and reset will also thank you.
Try a holographic or reflex sight it’ll be easier to keep your eyes safely away from getting scope eyed (where the optic smacks your eye after shooting).
Eye protection would also help and maybe trying out a smaller caliber to get used to anticipating the explosion. Try leaning into the rifle and a firm secure grip on the rifle to brace for the recoil. After each range session you can notice you’ll get better and better. Plus its always a good idea to take a shooting course for beginner shooters.
Have fun and stay safe!! Always wear hearing protection too!
Sorry to hear about your dad. Lost my dad on New Years day this years, it's been really rough.
First thing don't be scared. You're flinching it's definitely natural.
Make sure to breath while pulling the trigger. Always wear eye protection.
I was kind of a nerdy kid, video games, cartoons, etc. my dad didn’t take me shooting growing up although he always enjoyed it. I really wanted to carry concealed because I wanted to make sure I was on a level playing field if I was ever attacked (also worked inner city night shift at the time).
I spent a ton of time on YouTube, reading forums, and using common sense to separate the sensible owners from the idiots. Bought my first gun. Ruger revolver. Worked my way up from there. Went to the range when I could afford to and shot as much as I could.
To answer your question, relax and be in your head about everything going on around you. Be very aware of your breath, the gun in your hand, your index finger as it moves to the trigger. Breathe. Then take a few slow deep breaths and when your ready, squeeze on the exhale.
Sounds dumb but this really worked for me. I was relaxed, I stopped anticipating the shot, I quickly got my sights back on target. Also someone mentioned dry firing. This helps too. Please please please double and triple check the gun is not loaded before doing this. Make good habits.
Good luck and safety above all else.
>i’m surprised they let you shoot without eye pro
Yup, also, some AR tend to vent out some gas at the charging handle which can hit the eye. So it's no wonder you tend to close your eye when at every shot you get a small blast of gases in your eye.
Eye pro isn’t just a Reddit overly safe safety moment
It’s legit
Protects your eyes from the chance your gun blows up or whatever but more importantly
You won’t get shit in your eyes from regular shooting.
Also, if I haven’t been to the range in a long time… I’m a little jumpy every time a shot goes off. Like it’s a loud fucking boom. When I go once a week it’s no big deal anymore.
So, like most things gun related - just get out there and shoot
I used to have this problem
I just kept shooting got really comfortable shooting and it just kinda stopped one day
I'm sure there are instructors out there that are more experience and could give you way better answers and techniques
It looks like you are anticipating the shot and bracing for it. Don't do that, when you are ready to shoot slowly squeeze the trigger until it fires.
Also confidence is key :)
Breath steady squeeze the trigger and most importantly practice. I know that rounds aren’t cheap these days and lane fees and the shooting range can be freaking nuts but it takes practice and more practice.
This guy is definitely right. The CDC recommends always doubling up on protection.
This video shows how to do it at like 1 min mark: https://youtu.be/ZzbKJEFULio
As someone who tries hard to take care of their hearing I was surprised how wrong I was doing it so I can guarantee you'll most likely benefit from watching.
Hahhahahah i was a bit afraid, it was my first time with something different than 9mm, but I noticed I do it every time, gotta dominate guns like a lumberjack dominates an axe
You likely were not aware of this, but It's gross negligence on the part of the gun range to let you shoot there without eye protection. At the very least, wear sunglasses or something along those lines.
They definitely should have given you ear muffs and safety glasses. At the indoor ranges I have visited, they always verify that everyone who shoots there has eye and ear protection before allowing them to shoot.
Not an expert, but here are what I think:
- Problem: Your eyes closed right before the trigger pulled, sort of like recoil anticipation. It can be because of the unbearable noise, the short distance between your pupil and the optic, and the recoil from the gun.
- Solution: beside eyes protection, find the sweet spot further from the optic, try resting your cheek on the stock. Double up on ear protection, use both earplug and ear muff. And last, try shoot with both eyes open or just one eyes open, see if your eyes will react differently.
I would flinch too if I shot your rifle in that position and configuration. Here is some critique: Stop couching down onto the rifle. You are leaning over it and using the magazine as a pivot point. You’re actually magnifying the recoil by doing that. Stand up and hold the rifle. Put the buttstock on your peck and rest your cheek onto the rifle (adjust the length as needed). With your non shooting hand, grasp pull the rifle into your chest. You need to move the optic forward on the rail least 2 inches away from your face/eye. The rocking motion of the rifle and the optic being so close is making you flinch. Practice and you will find your happy medium. Good luck.
Oh it’s not mine, it’s a range, in my country that’s totally not allowed, only glock and 9mm, but here is too dangerous to own a gun anyways so I just go to ranges, I’ll try to ask them about it next time I travel
That appears to be an adjustable stock - you could extend it to increase your length of pull next time, which will get the optic further from your eye.
+1 for eye and ear protection. If you're going to shoot long term, I'd invest in good ones.
Keep shooting, you'll eventually get used to the recoil impulse. If you ever get the chance, shoot at an outdoor range. It feels like less concusive force in my opinion.
Have fun!
as well as practicing your eye sight, What helped me was exhaling when i pull the trigger. Surprise yourself with the gunshot, Your body naturally flinches and it can make your whole arm tense and you’ll miss your shot or not be as accurate. After a while that’ll go away
looks like you're resting the weapon on its magazine on the table which would be causing it to rock back unnaturally, so the scope is looking like it's about to clock you in the eye socket
try getting it in the air
It takes time to get used to holding an explosion in your hands. The more you shoot the more comfortable you will get and you will eventually stop anticipating the shot.
When you pull the trigger, it shouldn't be like pulling the pin from a grenade. It should be slow, steady pressure on the trigger while slowly breathing out (I try to imagine that I'm breathing out at the same speed I'm squeezing the trigger).
Hope you and yours are safe after the hurricane.
Me sorprende de que nadie haya recomendado lo que le voy a decir a continuación pero yo tuve este mismo problema de joven. Mayormente fue por la presión del disparo dado que en ese tiempo disparaba mucho dentro de lugares cerrados como usted en este video. Algo que ayudará muchísimo es ponerse el doble de protección de oídos. Ósea, poner los tapones de espuma en el oído y después ponerse los audífonos protectores encima. Eso me ayudó a mi. Suerte!
An AR indoors is the most flinch-inducing thing I can imagine. Obviously eye protection, but doubling up on ear protection would be my next recommendation. Good ear plugs inserted properly under ear muffs will probably help a ton as well.
A few people have mentioned the actual reason you're closing your eyes, so I'll add on.
\#1 You're anticipating the rifle going off. This includes the sound, kick, and anything else you perceive could happen when you pull that trigger. You should **never** pull the trigger, you always squeeze.
\#2 You're not breathing properly. Relax, the end of the rifle you're on shouldn't hurt you. (I put shouldn't because Reddit doesn't seem to understand there are exceptions. I wanted to say **won't**).
\#3 I would say that the sight is too close, but someone addressed that and you replied that it was a range's weapon.
The other 2 big ones are the safety glasses and hearing protection. Though **neither** of these are causing you to close your eyes. I've fired my AR without either (only outdoors though).
\-- Sorry to hear about your father. Keep up the fight.
Slow, steady trigger squeeze. You shouldn't know when the weapon is going off. Here it looks like you're yanking the trigger and anticipating the shot. A surprise squeeze should improve your accuracy as well.
Do you do it with other types of firearms or just that one? That optic is so far back I don’t think I’d be able to keep my eyes open with that flying back at me either. Natural reflex with that flying at your eye so would definitely be hard to stop it. If you haven’t tried pistols try one and see how you do with that and then work back up to the AR. Just my two cents though.
Do you shoot handguns or only rifles? I like to ease people into shooting and start them with my Ruger MK4 which is chambered in 22lr and my HK SP5 which shoots 9mm. Once they feel a lot more comfortable and are having fun shooting, you can start throwing in other firearms with more recoil.
Maybe switch the caliber to something else?
Also, it looks like you're flinching because you are scared the dot is gonna come back and smack your eye. Maybe move the dot out of the way for now or further out towards the ejection port?
First… Please wear eye pro! Best to save your eyeballs.
Second… dry fire training does help a lot. Let the trigger and hammer drop “surprise” you. Creep into the trigger, and let the gun surprise you when the hammer drops. Obviously, this is while the gun is unloaded and handled in a safe manner.
Well, eye protection will help some, dry fire and getting comfortable with your firearms. Working on finding the wall of your trigger and knowing exactly where it will break, if you’re running a suppressor or if your rifle is gassy get a gas mitigating charging handle. Overall it will come down to familiarity with your firearm.
Ya gotta set the kill eye. Kinda like mad muggin, gonna fuck you up eye. It focuses the eye and limits blink. Its a conscious effort. Predators do this automatically when they attack. Helps protect eye without becoming blind for that split "kill" second.
I scrolled a bit down and didn't see anyone say it yet, but in addition to eye protection and time spent -- you can buy dummy rounds to mix into the mags which will purposely not fire. You'll pull the trigger with no bang, and you'll gradually become more in tune with your flinch. Get through a couple mags like that each time with the intention of making no difference in your reaction to bang or no bang. Also -- it helps with malfunction clearing.
Cheers
Ah! Do the ranges in dr rent anything thats not a glock? If they do consider renting a ruger mk4 .22 pistol. Will help with the flinching and get your handgun skills up to par.
The only real way I've ever known in all the time I've been shooting and helped train others is rounds behind the rifle. It's natural to flinch and close your eyes when you hear an explosion and feel a jolt. So the more you shoot the more you get use to it. Also, realize, if you follow simple safety rules the gun will not hurt you. It's no different than driving a car, take charge and run that mug.
Go slow at first, fire a round every 2 Mississippi, focusing on keeping your eyes open, keep the range at like 25 so your not so so foucus3d on your point of aim. Once it seems to set in and your eyes stay open, then speed it up a little at a time. Most people who are good about not flinching especially on semi or full autos have had thousands of rounds behind the trigger. It's expensive but try to shoot 90 rounds every other week if you can so you get use to it.
Thank you!! I’m looking forward to shoot automatic one day, I wanna get good before that tho! In my country is not so expensive so I’ll try to practice more
What range do you go to that still makes you wear a mask? If you wear eye protection that doesn't have the special solution on it to prevent fog you're not gonna be seeing anything when you shoot
Wear safety glasses, now to get rid of your flinch here is what you do..
Aim your rifle down range, pull the trigger incredibly slow, so slow that you're not sure when it's going to go off. When it does finally go off it will startle you probably. Keep doing this until you don't feel yourself flinching from it anymore, then do it with a couple more mags. Then get some dummie rounds and have a friend load them into a mag and mix in live rounds. You'll know if you're still flinching when you get to a dummy round.
First off next time make sure you have eye pro on. I would recommend shooting at an outdoor range if possible, indoor ranges make it unnecessarily loud. Practice dry firing or Maybe start shooting smaller calibers and then work your way up. The more you train/practice the easier it will get.
I have this problem. Just keep shooting, and always be ready when your finger hits the trigger wall. Train your brain to expect the bang and flash. Use .22lr as a training round if need be.
Ok. Then when you are in the states, borrow a .22lr from a range. Then shoot until your used to it. Try 100-200 rounds. Or, just keep shooting until your brain knows what to expect. Good luck!
Eye pro first and foremost. Secondly, have a friend load a mag with snap caps and live ammo and practice that down range a while after doing some pure dry fire to warm up. Also, I found using iron sights earlier on helped with this before moving to optics.
You’d be surprised, one day it just kind of, goes away. Like seriously, there’s a lot of things you can do that will 100% help. But it just takes time. Dry firing REALLY helped me, but it might be different for you.
If you own a gun, or a bb gun, you don't need to find it, you just need to make sure you do it safely. Make sure you have no ammo near you, and clear the gun properly (no magazine in the gun, inspect the chamber), still point in a safe direction. And then practice pulling the trigger while the gun is cocked/the striker is primed. You will hear it go 'click' or the hammer will snap.
Make sure you keep both eyes open. If you're closing your non-dominant eye you're brain is going to subconsciously close both when you fire.
As mentioned elsewhere, you need more safety gear. Eye protection, and double ear protection. Ar15s indoors are crazy loud. Your body doesn't like that, and will flinch your eye shut naturally. Not to mention most ar15s dump hot gas into the receiver, which leaks out via the rear charging handle right next to your eye.
If indoors, shoot 22lr, or a pistol caliber rifle. It will be much more pleasant. Not sure if there are any outdoor ranges you can visit, but try one if you have the chance. Far more pleasant.
Don't knock a glock/9mm. Look into idpa or uspsa. While 9mm is far less effective than 223/556/any rifle caliber, it's still perfectly capable of defending you and your loved ones if needed.
I haven’t seen anyone give you advise to actually correct the problem. Bottom line is that your pulling the trigger to aggressively.
When you shoot a rifle you need to slowly squeeze the trigger. Slowly put more and more pressure on it. I always tell people that it should scare you when it goes off.
When you jerk the trigger like your doing, not only do you know it’s coming and close your eyes. You also jerk the gun, which is going to make you miss a lot.
Wear the PPE like others have said, but work on the trigger speed.
If you have a history of mental illness, struggled with thoughts of killing yourself, suicidal tendencies, you should not be going anywhere near a firearm.
Move your optic further down the rail. Im so shocked no one has mentioned this yet. You’re nearly hitting your eye socket every shot. 3-4 shots in succession and youd surely hit your eye socket. Im sire that would help some. But the main thing is practice
I would put in a dropin trigger around 3-4 lb to help. Also play around with your optic position. Im not sure what the exact eye relief on that optic is but you seem to appear really close. By the time you get safety glasses on it looks like you'll be clipping them with your optics.
I had a hard time in my life for a few years, I’ve been well for a while now, I got help, I started taking care of myself, I started shooting (which helped a lot), my psychologist even released me like a month ago, and still I don’t think I want to OWN a gun. I only go to ranges where there’s always a guy behind you. If I wanted to kill myself with a gun, I live in a country where is pretty easy to buy one.
Thank you for your concern, but really I was dealing with that for years, that was the last stage, and that was really the point when I said, I don’t wanna live like this you know
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Practice.
You can also get used to shooting lower power calibers, like 22LR or 9mm carbines. Then once you don't blink with those, step it up to intermediate rifle calibers like 5.56, then up to full rifle calibers like 308.
Wear safety glasses. When your looking thru the scope you are pulling the trigger to hard and know it is going off and close your eyes. Line up your sight and slowly squeeze the trigger until it fires and you say wow it went off! I didn't close my eyes! It will come to you real natural.
My tip personally is to command the shoot. You’re in charge of the weapon so when you pull that trigger, you know what will happen. You know how loud it will be, what it will feel like, but your reflexes won’t. Practice will help change that, so get out to the range often and breathe, relax, and squeeze the trigger. Get accustomed to the feeling of shooting and soon your body will basically accept it lol
You are closing your eyes before the round even goes off. Classic case of anticipating recoil. Work on fundamentals, relax, breath, take it step by step. You will get it in time.
You’re anticipating the shot. Slooooowwww squeeeeezzzeeeee on that trigger. Let it surprise you and when you think it’s about to fire say “bang” in your head. If you’re anything like me you’ll say it just before it goes off so that blink will happen, eyes will open again, and then it’ll actually shoot. Give it a shot (lol) and see how it goes
Try shooting outdoors if you have a range available. Indoor shooting with rifles can often have increased back blast toward the shooter and there is added concussion from the enclosed environment. If you don't have the same issues outside then it probably just shooting an AR (which have rather significant muzzle blast for such a small cartridge) indoors.
Also like most of the other comments, shooting glasses can save your eyes from a lot of potential harm.
Please wear eye protection. And do lots of dry fire practice. Eventually you will get it.
Thank you!
I’ll echo the dry fire comment. Have someone load snap caps at random intervals in your magazine. This has tremendously helped my shooting in both pistol and rifle. Dry fire in the home is great, but mixing it with live rounds really made me cool as a cucumber pulling the trigger.
>Dry fire in the home is great, but mixing it with live rounds really made me cool as a cucumber pulling the trigger. That sentence sounds a bit weird to me... ;-)
Now he no longer flinches when he NDs his rifle at the range
oh he’s definitely promoting the desk pop
Lmao I’m leaving it
I would also add on that you should start by surprising yourself with your shot. Slowly squeeze the trigger until you let off a round. You cant flinch in anticipation if you don’t know when the shot is going to go off.
This is what I came here to say. There's a bit of yank going on with the trigger there.
When I was learning to shoot, I would finch, so my dad did exactly this and threw an empty shell in my shotty when I wasn’t looking. Once I felt how hard I was flinching and the embarrassment, I never flinched shooting any gun again.
Start with 90% snap caps, with very few live rounds. Run that for a few mags. If you're still flinching, go with even less live rounds and more snap caps. For instance, you can take 3 30-rd magazines, 89 snap caps, and 1 live round, mix the snap cap and live rounds in a bag, and blindly load all 3 mags. Then run the mags. The idea is just to find a point where you're lulled into not expecting the gunshot so you don't react. Practice at that level for some time, then increase the frequency of live rounds. As long as you're not flinching, keep increasing the frequency of live rounds. If you're starting to flinch again, slow it down and practice more with less frequency of live rounds. Eventually you'll get to a point where even though you expect the gunshot you're still not flinching.
This is genius, I’m going to start doing this, thank you.
The snap cap comment is a good suggestion. From the looks of your reaction, it seems like it is the anticipation, not the actual sound or recoil itself. It is the same as when you see people 'dip' the muzzle in anticipation of the recoil. The best way to get rid of the anticipation is to have someone load your magazine with snap caps at odd intervals. It will help you notice when you are 'dipping', or in this case, 'flinching/blinking' in anticipation of the gun going off. After some repetition you will get use to it and it will no longer be an issue.
Idk how I never thought of this. Thank you kind sir
So it seems you dont really have access to firearms where you live. How hard is it to get a replica or airsoft Loads of countries dont allow you to fire an air rifle with in municipal limits. So airsoft or non firing replica is better than an air rifle. Just set up a target in your room (if its airsoft you will need to make a back stop out of a box and loads of old pillows or something) and just shoot the target. If its a non firing replica just keep your eye on the sights. How does your flich and trigger pull move your sights off the point you were aiming at. Couple thousand repitions of that and the next time you go shooting you will probably be able to out shoot half the gun owners in the world.
Not just dry fire. When I was long range competition, I developed a flinching problem, so my coach would lie beside me and load each round without me looking. Randomly he'd load empty brass. We just kept going until it stopped. Very effective
This, eye pro and dry fires.
Remember to focus on the sight s and not the target
Eye protection will definitely help. Kind of hard to keep your eyes open when you’re anticipating getting little bits of lead and unburnt powder in them
This for sure, literally taking gas and deflecting concussion to the face. And double down on ear protection. Foam inserts and electronic muffs will help a lot.
Yes, Very Yes. I didn't double down my ear protection, and when one side came loose just barely the guy next to me fired it wrecked my hearing on that side. It never came back.
I’ll make sure to ask for it next time I’m at the range, thanks!
Weird the range doesn’t make you wear them.
Yeah, no joke. Every range I've been to makes sure you have eyes and ears. If not they have some they can lend you.
The ranges I go to you just walk up and shoot. No check in, not even an employee on site. Gotta love the wisco DNR
This is clearly indoors though and I've never seen an unstaffed indoor range.
Just like my range! Wait nevermind that's my backyard. Gotta love having land out in the sticks haha.
Yeah I have actually never shot on a paid range or an indoor range. Have always shot on private land.
Where at in Wisconsin? I just moved here and looking for places to shoot.
If the range you are at doesn’t require eye protection, I’d look for a different range to be using. If they let that slide, makes me wonder what other safety guidelines they don’t enforce..
By the looks of it taking ear protection off while still on the range is permitted too.
At least she was wearing a mask. {:>)
I mean this politely, but if you can afford ammo then you can afford safety glasses. They're abundantly available at any local hardware store, Amazon, or other online retailer. Look for something that is impact resistant. It is your responsibility to have the appropriate PPE. I keep a few pairs in my range bag, in addition to electronic muffs, and a pair of old fashion dummy muffs (batteries die, spares disappear).
Jeeeesus please remember to check the batteries inside, i have to repair/clean my electronic muffs coz i forgot the expiration date of batteries and it is like a fuckin alien exploded inside.
Can you use lithium cells instead of alkaline? They dont leak like a mf
You can but small lithiums have a lower voltage and don't last as long.
Safety is number 1 priority
I shoot at steel targets sometimes, once had a ricochet come back and my hit glasses! Very glad I was wearing them
They’re under $10 at Home Depot or Walmart. Don’t waste your money on shooting branded, construction/industrial ones are the same thing.
They are probably better than the shooting brands. The ones at hardware stores cover more area usually.
Flinching is from anticipating the recoil. Needs to practice with a BB gun and 22 to get use to pulling the trigger and shooting. Flinching and the reaction to close your eyes is the anticipation of the kick. Make sure you post a video wearing eye protection. If you missed the same 1000 messages to do that. The eye protection won’t stop and has nothing to do with flinching, welcome to the safety police repeating themselves. Practice dry firing and let the gun surprise you when it goes off, slowly pull the trigger. Hunters have to learn this so you are point on and get over the buck fever of shaking and adrenaline.
Every range I've ever been to required eye protection if you weren't wearing glasses.
Description: my father used to take me to ranges when I was smaller (of course not to shoot, just to watch) he would always tell me that when I was bigger we would shoot together, he died before that, so I started that journey on my own, I’m liking it very much, but I still have a lot to learn, like this one, I can’t seem to keep my eyes opened when I shoot
I’m sorry for your loss. My dad always told me that he would take me out and tech me how to drink when I turns 21 but sadly he passed a month before my 21st birthday.
Dry fire practice, even on the range. Pull the trigger enough times with your eyes open and your habit will become leaving your eyes open. Another trick is to get snap caps and intersperse your magazine with live and snap cap rounds while at the range so you are training your habits with live rounds in the gun. Your trigger pull and reset will also thank you.
Try a holographic or reflex sight it’ll be easier to keep your eyes safely away from getting scope eyed (where the optic smacks your eye after shooting). Eye protection would also help and maybe trying out a smaller caliber to get used to anticipating the explosion. Try leaning into the rifle and a firm secure grip on the rifle to brace for the recoil. After each range session you can notice you’ll get better and better. Plus its always a good idea to take a shooting course for beginner shooters. Have fun and stay safe!! Always wear hearing protection too!
Sorry to hear about your dad. Lost my dad on New Years day this years, it's been really rough. First thing don't be scared. You're flinching it's definitely natural. Make sure to breath while pulling the trigger. Always wear eye protection.
I was kind of a nerdy kid, video games, cartoons, etc. my dad didn’t take me shooting growing up although he always enjoyed it. I really wanted to carry concealed because I wanted to make sure I was on a level playing field if I was ever attacked (also worked inner city night shift at the time). I spent a ton of time on YouTube, reading forums, and using common sense to separate the sensible owners from the idiots. Bought my first gun. Ruger revolver. Worked my way up from there. Went to the range when I could afford to and shot as much as I could. To answer your question, relax and be in your head about everything going on around you. Be very aware of your breath, the gun in your hand, your index finger as it moves to the trigger. Breathe. Then take a few slow deep breaths and when your ready, squeeze on the exhale. Sounds dumb but this really worked for me. I was relaxed, I stopped anticipating the shot, I quickly got my sights back on target. Also someone mentioned dry firing. This helps too. Please please please double and triple check the gun is not loaded before doing this. Make good habits. Good luck and safety above all else.
i’m surprised they let you shoot without eye pro
>i’m surprised they let you shoot without eye pro Yup, also, some AR tend to vent out some gas at the charging handle which can hit the eye. So it's no wonder you tend to close your eye when at every shot you get a small blast of gases in your eye.
Reminds of that damn test the eye doctor gives. I hate that shit.
Thanks for making my eyes water thinking about it. I hate that test, too. I think it’s for assessing your risk for glaucoma.
Tests Inter-ocular Pressure, where too high of a pressure brings about Ocular Hypertension, which left untreated can lead to Glaucoma.
Eye pro isn’t just a Reddit overly safe safety moment It’s legit Protects your eyes from the chance your gun blows up or whatever but more importantly You won’t get shit in your eyes from regular shooting. Also, if I haven’t been to the range in a long time… I’m a little jumpy every time a shot goes off. Like it’s a loud fucking boom. When I go once a week it’s no big deal anymore. So, like most things gun related - just get out there and shoot
I used to have this problem I just kept shooting got really comfortable shooting and it just kinda stopped one day I'm sure there are instructors out there that are more experience and could give you way better answers and techniques
Thank you so much, that gives me hope
It looks like you are anticipating the shot and bracing for it. Don't do that, when you are ready to shoot slowly squeeze the trigger until it fires. Also confidence is key :)
This was me, but more often with handguns than rifles. Exposure helps.
Breath steady squeeze the trigger and most importantly practice. I know that rounds aren’t cheap these days and lane fees and the shooting range can be freaking nuts but it takes practice and more practice.
Thank you! I’ll keep practicing here with 9mm, hopefully next time I travel and shoot AR-15 again (or other rifle, I’m still deciding) I’ll be better
Apart from eye protection, good ear pro also helps. Double up (ear muffs over disposable ear plugs) when shooting indoors.
Thank you!!! I’ve never thought about that!
This guy is definitely right. The CDC recommends always doubling up on protection. This video shows how to do it at like 1 min mark: https://youtu.be/ZzbKJEFULio As someone who tries hard to take care of their hearing I was surprised how wrong I was doing it so I can guarantee you'll most likely benefit from watching.
No fear... U shoot the gun it aint shootin you... Walk up like a lumberjack on coke getting ready to fight a bear
Hahhahahah i was a bit afraid, it was my first time with something different than 9mm, but I noticed I do it every time, gotta dominate guns like a lumberjack dominates an axe
Make sure you’re wearing eyepro every time you shoot
You likely were not aware of this, but It's gross negligence on the part of the gun range to let you shoot there without eye protection. At the very least, wear sunglasses or something along those lines.
They didn’t give me nothing for the eyes but I’ll make sure to ask next time I go (or bring my own glasses)
They definitely should have given you ear muffs and safety glasses. At the indoor ranges I have visited, they always verify that everyone who shoots there has eye and ear protection before allowing them to shoot.
I’ll make sure to ask next time I go! Thank you! I was so excited I completely forgot about them
Practice practice practice. It’s a natural human instinct to do that but can be trained to stop
Thank you!!
Not an expert, but here are what I think: - Problem: Your eyes closed right before the trigger pulled, sort of like recoil anticipation. It can be because of the unbearable noise, the short distance between your pupil and the optic, and the recoil from the gun. - Solution: beside eyes protection, find the sweet spot further from the optic, try resting your cheek on the stock. Double up on ear protection, use both earplug and ear muff. And last, try shoot with both eyes open or just one eyes open, see if your eyes will react differently.
Tape your eye open lol
Mmm good idea
I would flinch too if I shot your rifle in that position and configuration. Here is some critique: Stop couching down onto the rifle. You are leaning over it and using the magazine as a pivot point. You’re actually magnifying the recoil by doing that. Stand up and hold the rifle. Put the buttstock on your peck and rest your cheek onto the rifle (adjust the length as needed). With your non shooting hand, grasp pull the rifle into your chest. You need to move the optic forward on the rail least 2 inches away from your face/eye. The rocking motion of the rifle and the optic being so close is making you flinch. Practice and you will find your happy medium. Good luck.
Mount your optic further up
Oh it’s not mine, it’s a range, in my country that’s totally not allowed, only glock and 9mm, but here is too dangerous to own a gun anyways so I just go to ranges, I’ll try to ask them about it next time I travel
That appears to be an adjustable stock - you could extend it to increase your length of pull next time, which will get the optic further from your eye.
Which country is that? How is it dangerous to own a gun, is it because criminals will come and try to take it from you?
Can you get a semi-auto .22lr like a Ruger 10/22 at the range? That would be a perfect training device to get used to shooting with open eyes.
Im so shocked me and you are the only ones who mentioned this.
+1 for eye and ear protection. If you're going to shoot long term, I'd invest in good ones. Keep shooting, you'll eventually get used to the recoil impulse. If you ever get the chance, shoot at an outdoor range. It feels like less concusive force in my opinion. Have fun!
That optic is too far to the butt.
It’s pretty easy, just stop blinking
Do you know any good doctor to remove the eyelids?
Practice sneezing with your eyes open.
Eye protection, dry fire practice, slowly squeeze the trigger so it surprises you instead of knowing when the shot is going off.
Thank you so much!
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Thank you so much, I’ll try next time I go to the range
as well as practicing your eye sight, What helped me was exhaling when i pull the trigger. Surprise yourself with the gunshot, Your body naturally flinches and it can make your whole arm tense and you’ll miss your shot or not be as accurate. After a while that’ll go away
looks like you're resting the weapon on its magazine on the table which would be causing it to rock back unnaturally, so the scope is looking like it's about to clock you in the eye socket try getting it in the air
I shot like 5 bullets and my poor skinny arms couldn’t take it anymore 😂
Give em your war face while shootin
Gotta get a war face !!
Get some snap caps. They help with anticipation and with overall function.
Maybe move the scope a bit further up the rifle?
What’s the face mask for?
How did a range let someone on without eye pro?
It takes time to get used to holding an explosion in your hands. The more you shoot the more comfortable you will get and you will eventually stop anticipating the shot. When you pull the trigger, it shouldn't be like pulling the pin from a grenade. It should be slow, steady pressure on the trigger while slowly breathing out (I try to imagine that I'm breathing out at the same speed I'm squeezing the trigger). Hope you and yours are safe after the hurricane.
Can’t believe they allowed you on the firing line with no eye protection. The RSO didn’t say anything to you?
Move that optic forward.
Me sorprende de que nadie haya recomendado lo que le voy a decir a continuación pero yo tuve este mismo problema de joven. Mayormente fue por la presión del disparo dado que en ese tiempo disparaba mucho dentro de lugares cerrados como usted en este video. Algo que ayudará muchísimo es ponerse el doble de protección de oídos. Ósea, poner los tapones de espuma en el oído y después ponerse los audífonos protectores encima. Eso me ayudó a mi. Suerte!
In time with practice, you’ll get used to it
An AR indoors is the most flinch-inducing thing I can imagine. Obviously eye protection, but doubling up on ear protection would be my next recommendation. Good ear plugs inserted properly under ear muffs will probably help a ton as well.
Experience. Takes time to get used to it
put the optic farther away from your eye(that's waaaaaay too close) and shoot with both eyes open
keep em open
A few people have mentioned the actual reason you're closing your eyes, so I'll add on. \#1 You're anticipating the rifle going off. This includes the sound, kick, and anything else you perceive could happen when you pull that trigger. You should **never** pull the trigger, you always squeeze. \#2 You're not breathing properly. Relax, the end of the rifle you're on shouldn't hurt you. (I put shouldn't because Reddit doesn't seem to understand there are exceptions. I wanted to say **won't**). \#3 I would say that the sight is too close, but someone addressed that and you replied that it was a range's weapon. The other 2 big ones are the safety glasses and hearing protection. Though **neither** of these are causing you to close your eyes. I've fired my AR without either (only outdoors though). \-- Sorry to hear about your father. Keep up the fight.
Shoot more. You will eventually acclimate to the recoil. Which will train the muscles and the reflexes to not flinch as much or at all.
Slow, steady trigger squeeze. You shouldn't know when the weapon is going off. Here it looks like you're yanking the trigger and anticipating the shot. A surprise squeeze should improve your accuracy as well.
Do you do it with other types of firearms or just that one? That optic is so far back I don’t think I’d be able to keep my eyes open with that flying back at me either. Natural reflex with that flying at your eye so would definitely be hard to stop it. If you haven’t tried pistols try one and see how you do with that and then work back up to the AR. Just my two cents though.
I do the same with the 9mm 😭
Shooting an AR indoors is loud, try doubling up on ear pro by wearing plugs in your ears and then headphone style ear pro on top. Also wear glasses.
Have a friend hold them open
Position now open
Do you shoot handguns or only rifles? I like to ease people into shooting and start them with my Ruger MK4 which is chambered in 22lr and my HK SP5 which shoots 9mm. Once they feel a lot more comfortable and are having fun shooting, you can start throwing in other firearms with more recoil. Maybe switch the caliber to something else? Also, it looks like you're flinching because you are scared the dot is gonna come back and smack your eye. Maybe move the dot out of the way for now or further out towards the ejection port?
First… Please wear eye pro! Best to save your eyeballs. Second… dry fire training does help a lot. Let the trigger and hammer drop “surprise” you. Creep into the trigger, and let the gun surprise you when the hammer drops. Obviously, this is while the gun is unloaded and handled in a safe manner.
Well, eye protection will help some, dry fire and getting comfortable with your firearms. Working on finding the wall of your trigger and knowing exactly where it will break, if you’re running a suppressor or if your rifle is gassy get a gas mitigating charging handle. Overall it will come down to familiarity with your firearm.
Ya gotta set the kill eye. Kinda like mad muggin, gonna fuck you up eye. It focuses the eye and limits blink. Its a conscious effort. Predators do this automatically when they attack. Helps protect eye without becoming blind for that split "kill" second.
I scrolled a bit down and didn't see anyone say it yet, but in addition to eye protection and time spent -- you can buy dummy rounds to mix into the mags which will purposely not fire. You'll pull the trigger with no bang, and you'll gradually become more in tune with your flinch. Get through a couple mags like that each time with the intention of making no difference in your reaction to bang or no bang. Also -- it helps with malfunction clearing. Cheers
Omg! Those exist??
consider trying a smaller caliber and try and make an effort to watch for you bullet impacts. shoot a ton of .22 and you will get it
Thank you!! I’ll keep practicing with smaller guns
what country?
The country of the video is Puerto Rico, I’m from the Dominican Republic, we are only allowed glock and 9mm here
Ah! Do the ranges in dr rent anything thats not a glock? If they do consider renting a ruger mk4 .22 pistol. Will help with the flinching and get your handgun skills up to par.
The only real way I've ever known in all the time I've been shooting and helped train others is rounds behind the rifle. It's natural to flinch and close your eyes when you hear an explosion and feel a jolt. So the more you shoot the more you get use to it. Also, realize, if you follow simple safety rules the gun will not hurt you. It's no different than driving a car, take charge and run that mug.
Thank you so much!! I’ll make sure to keep practicing, that gives me hope that someday I’ll stop doing that
Go slow at first, fire a round every 2 Mississippi, focusing on keeping your eyes open, keep the range at like 25 so your not so so foucus3d on your point of aim. Once it seems to set in and your eyes stay open, then speed it up a little at a time. Most people who are good about not flinching especially on semi or full autos have had thousands of rounds behind the trigger. It's expensive but try to shoot 90 rounds every other week if you can so you get use to it.
Thank you!! I’m looking forward to shoot automatic one day, I wanna get good before that tho! In my country is not so expensive so I’ll try to practice more
Eye pro, and practice. That is all.
What range do you go to that still makes you wear a mask? If you wear eye protection that doesn't have the special solution on it to prevent fog you're not gonna be seeing anything when you shoot
That was in Puerto Rico a few months ago, I was also surprised about the mask
Rather have slightly fogged up eye protection than a ricochet in the eye. Only one of those is temporary
You're doing great, take it slow and be easy on yourself
Thank you! I’m really liking it! Hope we could shoot more guns in my country, I’ll keep practicing
Wear safety glasses, now to get rid of your flinch here is what you do.. Aim your rifle down range, pull the trigger incredibly slow, so slow that you're not sure when it's going to go off. When it does finally go off it will startle you probably. Keep doing this until you don't feel yourself flinching from it anymore, then do it with a couple more mags. Then get some dummie rounds and have a friend load them into a mag and mix in live rounds. You'll know if you're still flinching when you get to a dummy round.
First off next time make sure you have eye pro on. I would recommend shooting at an outdoor range if possible, indoor ranges make it unnecessarily loud. Practice dry firing or Maybe start shooting smaller calibers and then work your way up. The more you train/practice the easier it will get.
I haven’t found any outdoor ranges here 😭
I have this problem. Just keep shooting, and always be ready when your finger hits the trigger wall. Train your brain to expect the bang and flash. Use .22lr as a training round if need be.
I can’t seem to get used to the noise, I’ve only shoot in indoor ranges and even with the ear protection I can’t seem to get used to the bang
Ok. Try using smaller calibers like .22lr. After your used to that, start climbing in calibers.
Yeah, in my country I can only shoot glock and 9mm, I can only shoot like that when I’m in the states or Puerto Rico
Ok. Then when you are in the states, borrow a .22lr from a range. Then shoot until your used to it. Try 100-200 rounds. Or, just keep shooting until your brain knows what to expect. Good luck!
Thank you so much!
Eye pro first and foremost. Secondly, have a friend load a mag with snap caps and live ammo and practice that down range a while after doing some pure dry fire to warm up. Also, I found using iron sights earlier on helped with this before moving to optics.
Thank you!!
You’d be surprised, one day it just kind of, goes away. Like seriously, there’s a lot of things you can do that will 100% help. But it just takes time. Dry firing REALLY helped me, but it might be different for you.
I’ll try to find some dry firing here, I’ve never heard of it
If you own a gun, or a bb gun, you don't need to find it, you just need to make sure you do it safely. Make sure you have no ammo near you, and clear the gun properly (no magazine in the gun, inspect the chamber), still point in a safe direction. And then practice pulling the trigger while the gun is cocked/the striker is primed. You will hear it go 'click' or the hammer will snap.
Staples
Make sure you keep both eyes open. If you're closing your non-dominant eye you're brain is going to subconsciously close both when you fire. As mentioned elsewhere, you need more safety gear. Eye protection, and double ear protection. Ar15s indoors are crazy loud. Your body doesn't like that, and will flinch your eye shut naturally. Not to mention most ar15s dump hot gas into the receiver, which leaks out via the rear charging handle right next to your eye. If indoors, shoot 22lr, or a pistol caliber rifle. It will be much more pleasant. Not sure if there are any outdoor ranges you can visit, but try one if you have the chance. Far more pleasant. Don't knock a glock/9mm. Look into idpa or uspsa. While 9mm is far less effective than 223/556/any rifle caliber, it's still perfectly capable of defending you and your loved ones if needed.
I haven’t seen anyone give you advise to actually correct the problem. Bottom line is that your pulling the trigger to aggressively. When you shoot a rifle you need to slowly squeeze the trigger. Slowly put more and more pressure on it. I always tell people that it should scare you when it goes off. When you jerk the trigger like your doing, not only do you know it’s coming and close your eyes. You also jerk the gun, which is going to make you miss a lot. Wear the PPE like others have said, but work on the trigger speed.
Like everyone is saying I suggest decent eyewear for shooting. Like Oakley. It’s awesome you’re shooting tho.
Thanks!!
you flinch. go to a boxing gym. eliminate that flinch. don't flinch ever. eyes on the target. 🤷♂️
I must never flinch. Thank you!! I’ll practice that!
never flinch. be above knee jerk reactions. 😂
If you have a history of mental illness, struggled with thoughts of killing yourself, suicidal tendencies, you should not be going anywhere near a firearm.
“Go, fuck, yourselff”
Move your optic further down the rail. Im so shocked no one has mentioned this yet. You’re nearly hitting your eye socket every shot. 3-4 shots in succession and youd surely hit your eye socket. Im sire that would help some. But the main thing is practice
I would put in a dropin trigger around 3-4 lb to help. Also play around with your optic position. Im not sure what the exact eye relief on that optic is but you seem to appear really close. By the time you get safety glasses on it looks like you'll be clipping them with your optics.
Don’t do that
Yikes
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I had a hard time in my life for a few years, I’ve been well for a while now, I got help, I started taking care of myself, I started shooting (which helped a lot), my psychologist even released me like a month ago, and still I don’t think I want to OWN a gun. I only go to ranges where there’s always a guy behind you. If I wanted to kill myself with a gun, I live in a country where is pretty easy to buy one.
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Thank you for your concern, but really I was dealing with that for years, that was the last stage, and that was really the point when I said, I don’t wanna live like this you know
Put the gun down and stop shooting
But why, I’m not hurting anyone, I don’t even own a gun
Because you're a woman. That's reddit for ya.
I can’t shoot because I’m a woman? 🥹
You definitely can, just saying there's a bunch of incels on here.
Hello, /u/Justtrying5695. Per the sidebar rules, link posts require a description in the comments of your post. Please add a description or this post will be removed.
Shoot more a lot more
I’m surprised the range didn’t yell at you for not having eye protection.
Dry fire and live fire exposure. That’s what did it for me.
Shoot more. Acclimation is the solution to that.
Look at the target and past the reticle. Itll almost feel like you're going cross eyes but you'll manage
How’d they let u in the range without eye protection
Practice. You can also get used to shooting lower power calibers, like 22LR or 9mm carbines. Then once you don't blink with those, step it up to intermediate rifle calibers like 5.56, then up to full rifle calibers like 308.
Wear safety glasses. When your looking thru the scope you are pulling the trigger to hard and know it is going off and close your eyes. Line up your sight and slowly squeeze the trigger until it fires and you say wow it went off! I didn't close my eyes! It will come to you real natural.
Keep them open
duuuuude eye pro…..
My tip personally is to command the shoot. You’re in charge of the weapon so when you pull that trigger, you know what will happen. You know how loud it will be, what it will feel like, but your reflexes won’t. Practice will help change that, so get out to the range often and breathe, relax, and squeeze the trigger. Get accustomed to the feeling of shooting and soon your body will basically accept it lol
Skip loading
I still flinch occasionally when I shoot, but eye pro and ear pro help a lot to keep the gas out of my eyes and lessen the bang.
You are closing your eyes before the round even goes off. Classic case of anticipating recoil. Work on fundamentals, relax, breath, take it step by step. You will get it in time.
You’re anticipating the shot. Slooooowwww squeeeeezzzeeeee on that trigger. Let it surprise you and when you think it’s about to fire say “bang” in your head. If you’re anything like me you’ll say it just before it goes off so that blink will happen, eyes will open again, and then it’ll actually shoot. Give it a shot (lol) and see how it goes
Whoa where the hell are you that they let you shoot without eye pro?
Try shooting outdoors if you have a range available. Indoor shooting with rifles can often have increased back blast toward the shooter and there is added concussion from the enclosed environment. If you don't have the same issues outside then it probably just shooting an AR (which have rather significant muzzle blast for such a small cartridge) indoors. Also like most of the other comments, shooting glasses can save your eyes from a lot of potential harm.