5 Common Beginner Shooting Mistakes

When you're starting out as a shooter, a lot can go wrong, and that’s okay—everybody makes mistakes. But wouldn’t it be great if you could fix those mistakes more easily? Let’s look at some of the most common mistakes and how you can correct them.

1. Improper Trigger Control

One of the top mistakes beginners make is jerking or slapping the trigger. If you’re pulling the trigger too hard or too fast, you’ll probably throw off your shot. The key to good trigger control is squeezing it smoothly, not yanking it like you're starting a lawnmower.

How to Fix It:

You don’t have to release the trigger right after the shot. In fact, keeping it depressed long after the round leaves the barrel not only prevents those jerky motions but helps you get better follow-through.

2. Incorrect Breathing

Holding your breath too long or breathing erratically can mess with your shot, causing your body—and by extension, your rifle—to move. The trick is to simply breathe naturally. Take a breath, let it halfway out, and shoot during the pause in your breathing.

How to Fix It:

Using a stable platform like the Kopfjäger K700 or K800 lets you focus on these finer details, such as your breathing, without worrying about keeping your rifle steady. With your firearm secure, you can fine-tune how you breathe and shoot.

3. Poor Shooting Position

New shooters often struggle to find a solid shooting position, whether it’s prone, sitting, or standing. You might feel like you're balancing on a wobbly ladder instead of taking a shot. This leads to shaky aim and missed shots.

How to Fix It:

Another useful feature of a Kopfjäger tripod is that it provides a steady foundation no matter your shooting position. Whether you're standing, sitting, or even going prone, the tripod holds the rifle firm, eliminating that wobble. You get a solid shooting position with less muscle strain, so you can focus on hitting the target, not holding the gun still.

4. Failure to Properly Zero the Rifle

Some shooters make the mistake of assuming that a new riflescope is perfectly accurate right out of the box. It almost never is. Once a riflescope mounted to a firearm, it must be zeroed before it can be taken on any serious hunting trip or shooting competition.

How to Fix It:

If you find yourself zeroing your rifle at a range, a tripod ensures that you don’t have to worry about movement throwing off your aim while you’re adjusting your scope. This is especially useful for new shooters learning how to properly dial in their optics, and is more stable than using sandbags or

5. Over-Gripping the Rifle

A death grip on your rifle can lead to unnecessary shaking, which throws off your accuracy. It’s tempting to grip the rifle tight to “control” it, but that only makes things worse. A firm, but relaxed grip is the way to go.

How to Fix It:

With a sturdy tripod, the heavy lifting is already done for you. Together with the vise-like Reaper Grip or Hellbound, a Kopfjäger tripod kit keeps the rifle in place. This allows you to maintain a natural, relaxed grip while the tripod holds things steady.

Mistakes are part of the learning curve for any new shooter, but with the right gear, you can speed up the process. A Kopfjäger tripod is like a cheat code for new shooters. It corrects common mistakes by providing stability, allowing you to focus on the important details like trigger control, breathing, and your shooting position.

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