I've developed a flinch

JLaw · Post by **JLaw** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:56 pm

I've been a revolver guy for years now, I like them and just simply prefer them over semi-auto pistols. The last few months I've been picking up my semi-auto's again to add some variety back into the mix.

However, seems I've developed a flich! The only rhyme to the reason is I flinch with my traditional double action pistols, some in the DA pull but most in the SA pull. The little bit I've shot my 1911 lately I've not had any problem flinching, but any DA pistol I fire lately I notice myself flinching. Maybe I've just engrained the trigger pull of my revolvers into memory, and I'm expecting the gun to fire at just the right time?

Eventually I get over it, after 40 rounds or so. But next range visit it's right back there, waiting for me. How should I work on this problem? I've tried concentrating on nothing more than the front sight and grip, and this seems to work (after the first 40 rounds or so).

Any tips??

JLaw

Afterthought: It maybe a combination of flinch and/or improper trigger finger placement...

BobCat · Post by **BobCat** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:10 pm

You have the key - front sight focus. Take you mind off thinking "now!"

I developed a terrible flinch/jerk with my AR and was told to try ball-and-dummy drills and lots of dry fire. Both helped quite a lot, but the best thing is focusing on the front sight and concentrating on breathing. Let the shot break when your subconscious breaks it.

If you have a .22, shoot that a lot and it will help too.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Andrew

5111 · Post by **5111** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:17 pm

To help with anticipating recoil (and to keep shooting costs down), I cycle my carry with a .22 at the range. I shoot 5 rounds of .45 then 20 with the .22 and repeat the entire time. It really helps with the flinch because you feel like a loser when you flinch with a .22

frankie_the_yankee · Post by **frankie_the_yankee** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:30 pm

Have a friend load up some mags with snap caps mixed in randomly with live rounds. Use them for practice. Concentrate on the front sight and S-Q-U-E-E-Z-E.

jbirds1210 · Post by **jbirds1210** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:34 pm

frankie_the_yankee wrote:Have a friend load up some mags with snap caps mixed in randomly with live rounds. Use them for practice. Concentrate on the front sight and S-Q-U-E-E-Z-E.

I agree....use the snap caps and the problem should go away. I intend to break mine out tomorrow and do some work with them......they really do tell the tale!

Greybeard · Post by **Greybeard** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:40 pm

Some good comments above.

More to try: The final step in "target shooting" fundamentals: Follow through.

It's virtually impossible to do, but if you try to hold the sight picture through the recoil, it will give the bullet time to get out the short barrel before your subconscious anticipation causes you to compensate for the recoil that your mind knows is coming.

nitrogen · Post by **nitrogen** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:41 pm

A bit unorthodox, but it helped me:

For a mag or so, intentionally limpwrist. Let your wrist's muscle memory "learn" what the recoil feels like.

It helped me stop anticipating, at any rate.

mcub · Post by **mcub** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:47 pm

I've struggaling with one that comes and goes, one mag I have it, next one I dont.

It is quite frustrating.

seamusTX · Post by **seamusTX** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:25 pm

Ditto dry firing and .22. You have to train your brain that nothing bad happens when you press the trigger.

- Jim

Mithras61 · Post by **Mithras61** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:36 pm

You could always use my Dad's old method... if I flinched, he smacked me. I didn't flinch very many times!

MrsFosforos · Post by **MrsFosforos** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:51 pm

Mithras61 wrote:You could always use my Dad's old method... if I flinched, he smacked me. I didn't flinch very many times!

I'd think THAT would teach you to flinch then DUCK!

flintknapper · Post by **flintknapper** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 11:09 pm

MrsFosforos wrote:
Mithras61 wrote:You could always use my Dad's old method... if I flinched, he smacked me. I didn't flinch very many times!
I'd think THAT would teach you to flinch then DUCK!

Rokyudai · Post by **Rokyudai** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 1:08 am

Warming up with .22 is ok...I have tried saying the word, "watermelon" repeatedly while squeezing the trigger....yes, it's silly, but it if you focus on the front sight and say watermelon....it diverts your attention past the noise.

JLaw · Post by **JLaw** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 8:23 am

Okay, so lots of dry fire practice, concentrate on the front sight and watermelons (

), and have someone load my mags at the range with a snap cap stuck in them. Will mixing live ammo and a snap cap really do anything for me, since I already know I'm flinching?

Makes plenty of sense to me, there's other tips here if the above doesn't do anything. Thanks for the tips, guys.

JLaw