r/MnGuns • u/the_blue_wizard • 1d ago
How Still and Steady do you have to be to Shoot 1" Groups at 100 Yards?
I'm going to do this simply because I can't help myself.
I pointed out that the absolute smallest deviation at the barrel can cause a huge deviation at the Target (assuming 100yards).
So, I wondered how much deviation, due mostly to User Error, at the 100yd target is cause by a fixed amount of deviation at the barrel.
The Formula is - Dv = Tan(a) x D
Dv = Deviation
Tan(a) = tangent of the amount of deviation
D = Distance, Resulting Units will be the same as those of the Distance.
OK let's assume a very small 1° deviation when you pull the Trigger -
Dv = Tan(1°) x 100yds = 1.75 yds or 62.8 inches
THAT IS HUGE!
So, let's go really small down to 0.25° deviation due to Poor Trigger Pull or Flinching.
Dv = Tan(0.25°) x 100 = .44 yards = 15.7 inches
It should be clear by now that microscopic Deviations at the Barrel can cause HUGE deviations in the Point of impact. Intuitively you knew that, but now you can see just HOW Still and Steady you need to be to hold tight groups.
Let's go even smaller -
Dv = Tan(0.1°) x 100 = 0.17yrds = 6.28 inches
That is at truly microscopic deviation at the Barrel resulting in a STILL significant deviation at the target. The 6.28" deviations amounts to a Group that is (±6.28") which is a Group Size of 12.56". That is not great shooting.
That is the true skill of a Precision shooter.
Now let's move to something beyond microscopic, and see the results -
Dv = Tan(0.01°) x 100 = 0.017yrds = 0.63 inches
That is how Still and Steady you need to be to hold 1 MOA at 100 yards.
To shoot a 4" Group at 100 Yards, your deviation at the Target would have to be less than 2" (±2"), and that works out to -
Dv = Tan(0.035°) x 100 = 0.061 Yrds = 2.199 inches
That is how Still and Steady the Barrel has to be to hold 4" (±2") groups.
Shooting Equipment and Technique have to be very refined to hold even a 4" Group, and to holds a 1" Group you have to be Steady as a Rock. That is precisely why every Tom, Dick, and Harry is NOT a Precision Shooter.
I'm not saying this to discourage anyone, because LOTS OF PEOPLE can hold a 1" Group at 100 yards, all I'm saying it that to hold that 1" Group, your shooting skills have to be very Refined and Controlled.
Just thought you might like to know.
Not that is matters to anyone, but I came up with this Formula while trying to determine the Fan-Out or Dispersion of Tweeters at a normal seating distance, but it works here too.
So, when you ask yourself and others - Why aren't my 100 yard Groups Tighter? - this is the answer. You are a User who had not refined himself to be as Still and Steady within 0.01° Deviation at the Barrel.
Instead of chasing - Barrels, Triggers, Stocks, Sights, etc... - try chasing - Refined Shooting Technique - instead.
Shooting, or Shooting Accurately, is way more complicated that simply - Point and Shoot.
But then ... that's just my opinion.