When engaging targets at long ranges, and even at close ranges, basic marksmanship fundamentals are key. There many variables that you can not control, but the ones that you can control, should be flawless. These are the human error aspects of shooting; the fundamentals of marksmanship.
Steady position - Having a steady position is very important. When you pull the trigger, the rifle must be as still as humanly possible, and you should be in a comfortable position. To maintain a steady position takes a lot of practice and can require the aid of tools, such as a bipod, a rear support (bags or socks filled with dirt, rice or air soft pellets), mono-pods, slings, and even makeshift tools. Makeshift tools, like long sticks, tied together with your shoelaces to make a tall bipod, can be useful for real-world applications. Sometimes you have to be resourceful and work with what you've got.
Sight picture/alignment - Sight picture and sight alignment are two separate things. Sight picture is having the reticle aimed at your target, while sight alignment refers to having your eye aligned properly with the scope. Incorrect sight alignment can cause shadowing (black spots on one side more than the other), which may result in being off target. You will need to focus on the reticle, and make sure that it is perfectly horizontal (you can add a bubble level to assist with this). You should have your parallax/focus set, and have no shadowing.
Controlled breathing - You will need to control your heart rate and breathing in order to maintain a steady position, which will also help your sight alignment/picture. Even under stress, this will help lower your heart rate and help you relax so you can get in that steady position. One technique you can use is the “4 for 4”. Breathe in for a count of four, and hold for a count of four. Breathe out for a count of four, hold for a count of four. Your natural respiratory pause is on the four count after you exhale; this is where you want to fire.
Trigger control - When pulling the trigger, it is important that you maintain steady, even pressure on the trigger. This means keeping the same pressure after you have fired and through the recoil, until the rifle has settled. It can be helpful for beginners to practice pulling the trigger for a full 3 seconds, using even pressure the entire time. You will need to be sure you are pulling no faster on the first second than on the third second. If the gun fires at one and a half seconds, the other one and a half seconds, you will still be pulling the trigger with the same steady and even pressure.
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