From the title of this article, you might think that the only thing we were going to dive into was accuracy, and while that is a part of this focus of this article, we will also talk about a few things that will improve the ergonomics of your rifle, as well as its handling, reducing fatigue.

Let’s get into it.

Adopt a Better Rifle Grip, or Get a New WOOX Stock

One of the best things you can do is install a new rifle grip. For instance, our Penguin precision rifle grip (compatible with AR-style precision rifles with 45° safety selectors) allows for a true thumb-rest position with the index finger perfectly aligned with the trigger. This improves accuracy and reduces fatigue.

These rifle grips also sport a unique grip shelf design along with optimized geometry that reduce fatigue and improve alignment, even when shooting from uncomfortable positions. In addition to these we also sell other rifle grips, including Ergo Grips.

The net result of upgrading with one of these rifle grips? Potentially improved accuracy and definitely reduced fatigue.

Alternatively, you could just upgrade the whole rifle with a compatible WOOX stock. These chassis, which are often drop-in compatible, are hybrid stocks made of wood and aluminum that don’t warp or swell, often boast improved ergonomics and multiple points for expansion.

Install a New Bolt Knob

Another thing you can do to improve manual cycling, especially for repeaters such as bolt-action rifles, is to install a new bolt knob.

We sell bolt knobs compatible with multiple common bolt handles and rifle models, which improve purchase and overall ergonomics. Some are even designed so that they can be run via the top of the index knuckle, rather than requiring you to supinate your palm to engage the bolt.

It’s a small rifle upgrade, but worth calling out nonetheless.

Get a Comb Riser or Rifle Cheek Pad

If you get a WOOX stock with an adjustable comb, then you’ve already covered this base. But if you love your rifle’s current stock but just need a little extra comb height, then get a comb riser or better yet, one of the rifle cheek pads we sell here.

These rifle cheek pads, made with closed cell foam that won’t absorb gas or moisture, provide an instant boost to comb height that can improve your accuracy if your comb is a little bit low.

Not only can these rifle cheek pads improve eye relief, but they can also vastly improve the comfort of the rifle’s overall ergonomics.

Adjust for Eye Relief

Don’t forget that eye relief is not just about comb height. It’s also about how far away you are from the scope’s ocular lens.

If you’re looking through your scope and the image looks distorted or there are big dark rings around the sight picture, you need to fix that; either you need to get closer or farther away from the scope.

The thing is, you don’t want to have to slide your head further forward or back on the comb than it needs to be every time you get a solid cheekweld. That can throw off the rest of your shooting form.

Rather, get a good cheekweld, at a place that feels comfortable - then, loosen the scope mounts on the rail or receiver, and slide it forward to backward until you have a good sight picture.

Re-tighten the mounts and re-zero the rifle. It’s better than having to make last second adjustments literally every time you lay your cheek to the comb.

Learn Breathing Discipline

There’s a common misconception that you have to hold your breath when shooting a rifle, especially when shooting at long distance. The idea is good, but after a few seconds your vision starts to dim and it gets hard to focus. Plus, your heartbeat, not just your breathing, can make the reticle shudder.

So, instead of holding your breath, time your shot so that it comes naturally at the top or bottom of your breathing cycle, preferably the bottom, when you have exhaled, before you take another breath. This will minimize the movement of the reticle.

Shoot over a Cold Barrel

After a few shots made in relatively quick succession, your barrel will start to get hot. A barrel that gets hot will expand, changing the internal dimensions slightly and thereby how the rifling contacts the bullet.

If your barrel is too hot to comfortably touch, it is too hot to shoot. It won’t be bad for the rifle, but it won’t shoot accurately, especially at extended ranges.

Don’t let your barrel get more than warm - ideally, you should shoot over a barrel that’s cool to the touch. Only a few rounds at a time does it.

If Necessary, Install a Barrel Tuner

Some longer barrels experience barrel whip, which is a term that describes what happens when you fire the gun and the vibrations from the deflagration cause the bore to be out of alignment slightly with your point of aim. Barrel whip is usually not a significant problem, but with precision shooting, especially at extended ranges, it can cause groups to open up a bit.

Normally only longer barrels have problems with whip, but if your rifle does, consider installing  a tuner.

Switch from FMJ to OTM

For long-range shooting, skip the FMJ. It may be cheap, and it may be relatively accurate, but OTM, or open-tip match ammo, is intended to exhibit a higher degree of radial symmetry. That equates to a bullet that is more stable and therefore inherently more accurate, especially at extreme ranges.

The cost of OTM ammo is not merited at intermediate ranges, but once you start shooting past 500 yards, consider the upgrade. It might pay itself off.

Shop Rifle Grips, Rifle Cheek Pads, WOOX Stocks and Other Upgrades Here

Ready to put some of these tips into practice, or to make some of these upgrades to your rifle? Check out what we offer here and get in touch with us if you have any questions about these suggestions, or about part compatibility.