Since the supply of ammunition in most stores is in short supply, you want to aim in the rifle with as few shots as possible.

Over the years, I tried to adjust the rifle scope through trial and error, in which I would shoot, then make an "estimate" change to the crosshairs, and then shoot again. Sometimes, I need to get close to a box of shells to feel that I hit the target. It can be expensive, and the shooter's recoil can be difficult.

However, a few years ago, I discovered that you can actually aim in a whole new range with just two to three shots.

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With the power of YouTube, you can learn how to do almost anything better than you originally thought. One of them includes better shooting techniques. There are several videos to help hunters ensure that their guns are ready for the first day of the deer season.

Let me first introduce the four key components of the two-shot technique of aiming with a gun. If you want to save ammunition, these components are necessary.

First, you need to have a sturdy bench and vise to hold your gun.

Secondly, as a shooter, you need to remain calm and be able to follow up your shots. If you twist or flinch when pulling the trigger, you need to fire more shells to complete the bullseye.

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Third, if you have a partner who can help you, that's really helpful.

Fourth, your target needs to be the distance you can see the bullet hole through the scope. Usually 50 or 100 yards is fine for most rifle scopes with power up to 9 or 12.

This process works by shooting a shot on the bullseye. If your scope reaches the goal, then you are gold and very lucky.

If you see your bullet deviate from the target, there is an easy way to control it.

Keep the gun still pointing at the bullseye on your vise or bracket, and let your partner move the crosshair to adjust when you look through the scope. Again, the key is to keep the rifle in a fixed position. During this process, only the crosshairs of the scope will move.

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Suggest that your friend adjust the scope to the direction of the bullet hole. Remember that the direction of the arrow on the oscilloscope may be opposite to the direction you told the assistant. If so, just say "another way."

Once the scope is now pointed at the bullet hole, you can make a second shot. Realizing that the gun has never moved, only the adjustment of the scope can reach the point of impact of the first bullet.

If everything remains stable and you have good follow-up actions, then your second bullet should hit the target. I like to shoot at least the third shot to make sure that the second shot is not a fluke.

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I have attached a great video from the National Shooting Sports Foundation to the online version of this story, which provides a quick two-minute overview of the process. There are other articles about this technique on YouTube.

Hope this suggestion can save you some very valuable rifle ammunition for use in the competition, instead of this year's target adjustment.

Good luck and hope that the stock of rifle ammunition will return to normal soon.

Brian Whipkey is an outdoor columnist for the USA Today Network website in Pennsylvania. Contact him at bwhipkey@gannett.com and sign up for our weekly outdoor newsletter email with your login name on your website homepage.