Breathing, as we have already learned, plays an intricate part in our fundamental application. It is no different on the pistol. We are still following our breathing pattern, still firing on our natural pause. You can use your natural aiming area exercise to help with the wobble area and executing a shot.
To identify your Natural Aiming Area, we will assume a standard shooting position. Aim the pistol at your target, close your eyes and rotate your weapon in a clock wise motion. Where your pistol comes to rest once you complete your circle is your NAA. Open your eyes, and readjust your position to your new aiming point.
Sight alignment and sight picture for a pistol vary depending on the type of sight being used. You should consult your manual for exact eye relief distance and proper zero technique. For sight picture, you are going to be aiming through the rear sight aperture, placing your front sight post level with the rear sight, center on target with your focus on your front sight post.
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| Proper sight alignment and sight picture. (1) |
The above photo makes it easier to understand what you should be focusing on. The human brain can only focus on one distance/object at a time. You will need to set your focus on your front sight post. If you instead focus on your target, you will not be able to see your front sight post, making your shot questionable. Don't forget to know your target and what's around it while you are shooting.
Balance and position are very harmonious when applied correctly. Starting with our position we will cover the "Weaver" position and an "Isosceles" position. The Isosceles position is a standard position, feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent.
Back strait and slightly leaning forward, head erect with your arms extended, ensuring that you do not lock your elbows. The weight of your body should be balanced evenly on the balls of your feet. The Isosceles position is a foundation that is meant to be built upon.
The "Weaver" position is a simple modification of our base position. The only difference here will be your non-firing arm, or support arm. It will be dropped down about 10 degrees. This allows the pistol to be drawn in closer to the shooter. Still apply the basics from the Isosceles previously discussed. Ensuring that you evenly distribute the weight of your body on the balls of your feet. Depending on the caliber of your pistol, revolver or semi auto and the type of ammunition used, will produce a different degree of kick from your pistol. Centering your weight on the balls of your feet allow you absorb that recoil without being thrown off balance. There are many other positions that are used for a multitude of different types of shooting.
Lastly is grip. While grip can be executed the same time as your position, we must highlight it on its own. This fundamental will cause a multitude of shooting errors if not applied correctly. We start out with grasping the pistol in your firing hand by the pistol grips. Ensure that you ride the back strap of the pistol all the way up. Some pistols will have built in safety features, that require the shooter to depress a safety on the back strap of the weapon.
Your pinkie, ring finger and middle finger are wrapped firmly around the pistol grip. Your trigger finger is placed outside of the trigger well, alongside the frame. Your non-firing hand should be placed over your firing hand, with your thumbs lining up under the slide so they are out of the way of the movement of the slide.
Using a firm grip, you should apply slight pressure with the support hand to help with recoil. ensure that you do not "White Knuckle" grip your pistol. This will cause fatigue to set in sooner rather than later. What's important to note, one of the biggest errors happens during this fundamental. A lot of new shooters, and even some experienced shooters, will anticipate the pull of the trigger, afraid of the recoil.
Shooters will break their wrist, moving the wrist up, down, left and right, apply sloppy fundamentals, and ultimately miss their intended target. The explosion that is a result of the chemical reaction inside the primer should be a surprise to the shooter. Do not anticipate. You must also add follow through to ever shot.
Our marksmanship programs are designed with practical application in mind. What does that mean? Shooting fundamentals expand much further than the range. The biggest applications are hunting, home defense, discipline, attention to detail and confidence.
Stay tuned to our blog for the rest of the series. Head on over to Facebook and Instagram and give us a like and follow. Message us today to find out when our next event is and how to schedule your training in the West Valley of Phoenix!
1. http://s146.photobucket.com/user/jdlv4_0/media/SIghtalignment-sightpictureEDITED.jpg.html
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