The Basics of Marksmanship

[rucker]

I made this forum for shooters to ask about basic topics such as stance, trigger control, targets, etc.

[selurcspi]

Just in case you don't know what the "Basics of Marksmanship" are, here's a list of what they are normally considered to be..

1. Position
2. Breath Control
3. Aiming
4. Press the Trigger
5. Follow Through

[BRIT_in_the_weeds]

Front sight, Front sight, Front sight.

[BlackEagl]

Front sight, Front sight, Front sight.

You only have 3 of them on your guns?

[BRIT_in_the_weeds]

[Pinnacle]

Present - Slack Out - Front Sight - Press - reset - recover flash sight picture - repeat.

Trigger control is the KEY to fast accurate shooting - almost as important as a good sight picture or shooting over the front sight.

Just remember - you cannot miss fast enough to win. Someone may be fast on the trigger - but if they miss a few of the high points like actually using the sights shot placement goes to hell.

[someone1980]

Trigger control is the KEY to fast accurate shooting - almost as important as a good sight picture or shooting over the front sight.

I am thinking that a large frame revolver is in my future.

[Rip Van Winkle]

Brass
Breathe, Relax, Aim, Slack, Squeeze

[Pinnacle]

Brass
Breathe, Relax, Aim, Slack, Squeeze

I like it

Now this is all IMHO

I do not shoot bullseye - I do not stand there waiting for the planets to align before i make that perfect press - and sent the bullet screaming through the same hole that I already made...

Present - Slack out - Front Sight - Press... BANG - repeat as needed

Breathing is optional in "CQB" shooting.

Get that gun out - get slacked out - get that sight picture - PRESS - repeat..

Who the hell has time to breathe when someone is trying to kill you?

I am just kidding iwth this post - I like your anagram.

[plblark]

In confrontational shooting, as HammAR has so diplomatically pointed out several times, you're spot on the money.

It's interesting that we're working one set of skills (Marksmanship and Accuracy) in anticipation or dread of their actual need in the face of the beast as it were.

[DeanC]

Put yer finger on da trigger.... take a deep breath ta steady yur nerves...

[Pinnacle]

I think that there is one thing that people forget and is important.

you must elevate your violent response to a level where someone that opposes you may not want to play anymore. Seemingly shooting is just one part of the self defense strategy.

[Pat]

Put yer finger on da trigger.... take a deep breath ta steady yur nerves...

That Jack Pine Savage should put the fear of God into just about anybody

[goalie]

Tactics and attitude have nothing to do with marksmanship.

Sight alignment
Sight Picture
Trigger control
Breath control
Squeeeeeeeeze

The above, coupled with solid positions, are the basis for what the US Marines consider "marksmanship."

FWIW, it is my opinion that too many people "skip" learning the fundamentals of good marksmanship, especially with a handgun. A vast knowledge of the law in regards to deadly force and tactics alone is not enough. If you cannot shoot little tiny groups with slow, aimed fire, well, I'm not going to put any money on you hitting anything but air when the pucker factor becomes relevant.

[selurcspi]

Tactics and attitude have nothing to do with marksmanship.

Sight alignment
Sight Picture
Trigger control
Breath control
Squeeeeeeeeze

The above, coupled with solid positions, are the basis for what the US Marines consider "marksmanship."

FWIW, it is my opinion that too many people "skip" learning the fundamentals of good marksmanship, especially with a handgun. A vast knowledge of the law in regards to deadly force and tactics alone is not enough. If you cannot shoot little tiny groups with slow, aimed fire, well, I'm not going to put any money on you hitting anything but air when the pucker factor becomes relevant.

One half of me says "Amen" The other half says that it can be done with minimal training.

I'm a firm believer in the basics of marksmanship, and in a condition red situation where you still have two braincells left to rub together, you cant beat the basics.
That said, most permit holders have never been trained to control their emotions and concentrate on "Drill" so they move from condition red to black (you are in a life threatening situation and you go into panic mode). In this condition, you are acting purely on instinct and the body will do "What it can". In this case you can shoot fairly accurately from the chest high "High Point" and the faster you shoot the smaller your groups become, even in the dark. It's hard to believe, but I've seen neophites shoot 12" groups in the dark at 21' from the high point and my own groups were under 8" in the dark.