Georgetown Revolver Club Handgun Marksmanship Handgun Marksm… · target without strain on your...

Georgetown Revolver ClubHandgun Marksmanship

23.01.13

Colin Batt and David Weare

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HANDGUN MARKSMANSHIP


INDEX

FUNDAMENTALS SECTION I STANCE SECTION II AIMING SECTION II I GRIP SECTION IV BREATHING SECTION V TRIGGER CONTROL SECTION VI MENTAL ASPECTS SECTION VII HEALTH SECTION VII I COURSES OF FIRE SECTION IX EQUIPMENT AND AMMUNITION SECTION X TECHNIQUES FOR TIMED/RAPID

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THE FUNDAMENTALS: SECTION I

STANCE. One of the most overlooked but most important aspects of handgun marksmanship is that of the shooters stance. Unfortunately, as is the case with so many subjects there is not any one particular stance that will apply to all handgun shooters. However, there are a number of fundamental requirements if the shooter is to maintain any degree of consistency to his efforts at maintaining a steady shooting platform. There is always a degree of leeway for individual requirements to be met due to a shooters physique, size, muscular build etc, but if you follow the tried and true methods outlined in this series of coaching tips and tricks, you will proceed at a greater pace towards your goal of mastering the art of precision handgun marksmanship.

1. Always find the most relaxed stance possible

2. Align yourself at an approximate 45-degree angle with the target, with your feet spread at shoulder width, and toes pointed slightly outward.

3. Main body should be erect, and the head should be held in a fashion

to allow good sight vision without need to lower or raise the eyes. A useful exercise is to raise the pistol at arms length with a locked wrist, towards the target, while keeping your eyes closed.

4. Upon opening your eyes you should have the sights aligned and on

target without strain on your arm, back or neck. This sounds easy and common sense, but it is a fundamental that must be learned and practiced, as it is the bedrock of a stable pistol platform.

5. The shooters left arm (non-shooting arm) should be allowed to

hang loosely at the side of the body, but can be placed in a pant

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pocket or sometimes by allowing the thumb to hook over a belt or waist seam. The objective being to relax the arm and to keep it in a consistent position relative to the shooters overall center of gravity.


Colin Batt and David Weare SECTION II

AIMING. Sight alignment is the most important contribution to firing an accurate shot. In order to accomplish this the front and rear sight must be in complete alignment at the moment of firing. This means that the front sight is positioned in the middle of the rear notch with equal light space on each side. The horizontal top surface of the front sight is on the same level as the top horizontal surface of the rear sight notch.

Figure 2-1. The Relationship of the Sights.

Angular shift error: If the shooter does not observe correct aiming (maintaining the top surface of the centred front sight on a level with the top of the rear sight and equal light space on each side of front sight) there will be few accurate shots.

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Figure 2-2. Displacement of the Bullet When There Is Angular Shift Error in

the Alignment of the Front Sight. Parallel Shift Error: If the hold (arc of movement) is moving around in the black the shooter should know that this will not lower the score to the extent of angular error. Therefore sight alignment is the more critical of the two. The accuracy of the shot is mainly dependant on sight alignment and not necessary holding the Pistol still.

Figure 2-3, Displacement of the Bullet When The Pistol is Shifted: (a)

Parallel, (b) Angular

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Figure 2-4a, Impossible! The Human Eye Cannot Focus On A Close-UP

Object and A Distant Object Simultaneously. Point of Focus Correct sight alignment must be thoroughly understood and practiced. It appears on the surface a simple practice. The problem lies in the difficulty in maintaining the perfect sights alignment while the shooter is maintaining a minimum arc of movement and pressing the trigger without disturbing sight alignment. The solution is partly in focusing the eye on the front sight during the delivery of the shot.

Figure 2-4b. Improper. Control of sight alignment is not precise. Distinct focus on target renders sight indistinct. Error incorporated here is the

same as Figs 34a and is not as readily apparent.

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Figure 2-4c. Proper. Control alignment is precise. Focus limited to front

sight only, renders the sights distinct and target indistinct and sight relationship can be controlled constantly.

It’s important to maintain “ front sight point of focus” throughout the sighting and aiming of the pistol. The shooter must concentrate on maintaing the correct relationship between front and rear sight, and the point of focus must be on the front sight during the period required to deliver the shot. If the focus shifts and the target appears more in focus the ability to maintain a front / rear sight alignment is jeopardized. An accurate shot is impossible under these conditions. When the eye is focused on the target the normal arc of movement appears to become magnified. When the eye is focused on the front sight this movement appears reduced. Concentration. Many shooters will, in the initial phase, line up the sights perfectly. However, as firing progresses, the shooters concentration will wander as he /she starts to think about his / her arc of movement. Another factor, which contributes to the deterioration of sight alignment, is the anxiety, which arises over the apparently stationary pressure on the trigger (trigger block). The impulse to increase the pressure causes the sight alignment to be lost. Even if the trigger release and arc of movement are good a poor shot will be produced due to poor sight alignment.

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A surprise firing will usually produce a good shot providing sight alignment has been maintained. The average / Advanced shooter is probably limited in sustained concentration to a period of 3 to 6 seconds This short space of time is the optimum period in which a controlled shot can be delivered. Providing that sight alignment, minimum arc of movement, and trigger release are maintained the results will be a “BULLSEYE” or better still an “X”


Colin Batt and David Weare SECTION II I

GRIP.

One of the most underestimated aspects of precision pistol shooting is that of attaining and correctly holding the handgun. Even small and minor variations in respect to the angle of grip, pressure points, contact slippage, trigger finger etc can and does have an extreme effect on the individual shooters

ability to group consecutive shots within his or her overall arc of movement. The correct grip for each and

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very handgun is unique to the individual gun and shooter, and must be learned. This is achieved and perfected by considerable practice, coupled with a commonsense approach to analysing the causative effects on shot placement when different types and positions of grip are studied. However, there are some fundamental rules that if followed will allow shooters old and new to greatly improve there competitive scores. For right-handed shooters the handgun should be picked up and held by the left hand and placed firmly into the centre of the web of the right hand (see illustration). This process should become a natural part of the shooters set up procedure and become second nature in its application. The major object of this exercise is to ensure that the pistol is always gripped in a similar and consistent manner. The next action taken is to hold the handgun firmly (but not too tightly) by wrapping the third, fourth and fifth fingers around the pistol grip, leaving the thumb resting with a slight protrusion from the side of the right side grip. The trigger finger should be extended outside of the trigger guard in a straight but untensed manner. The trigger finger should remain in this position until required to perform its ultimate function. At this point the handgun should be fully controlled by the shooter and have a natural point of aim that extends through the shooters arm/wrist towards the target. In order to keep this alignment throughout a shooting string a number of top shooters have resorted to applying rough non-slip surfaces to heavy contact areas of the handgun grips. This can be achieved by stippling or checkering, and in some instances by the surface application of such materials as heavy duty Emery paper or cloth. This action by some of the top competitive contestants in the sport shows the seriousness that they place on correct grip placement. A shooter with poor grip fundamentals will never reach the top levels of this competitive sport. After attaining this posture the shooter should curl the trigger finger in and onto the trigger, taking care to prevent any sideways contact on the trigger itself. Over many years of competitive shooting it has been found

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that there are two generic types of trigger finger placement i.e. One is to make contact with the trigger with the centre part of the index finger between the tip and first joint, and the second is for the contact to be in the central point of the joint between the tip and first joint. Each method has its own following and each has shown equal success. The main object of the whole exercise is to achieve a comfortable, consistent feel that will allow pressure to be applied in a rearward motion without any sideways pressure. Any sideways pressure at the point of shot let-off will always cause erratic and errant bullet contact at the target. KEY POINTS:

1. Consistent grip placement

2. Firm but not overly tight gip

3. Prevent thumb from exerting pressure on side of grip handle

4. Trigger finger outside of guard – forward and loose

5. Main grip pressure to be exerted between palm and third/fourth fingers

6. Keep pinky finger pressure light – prevent pulling on let-off

7. Practice prevention of heeling on let-off


By Colin Batt and David Weare

SECTION IV

BREATHING.

The correct method of breathing is an essential part of the shooter’s system of control. Most pistol shooters know less about the proper method of breath control than any of the other fundamentals.

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The object of the whole exercise is to enable the shooter to hold his breath comfortably for long enough to fire one slow fire shot, five shots in 20 seconds, or five shots in ten seconds without loss of the ability to hold still or concentrate on sight alignment. To be effective breath control must be employed systematically and uniformly as this will aid concentration and maintain rhythm. Do not simultaneously breathe and try to fire a shot. Incorrect breathing techniques have an adverse effect on shot placement, especially if concentration is disturbed by sensing of the need to breathe. The respiratory cycle of a normal person will average 4 – 5 seconds. It is obvious that during aiming and applying pressure to the trigger, the breath must be held only after the shooter has exhaled, timing it so that the breath is held at the moment of the natural respiratory pause. During that period the muscles are not strained and are in a relaxed state. A person can prolong this respiratory pause by several seconds. i.e. he can hold his breath comfortably for 15-20 seconds without any special labour and without experiencing unpleasant sensations. This time is more than adequate to produce a good shot or shots. Good shooters will normally take a deep breath before firing and then, exhaling slowly, hold their breath gradually, relax and concentrate their entire attention upon sight alignment and the smooth application of pressure on the trigger. RECOMMENDED METHOD. The breath must not be held for an excessive period when trying to fire a slow fire shot, If a shot is not produced in 8 – 10 seconds, the shooter should stop aiming and take another breath. Before holding his breath for the next shot he must empty his lungs completely, taking several deep breaths. This will relax the shooter and prevent excessive or premature fatigue during a long shooting event. If during a timed or rapid fire event the shooter feels compelled to breathe, he should take a short breathe quickly and continue to fire. However, this will cause a lack of concentration on sight alignment and should not be the normal technique employed.



SECTION V

TRIGGER CONTROL

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Correct trigger control must be employed in conjunction with all other fundamentals of shooting. The physical act of applying pressure on the trigger to deliver an accurate shot may vary from individual to individual. Some shooter prefer to apply consistent trigger pressure at a rapid pace, other shooters may apply a more slower and deliberate approach to achieve the same results. An ever-increasing number of shooters are adopting the system of once the pressure is started it becomes an uninterrupted, constantly increasing the pressure until the weapon fires. In order to execute a perfect shot the shooter must be able to exert smooth even pressure to the trigger without altering the sight alignment. Complicating this process is the fact that the pistol is in some degree of movement throughout the period of sighting and aiming. This movement varies according to the stability of the shooter stance. The correct deliver of a shot is difficult and can be accomplished only by overcoming former uncoordinated reflexes or by acquiring new ones. The pressure put on the trigger must come from the independent movement of the finger only. The gripping fingers and thumb do not move or tighten. Keep the grip pressure constant. You must not look for a perfect sight picture combination of rear sigh- front-sight-bull’s eye. Instead focus you eye on the front sight, keeping it perfectly aligned in the rear notch. The blur of the out-of-focus target may move about slightly, but this movement is relatively unimportant. Any time the weapon is fired with good sight alignment within the normal arc of movement and it is a surprise shot, the shot will be a good one. And will hit the target within your abil ity to hold. Trigger Sequence Slack and Initial Pressure: Any free movement of the trigger, known as slack, has to be taken up prior to a light initial pressure. Initial pressure is an automatic, lightly applied pressure , approximately one-fourth or less of the total required to fire the weapon. In order to fire a controlled shot the shooter must learn to increase the pressure on the trigger positively, smoothly, gradually, and evenly. This does not mean, however, that the trigger must be pressed slowly. It must be pressed smoothly, without interruption, but the release of the trigger must take no more than 2 to 5 seconds. Smooth trigger action will be spoiled by the slightest error in the movement of the trigger finger.

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Function of Proper Grip: In order for the index finger to be able to perform its function without spoiling the aim, it is necessary for the hand to grasp the pistol correctly. It is also necessary that the index finger clears the side of the stock. The movement of the index finger must be independent as it presses on the trigger, and also not cause any lateral change to the sight alignment. Proper Placement of the Trigger Finger: It is necessary to apply pressure on the trigger with either the first bone section of the index finger, or with the first joint. The trigger must be pressed straight to the rear. If the finger presses the trigger to the side, The weight of trigger pull will increase; putting additional friction on certain parts of the trigger mechanism. Only slight pressure to the side is required to bring about an error in sight alignment. The prime cause of exerting pressure to the side is improper placement of the trigger finger.

Figure 3-1. Correct Placement of the Index Finger on the Trigger. (a) With

Joint of Index Finger. (b) With First Bone Section Coordination: It must be emphasized that match shooting is successful only when all the control factors present. Ability to control the trigger smoothly is not sufficient in itself to produce an accurate shot. The trigger must be activated in conjunction with correct sight alignment, minimum arc of movement, and maximum undisturbed concentration. It is necessary during firing to press the trigger under varying conditions of pistol movement in conjunction with correct sight alignment. Frequently, it will be impossible to exercise maximum control. However, the shooter must never attempt to fire until he has completely settled into a minimum arc of movement. APPLICATION OF TRIGGER PRESSURE. 1. Positive Uninterrupted Trigger Pressure - Surprise shot method - is primarily the act of completing the firing of the shot once starting the

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application of trigger pressure. The shooter is committed to an unchanging rate of pressure, no speed up, no slowdown or stopping. The trigger pressure is of an uninterrupted nature because it is not applied initially unless conditions are settled and near perfect. If the perfect conditions deteriorate, the shooter should not fire, but bench the weapon, relax, re-plan, and start again. Anytime that the shot is fired with minimum arc of movement and the sights are in alignment, it will be a good shot. Therefore, when the shooter has established stable minimum arc of movement and sight alignment, he must immediately begin to press on the trigger, smoothly but positively, and straight to the rear without stopping,

Figure 3-2. Surprise Shot with Positive Uninterrupted Trigger Pressure.

2. Interrupted Application of Trigger Pressure or the "Point" shooting Method: This is a method of trigger control not recommended, (Sometimes called grabbing a 10.) Some shooters think they can pick the trigger release time even after years of experience. a. The shooter will align the sights and exert initial pressure on the trigger. He will then make every effort to hold the weapon motionless. If the sight alignment changes and is not perfect, the pressure on the trigger is halted and trigger tension maintained. Abrupt action in applying trigger pressure will disturb the existing sight alignment and other fundamental control factors. Resulting in a poor shot.

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Figure 3-3. Application of Trigger Pressure When Based on Perfect Sight

Picture. b, While applying positive trigger pressure straight to the rear, if any thought enters the shooters mind to speed up or slow down this trigger pressure, it will result in the concentration on sight alignment being broken down. e. The decision to increase the trigger pressure may result in a reflex action commonly known as anticipation and usually results in heeling the shot (The bullet strikes the target at approximately one o'clock). The recoil becomes more imminent and the brain will send a signal for the arm and hand muscles to react prematurely a split second before the shot is fired; resulting in frequent bad shots and low scores. ERRORS MADE IN TRIGGER CONTROL AND MEANS OF COMBATING THEM. 1. The most serious and disrupting error made by the shooter is jerking - that is, the abrupt application of pressure on the trigger accompanied with muscular action of the hand and arm muscles. If Jerking were limited to abrupt pressure on the trigger, and the rapid displacement of the axis of the bore, it would cause only part of the results. a. Jerking is usually accompanied by: (1) The sharp straining of all the muscles in the arm arid shoulder. (2) The abrupt tightening of the hand on the grip. (3) Failure to press the trigger directly to the rear.

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All of these factors taken together lead to a great shifting of the pistol to the side and down and only a very poor shot can result. b. Most frequently, jerking is observed in new shooters. Usually because of a large arc of movement, favourable moments ( grabbing a 10 ) for producing a good shot are of very short duration.



SECTION VI

MENTAL ASPECTS Mental discipline is the term used to describe a shooter’s actions when facing competitive pressure. Mental control is essential to marksmanship. Mastery of the physical skills alone does not provide the control of performance necessary to compete at the highest level. Emphasis must be placed on how and what to think. The capacity for intense concentration will provide for exacting control. Coordination of the essential factors is necessary for the delivery of an accurate shot on target. DEVELOPING MENTAL DISCIPLINE AND CONFIDENCE: The continuously repeated successful execution of a completely planned shot results in the gradual development of mental discipline. It is possible to develop sufficient concentration to control your thoughts and exercise unhampered mental concentration. Your preparations and shooting routines should always be the same, and will be part of your process of intense concentration on the mental task ahead. Do not let a bad shot lead to excuses. Always view a bad shot in a positive manner and carefully analyse it as a lesson on what went wrong

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and learn how it can be improved upon in future attempts. Always be positive, and do everything possible to prevent negativity entering your metal processes. Above all else you must have confidence in your ability to control the fundamentals, and you must be convinced that if you control their employment correctly, you will achieve excellent results. Always think big! Think positive! “I can do it and I will do it” (you will succeed). If you admit to the slightest possibility of failure your chance of success will become questionable. When taking a shot, always think of positive items i.e. If I follow through I will get an X, or If I keep the sight picture correct the shot will fall in the black. Do not think of negative items i.e. If I jerk the trigger my shot will not score well. TIPS AND TRICKS. Always have a confident attitude: Do not give comfort to your competition by revealing anything negative that might affect your chances of winning a match. A channelled mental effort will resist the tendency of the mind to drift during periods where intense concentration is required. i.e. The correct relationship of front and rear sights. Channel all mental effort relentlessly toward the final act of breaking the shot. Make prior plans of the sequence of actions to be taken, as this enables a shooter to sustain concentration for a longer period. Complete exclusion of all extraneous thoughts for a brief period (three to six seconds) is essential for the controlled delivery of the shot. Do not look for excuses: i.e. The weather is bad, its raining, its windy, my scores will not be as good today. Even if true, it is negative thinking and will affect your scoring ability. The main components necessary to shoot championship scores are an accurate gun, good ammunition, an individual with the ability (physical and mental) and desire to be a champion. Avoid distracting conditions. Anger, Worry, giving up under adverse conditions, unsatisfactory shots etc. Also ignore boasts, rumours, competitors scores, snide remarks, totalling scores on the run. These are all negative.

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Above all else, practice your actual and mental shot procedure until it becomes second nature.

PRACTICE-PRACTICE-PRACTICE and PRACTICE AGAIN. LASTLY, A FEW POSITIVE / NEGATIVES. Do not expect spectacular results overnight. Do not use drugs or alcohol, they may make you feel better but your scores will not show the same pattern. Do not let tension rule your efforts, make every effort to reduce tension, relax and have fun – The champion shooter next to you on the firing line has mastered these tasks.



SECTION VII

HEALTH

Proper diet and nutrition are extremely important to competitive shooters, and will assure strength and endurance to perform good scores in every match fired all day long, not just the first match or two of the day. The expert marksman must feel well and be energetic to shoot well. In the quest to provide that competitive edge, it is important to achieve any aid towards securing that narrow margin of victory.

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Good nutrition is based on a diet that includes all the essential nutrients. These nutrients are found in a wide variety of foods. ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS: These are Protein, fat, Carbohydrates, and Protective ingredients or Vitamins. Proteins are the body’s building blocks and are available in the form of amino acids. Fat in the diet provides the energy reserve for long term endurance and are deposited in the muscular system around the body. The complete absence of fat in the diet means slow starvation, even if other nutrients are in ample supply. Carbohydrates are the high octane energy resource of the body as they are converted to energy supplying glucose at a much faster rate than fats. Vitamins aid the breakdown of nutrients into usable forms, and although not technically foods, they are essential to proper nutrition. i.e. they trigger the chemical reactions that convert the essential nutrients into usable forms within the digestive process. TYPES OF FOOD THAT SUPPLY NEEDED NUTRITION: There are three types of food that are the main source of protein in the diet. PROTIENS: supplied by eggs, milk, meat, and the remainder can be obtained from the usual sources of bread and vegetables. FATS: can be supplied by the same basic foods as the protein sources mentioned above, and additionally from vegetable oil sources such as peanuts, corn, soya, and olives. The digestive system will benefit by moderation in the use of fats. CARBOHYDRATES: There are two main sources of carbohydrates, with starches and sugars (contained in most foods) being the main source. Dark bread, fresh fruit, unpolished rice, milk, oatmeal, fresh vegetables and potatoes with the jackets on. VITAMINS: The body manufactures some vitamins and the body needs these to be replaced daily as they cannot be stored in the body. O special importance to the shooter are the following vitamins and sources. VITAMIN A; found in carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, milk, liver, egg yolk and green and yellow vegetables. VITAMIN B1; Found in yeast, meats, whole grain cereals, beans, peas, nuts and green vegetables. Helps prevent fatigue, aching muscles and bones.

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VITAMIN C; Found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, raw cabbage, strawberries and cantaloupe. This vitamin promotes healthy circulation, energy, good bones and teeth. VITAMIN D; Found in fish liver oils, irradiated milk. VITAMIN E; Found in wheat germ oil, lettuce, whole grain cereals, meat, milk, eggs, liver and most vegetables. VITAMIN K; Found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower. YOU MUST HAVE STAMINA AND ENERGY TO BE A GOOD SHOOTER. A strong, well nourished body will allow sustained physical and mental effort under the stress of competitive shooting. Last years beginner can become a champion this year if he learns to eat the foods that will supply him with the stamina to keep going, regardless of the odds.


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SECTION VIII

COURSES OF FIRE The following courses and types of fire are most commonly found in NRA style pistol competition. Other courses of fire, other time limits, or the use of other targets, may be scheduled by match sponsors provided the conditions are clearly stated in the program. NATIONAL MATCH COURSE: Stage Range Time Strings Target Slow 50 yds 10 shots/10 min 1 B-6 Timed 25 yds 5 shots/20 secs 2 B-8 Rapid 25 yds 5 shots/10 secs 2 B-8 NRA SHORT COURSE: Stage Range Time Strings Target Slow 25 yds 10 shots/10 mins 1 B-16 Timed 25 yds 5 shots/20 secs 2 B-8 Rapid 25 yds 5 shots/10 secs 2 B-8 GALLERY COURSE: Stage Range Time Strings Target Slow 50 ft 10 shots/10 mins 1 B-2 Timed 50 ft 5 shots/20 secs 2 B-3

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Rapid 50 ft 5 shots/20 secs 2 B-3



SECTION IX

EQUIPMENT AND AMMUNITION .22 Caliber Pistol or Revolver: Any pistol or revolver using a .22 caliber rimfire, cartridge having an overall length of not more than 1.1 inches and with a lead or alloy bullet not greater than .23 inches in diameter and weighing not more than 40 grains: barrel length, including cylinder, not more than 10 inches: sights may be adjustable but not over 10 inches apart. Trigger pull must not be less than 2 lbs. All standard safety features of the gun must operate properly. Any sights, including telescopic are permitted with the exception of those sights which project an image on the target. Any sighting device programmed to activate the firing mechanism is prohibited. Centre Fire Pistol or Revolver: Any center fire pistol or revolver of .32 caliber or larger (includes .45 caliber pistols or revolvers) with barrel length including cylinder, not more than 10 inches and trigger pull not less than 2.5 lbs, except .45 caliber semi-automatic pistols not less than 3.5 lbs. Sights may be adjustable but not over 10 inches apart, and all sights including telescopic, are permitted. (Any sighting device programmed to activate the firing mechanism is prohibited). All standard safety features must be operational. .45 Caliber semiautomatic Pistol or Revolver: Any .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol or revolver with barrel length including cylinders must not exceed 10 inches. Trigger pull must not be less than 2.5 lbs (.45 caliber semiautomatic pistol trigger pull must not be less than 3.5 lbs). Sights may be adjustable but not over 10 inches apart. All standard safety features of the gun must operate properly. Any sights, including telescopic, are permitted with the exception of thase sights that project an image on the target. (Any sighting device programmed to activate the firing mechanism is prohibited).

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Grips. The grip or any part of the firearm, may not be extended or constructed in any way which would give any support beyond the hand. The wrist must remain absolutely free and visible when the pistol is held in the firing position. No part of the grip may encircle the hand. Adjustable grips are permitted as long as they conform to the described dimensions. Spotting Scopes: The use of telescopes to spot shots is permitted. Release Triggers: Triggers which function on release are prohibited. Eye/Hearing Protection: All competitors and other personnel in the immediate vicinity of the range complex are required to wear eye and hearing protection devices. Shooting Boxes/Cases: Shooting boxes and cases are permitted at the firing point when they are of such size and construction as to not interfere with shooters on adjacent firing points. Ammunition: Any ammunition (factory or reload) that may be fired without danger to competitors, range personnel or equipment may be used. Tracer, Incendiary, armour piercing and similar ammunition is prohibited. Deflecting Screens: Shooters may use a screen fastened to their shooting kit, or similarly placed to deflect empty case’s , provided the screen is made of material such as “hardware cloth” with wires not larger than 1/16 inch diameter, and spaced not closer than ¼ inch. Solid screens are not permitted.

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SECTION X

TECHNIQUES FOR TIMED AND RAPID FIRE The timed and rapid fire stages of “Bullseye” competition can be stumbling blocks for many shooters, especially if attempted in a haphazard manner. The development of proper techniques is essential if you are to improve your scores and become more consistent in your performance. The latest thinking and practices employed by current top competitive shooters is to concentrate and practice the technique employed for RAPID FIRE stages. This can also be used for the less time sensitive TIMED FIRE stages. Any error pattern observed during this timed fire stage can be corrected and tested before the more strenuous conditions of the Rapid fire stages are encountered. The planning for a string of shots is an extension of the basic techniques involved in SLOW FIRE competition with the addition of recovery and rhythm.

1 Recovery is the return of the weapon to the original holding position in the centre of the aiming area, accompanied by a natural alignment of the sights. A solid stance, correct natural position, a firm grip, wrist stiff and elbow locked will allow the recovery to be more natural and uniform. In the preliminary check out, if the weapon recovers to the right or left of the target center, it may be corrected by simply moving the rear foot in the direction of the error. If the sight alignment deviates, a compensating shift in grip must be made. Recovery must be made as quickly as possible to allow more time for precise alignment of the sights and application of positive trigger pressure. The instant that the weapon has fired, the shooter must immediately resume the sequence of applying fundamentals to the next shot. A distinct rhythm will develop that enables him to deliver his string on the target under control and within the time allotted for the stage.

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2 Developing a good rhythm is very difficult but is absolutely necessary for good consistent timed and rapid fire. By using a uniform technique, executing a planned sequence of actions correctly and applying careful timing for each shot, we will achieve good rhythm. Any attempt to correct minor error in hold will generally result in loss of rhythm. Lack of rhythm causes more bad rapid fire strings than any other factor.

3 The first shot in a string should be fired within one second of the targets turning, and the common error of trying to attain a perfect sight picture in an attempt to make the first shot an X will generally cause the shooter to loose rhythm which in turn leads to an attempt to make up time by fireing at a faster rate. The other extreme is equally bad and leads to the common error of firing the first four shots with good rhythm and then hesitating on the last shot in an attempt to shoot an X. (This will usually lead to a bad shot).

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