Post by firefly on Jun 29, 2008 18:44:13 GMT 5
In order to make a good shot, an operator must have a thorough working knowledge of the fundamentals of marksmanship. They must perfectly execute the combination of sight alignment, sight picture, breath control, and trigger control so that the weapon is pointed accurately throughout the firing process.
However, there is so much more that goes into ensuring first round hits.
Elements of a Good Shooting Position
Bone Support
A bone will never, ever get tired. However, your muscles will get tired after only a few minutes of holding a position. When you assume your firing position, the trick is to place your parts so that your bones rest on other bones or stiff objects. This is very uncomfortable, but you get used to it after a while.
Muscular Relaxation
You will only be able to fully relax your muscles if you have bone support. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself manually forcing the rifle to point at the target as opposed to the sights naturally resting on it. Keeping your muscles relaxed will permit your mind and eyesight to function without distraction, allowing you to become a more efficient shooter.
Natural Point of Aim
This is the concept where you position your body so that the sights naturally line up with the target without being forced there. It may seem awkward, but the best way to get hits on target isn’t to point the rifle at the target, but rather to adjust your body so that you’re automatically pointing at the target without effort.
Aim at the target.
Close your eyes for ten seconds and breathe normally.
Open your eyes and see where your sights have drifted.
Reposition your body to compensate and try again.
You will be unable to assume a natural point of aim if you do not have bone support and muscle relaxation. If you do not have a natural point of aim, the strain of holding your weapon will cause your trigger manipulation to be less than perfect and your shooting performance will show it.
Factors Common To All Shooting Positions
Support Arm
Where your non-firing hand is placed greatly depends on which position you are assuming. For nearly all unsupported positions it will be on the forearm of the stock forward of the trigger, magazine, or receiver. In a low and supported position, such as the prone or Hawkins, the support hand may fist the rear sling swivel or simply be placed palm on the ground. Regardless, the support arm elbow needs to lay without strain. Tension on the the elbow translates into lost natural point of aim.
Pocket the Butt
Placing the butt firmly into your shoulder is about so much more than just softening recoil. It helps steady the rifle, prevents canting side-to-side, and enables other elements of your position to line up seamlessly, such as your spot weld.
Firing Grip
You need to hold the rifle firmly, but not with a “death grip”. Where your thumb should be placed greatly depends on the stock style. Regardless, your grip should allow your firing finger tip to naturally fall so the trigger lays on the pad between the tip and first joint. It also allows the trigger to me manipulated straight to the rear without causing tension elsewhere in the grip or disturbing the fundamentals of marksmanship.
Firing Arm
Properly placing this elbow is the crux of your firing position. Not only does it provide balance and symmetry within your position, but how you have your arm will help or hinder in creating a good pocket for the rifle butt to rest in.
Stock Weld
A stock weld is the ideal placement of your cheek on the stock in the same place from shot to shot. If you are doing this a lot, expect for your face to hurt quite a bit. Your stock weld should keep your eye at the proper distance behind your sight to give you the best quality picture you can get. At the same time, it shouldn’t have any neck strain whether it be up, down, forward, or backward. Natural and consistent cheek weld is the goal.
However, there is so much more that goes into ensuring first round hits.
Elements of a Good Shooting Position
Bone Support
A bone will never, ever get tired. However, your muscles will get tired after only a few minutes of holding a position. When you assume your firing position, the trick is to place your parts so that your bones rest on other bones or stiff objects. This is very uncomfortable, but you get used to it after a while.
Muscular Relaxation
You will only be able to fully relax your muscles if you have bone support. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself manually forcing the rifle to point at the target as opposed to the sights naturally resting on it. Keeping your muscles relaxed will permit your mind and eyesight to function without distraction, allowing you to become a more efficient shooter.
Natural Point of Aim
This is the concept where you position your body so that the sights naturally line up with the target without being forced there. It may seem awkward, but the best way to get hits on target isn’t to point the rifle at the target, but rather to adjust your body so that you’re automatically pointing at the target without effort.
Aim at the target.
Close your eyes for ten seconds and breathe normally.
Open your eyes and see where your sights have drifted.
Reposition your body to compensate and try again.
You will be unable to assume a natural point of aim if you do not have bone support and muscle relaxation. If you do not have a natural point of aim, the strain of holding your weapon will cause your trigger manipulation to be less than perfect and your shooting performance will show it.
Factors Common To All Shooting Positions
Support Arm
Where your non-firing hand is placed greatly depends on which position you are assuming. For nearly all unsupported positions it will be on the forearm of the stock forward of the trigger, magazine, or receiver. In a low and supported position, such as the prone or Hawkins, the support hand may fist the rear sling swivel or simply be placed palm on the ground. Regardless, the support arm elbow needs to lay without strain. Tension on the the elbow translates into lost natural point of aim.
Pocket the Butt
Placing the butt firmly into your shoulder is about so much more than just softening recoil. It helps steady the rifle, prevents canting side-to-side, and enables other elements of your position to line up seamlessly, such as your spot weld.
Firing Grip
You need to hold the rifle firmly, but not with a “death grip”. Where your thumb should be placed greatly depends on the stock style. Regardless, your grip should allow your firing finger tip to naturally fall so the trigger lays on the pad between the tip and first joint. It also allows the trigger to me manipulated straight to the rear without causing tension elsewhere in the grip or disturbing the fundamentals of marksmanship.
Firing Arm
Properly placing this elbow is the crux of your firing position. Not only does it provide balance and symmetry within your position, but how you have your arm will help or hinder in creating a good pocket for the rifle butt to rest in.
Stock Weld
A stock weld is the ideal placement of your cheek on the stock in the same place from shot to shot. If you are doing this a lot, expect for your face to hurt quite a bit. Your stock weld should keep your eye at the proper distance behind your sight to give you the best quality picture you can get. At the same time, it shouldn’t have any neck strain whether it be up, down, forward, or backward. Natural and consistent cheek weld is the goal.
