[Mr_Moore]

In trying to practice fast target aquistion, I stumbled across something that is probably obvious to most everyone but it is worth thinking about.

I found that if I pull my gun up with the front sight below my rear sight's level, that it takes me much longer to get my front sight lined up than if I start with my front sight high and bring it down.

The reason for this is that I can not see the front sight in the first case but can see it in the second.

Just something to think about. And in a situation were a few split seconds make a difference, it seems it could be critical.

[osteodoc08]

Practice point and shoot at a coke bottle at close distances and follow it as it dances. You'd be surprised how accurate you can be without "aiming." This was and still is my favorite type of "practice" with my father. Kind of like a father/son rivalry.

[Oldtimer]

If you're desirous of becoming a competitive shooter, you need to experiment a bit with your SIGHT alignment acquisition point....as you have already noticed.

At the same time, however, you need to realize that your TARGET acquisition is more along the lines of "point" shooting. "Aimed" and "point" shooting techniques are different.

Your shooting should be looked upon as an extension of your arm. The basics of keeping your wrist and elbow in a locked position are necessary. Once you have mastered that, the "sight" aquisition will fall into place. The more you practise, the more you will see that your front and rear sights are coming up at the proper levels, and at a faster rate.

You've probably seen videos of comp shooters making their pistols sound like "full-auto". They are shooting DOWN-loaded rounds, not the hotter factory fodder. Relatively low recoil and muzzle climb, making faster follow-up shots easier.

Also work on your rapid presentation/aiming skills by "dry aiming" at a small point marked on a blank background. It is also better if you have someone monitor your technique from both sides and directly behind you. But, your best bet is to master all of the basics, such as proper breathing, locking the wrist and elbow, positioning of your body, stance and concentration. Build up your confidence, but don't exhaust yourself at the same time! Take several breaks during your practise sessions.

[James T Thomas]

Mr-Moore:

Since the front sight is to be focused on, my practice has been to always pick it out in my vision first. Which, without thinking about it, has led me to do just as you described.

Also, it accounts for my fondness for revolvers, which in general have the larger front sight blade than most of the autos.
I paint all mine with flourescent paint, and my older eyes apprecitate it.

I had done so even with rifle sights as I could mark a distant and minute target so it wouldn't get lost, by marking or placing it with the front sight, then bringing the rear sight into alignment. That way the front stayed in sharp focus.

Yours truly.

[USMCRotrHed]

One thing they teach in most police academies is when you identify a threat, start to pull your weapon from the holster. When you get to the point that the weapon comes into your peripheral vision, your eye focus should switch to the front sight. Focus on the front sight until the shot is off. Because of this approach, you will have positive control over your weapon and have a much less chance of a miss.

Follow the front sight post with your eyes all the way into your shooting position.