You're Not of My Caliber

               Consistency and practice are key factors to improve in shooting. The shooting platform, otherwise known as body position or stance is important to repeatedly use the same one. Although it's fine to go outside the box, mix it up, and explore other positions. Once you found a position you enjoy, stick with it and the consistency of using the same position will help improve your aim.


               The shooting position you use should be flexible as to allow any modifications to fit your body type better. The same position for a person 6'2" won't be the same for a person who is 5'4", like myself. Flexibility of the position comes into of importance when you must find the steadiest position that gives you the best sight of the target and stableness in the environment you are in.


               Three elements that make of a good shooting position are bone support, muscular relaxation, and natural point of aim. Bone support is the foundation of a shooting platform. When you are using bone support (automatic) and not muscular support (manual) you are relaxed. Muscular relaxation provides steadiness when shooting. If you are tense or strained, your aim will shaky and unreliable. In order to have accurate shots, your muscles must be relaxed. The natural point of aim is where you place your sights when your body is relaxed.




POSITIONS WITH A PISTOL


Standing Position:


1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointed to the target, and knees slightly bent.


2. Move your dominant leg straight back until the toes are aligned with the heel of the other foot. To get a more aggressive stance, slide the foot farther back.


3. Both arms are fully extended straight ahead and locked. Do not over-extend to the point of your shoulders out of the socket, doing that will make you lose strength from your larger chest and back muscles. Make sure your biceps are relaxed when arms are extended.


4. Head is uprights and leaning forward at the waist.


5. Shoulders, arms, hands, and gun will be in a straight line.


6. Barrel of the gun will be in line with the shooter's spine.


High Knee:


1. Drop straight down on the dominant leg's knee from standing position.


2. Toes of the dominant leg's foot are bent under to allow balance and quick movement.


3. Opposite leg is bent.


4. Lean forward at the waist.


Medium Kneel:


1. Drop straight down on the dominant leg's knee from standing position.


2. Toes of the dominant leg's foot are bent under.


3. Sit back on the heel of the dominant leg's foot while leaning forward at the waist.


Low Kneel:


1. Drop straight down on the dominant leg's knee from the standing position.


2. Foot of the dominant leg is bent under.


3. Sit back on the foot.


4. Opposite leg is bent while leaning forward


Prone (faced down):


1. Lie face down on the ground with legs spread apart, heels down. Toes can be pointed in or out, but do not have heels stick upwards.


2. Upper position is the same as standing and kneeling.


3. Keep forearms and sides of hands on the ground for support and bring the head down to the target.


4. If you're unable to get low enough to see the target, rotate onto your dominant arm just enough to see the target.


              



 

                The gun I was using in the video was a Ruger SR9 9mm. The recoil of the gun was quite strong. My first shot, I was tense and hit high above the target area. After I relaxed my muscles, I gained more control over my aim and was much more accurate. I already see my improvement though compared to the first time I shot a gun. My accuracy and precision have improved and I was able to hit the center. Due to my environment that I shoot at, I haven't been able to try other positions. What position would you try or have you tried and how was your experience with it?

Sajong, Chris. How to shoot like a navy seal: Combat marksmanship fundamentals. San Diego, CA: Center Mass Group, LCC, 2013. Print.