The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Some questions on point-shooting

evan1293 · May 7, 2010, 09:42 AM

Have you read Practical Shooting Beyond Fundamentals by Brian Enos? Very good read...Although point shooting is not advocated for every situation, Brian does make some points about use of the sights falling somewhere within a continuum. At certain distances, he advocates not focusing on the sights at all.

When you say point shooting, peoples' definitions of point shooting vary widely. Some that advocate PS are still using the sights in their peripheral vision. The gun is still within their focal plane, their focus however is on the target and not the sights. Others think of point shooting as shooting from positions that do not even bring the gun into alignment with the eyes / target.

Additionally, some of the arguments for point shooting are not based solely upon a speed advantage. Point / hip shooting is advocated by some for close proximity shooting because of weapon retention issues and not so much for a speed advantage. Similarly, point shooting (from a fully extended position) at medium ranges is at times recommended. This is advocated by some based on the thought that under the extreme stress of a gunfight, you will be fixated on the threat and will not be able to divert your focus from the threat to your sights, as is done in target / competition shooting. Again, not an issue of speed, an issue of working in harmony with what your body does under stress.

For competition shooting, there really is no reason not to use your sights for medium to long range targets. Fast shooters can often find the front sight as soon as they've reached full extension anyway. Confirming the front sight usually leads to a higher degree of accuracy, especially as the distance to the target gets further away. In a game where speed and precision gain points, most shooters will rely on using the sights for obtaining precision hits at a distant target. As the distances get close, the amount of "proper" sight alignment / picture becomes more crude. There are exceptions to this, but this would be what you would typically find in competition (IPSC, IDPA, etc) shooting.

I don't agree with those that say competition shooting induces similar stresses as gunfights. While stress is certainly an element of competition, its not the same kind or to nearly the same extent as trying to stay alive. Competition is however a good opportunity to learn gun handling skills and learn how to think and shoot at the same time which is certainly an asset for a gunfight.

May 7, 2010, 09:42 AM	#12
evan1293 Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2007 Location: CT Posts: 783	Have you read Practical Shooting Beyond Fundamentals by Brian Enos? Very good read...Although point shooting is not advocated for every situation, Brian does make some points about use of the sights falling somewhere within a continuum. At certain distances, he advocates not focusing on the sights at all. When you say point shooting, peoples' definitions of point shooting vary widely. Some that advocate PS are still using the sights in their peripheral vision. The gun is still within their focal plane, their focus however is on the target and not the sights. Others think of point shooting as shooting from positions that do not even bring the gun into alignment with the eyes / target. Additionally, some of the arguments for point shooting are not based solely upon a speed advantage. Point / hip shooting is advocated by some for close proximity shooting because of weapon retention issues and not so much for a speed advantage. Similarly, point shooting (from a fully extended position) at medium ranges is at times recommended. This is advocated by some based on the thought that under the extreme stress of a gunfight, you will be fixated on the threat and will not be able to divert your focus from the threat to your sights, as is done in target / competition shooting. Again, not an issue of speed, an issue of working in harmony with what your body does under stress. For competition shooting, there really is no reason not to use your sights for medium to long range targets. Fast shooters can often find the front sight as soon as they've reached full extension anyway. Confirming the front sight usually leads to a higher degree of accuracy, especially as the distance to the target gets further away. In a game where speed and precision gain points, most shooters will rely on using the sights for obtaining precision hits at a distant target. As the distances get close, the amount of "proper" sight alignment / picture becomes more crude. There are exceptions to this, but this would be what you would typically find in competition (IPSC, IDPA, etc) shooting. I don't agree with those that say competition shooting induces similar stresses as gunfights. While stress is certainly an element of competition, its not the same kind or to nearly the same extent as trying to stay alive. Competition is however a good opportunity to learn gun handling skills and learn how to think and shoot at the same time which is certainly an asset for a gunfight.