Finding Your Natural Point of Aim

[Guest Len]

Finding your Natural Point of Aim <o></o>

(Comfort is Key)

One thing many beginning students fail to realize is that firearms and firing procedures are often designed with the comfort of the shooter in mind. A comfortable shooter is desirable for many reasons, including:

1) Increased accuracy

2) Reduced shooter fatigue

3) Increased desire to practice and maintain proficiency

4) Greater enjoyment in recreational shooting situations

5) Increased likelihood that law-abiding citizens will possess a firearm when needed.

Weight, size, and grip shape & contour should all be considered when selecting a firearm. However, comfort is also important for an effective firing position. A comfortable firing position incorporates the shooter’s Natural Point of Aim (NPA).

According to National Rifle Association, the NPA refers to the natural alignment of the shooter and the gun in any position. NPA will vary with the individual shooter.

Here’s how to determine your Natural Point of Aim: <o></o>

1) Make sure the firearm is unloaded. Follow all rules of safe gun handling.

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2) Assume your shooting position, with your eyes open and your gun aimed at the center of a target downrange.

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3) Close your eyes.

4) With your eyes still closed, settle your body into the position that feels most stable and comfortable to you. Take a few natural breaths. Rotate the firearm in a circle. Start on target, and then rotate with your eyes closed back to the start point.

Open your eyes and observe where the gun’s sights are pointed to in relation to your target. Ideally, the sight picture should show the middle of the target –right where it was before you closed your eyes.

<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1031" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="The Perfect Natural Alignment Point" style='width:253.5pt;height:249.75pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\LEONAR~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.jpg" o:href="http://www.hgrfirearms.com/images/HGR_NAP_Perfect_Laser_Camera1.jpg"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--> If the sight picture changed between steps two and four, modify some part of your stance (usually pivoting on the rear foot) to achieve the proper sight picture.

<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1035" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Crimson Sights Help Learning NAP" style='width:158.25pt;height:136.5pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\LEONAR~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image015.jpg" o:href="http://www.hgrfirearms.com/images/HGR_NAP_Target_RedDot_Hi_Left.jpg"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]-->6) Repeat this exercise as necessary so your stance is adjusted for the proper natural alignment. Use this same alignment each time you assume your shooting position to take advantage of your NPA.

7) The test. Exercising all safety rules, load one round. Assume your position with eyes open. Close eyes, rotate your firearm and arm, open eyes and verify sight alignment, close eyes, rotate, take a shot. Repeat until you are comfortable with the NAP.

<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1033" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Your First Shot Should Be A Center Hit, if not, start over dry." style='width:155.25pt;height:138pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\LEONAR~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.jpg" o:href="http://www.hgrfirearms.com/images/HGR_NAP_Target_RedDot_Center_Hit.jpg"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]-->Start with one shot at a time. When comfortable, use multiple shots.

Most likely, your NPA will also be your most comfortable shooting position, as it is essentially your body’s natural alignment when in that position. A shooting position that is not comfortable will reduce consistency of shot placement, increase fatigue, and reduce enjoyment of the shooting sports.

CREDITS

Len Assante, HGR Instructor

Greg Knox, HGR Instructor, NRA Training Counselor

References:

NRA Basic Pistol Manual

NRA Guide to Personal Protection In the Home

NRA Guide to Personal Protection Outside the Home