The first method is the goal, the proper method in marksmanship. The 2nd method is the reality, it’s what actually happens in gunfight or high stress scenario. You’re not aiming during that. You’re using point sight or point box shooting. The first method is good for target shooting and competition. The 2nd is good for combat marksmanship and gun fighting. Both have an important place. This is also a good argument for red dot optics. It blends both of these into one and makes this argument irrelevant. But I still like iron sights as well. They serve a purpose.
Ill never go to open sights ever again!!! So quick and accurate with my Elite 10mm and Holosun 508Titanium green dot! Apple off you head at 50 yards! Guys are shooting 200 yards with this set up dinking around, that one popular RUclipsr hit a turkey steel target at 410 yards in 4-5 shots! The hold over wasnt as high as you would think! They made a new round with the 10mm pistol round and necked it down a tad to .338 amd they are subsonic and it's a beautiful little set up
Focus on target about 95% of the time. If going for precision, I focus on the front sight. Just as you described. I'd rather be more aware of what the target/threat is doing, instead of being concerned with the size of my front sight.
In my unit we always taught the guys for marksmanship at a bit of distance you focus on the front sight, but once the fighting starts your adrenal response is going to make it incredibly difficult to focus on anything other than the threat, so both need to be trained but target focus is going to be what saves your life 9 times out of 10. It has to be trained consistently though, because a big part of it is building the muscle memory to keep your sights on target even when it's not a conscious thought.
Threat focus with iron sights flash sight picture up to maybe 6 or 7 yards and with red dot optics at any distance. Front sight focus with iron sights (okay, plastic sights on a Glock) at anything greater than 6 to 7 yards. It's easy to aim at the center of a blurred target, because the center of a blur is still the center, but accurate hits at distance are virtually impossible with iron sights without focus on the front sight.
@@calanon534, many (most?) folks are happy to train only for the statistical average - "the vast majority" of defensive encounters. However, to be truly prepared, a defender must train well beyond the statistical average. Just had to throw that in also.
I learned shooting with optics, and I shot irons in a match for the first time at last year's USPSA production nationals with a factory G34. I experimented with both front sight and target focus during the match, and I found that I actually had better accuracy at distance using a deliberate target focus. There was one stage that had a 35-40 yard partial USPSA target with a hard cover steel covering the lower half and another steel plate behind the target to remove auditory feedback and necessitate shot calling. I took four shots at the target with a deliberate target focus, and I ended up with four hits within a few inches of each other. I ended up having more misses when aiming at difficult targets with a front sight focus than with a target focus. This may be because of my acclimatization to shooting with red dots, however.
It’s definitely possible, and I find it especially true when shooting small or low contrast targets that you can’t properly see when front sight focusing. Target focusing has its place too, but it is limited
always train on target focus. being able to do both is ok but when a self defense situation comes up you must naturally aim and have the target in focus not only for properly identifying the target but continuing to identify the target as a threat. if you lose the fine details of an engagement the consequences can be problematic. also just shoot with both eyes open its a simple training task that usually becomes second nature within a few training sessions.
Agreed. Our brains are naturally hard wired to focus on a threat the same way they're hard wired to have both eyes open during a violent encounter. Whenever you're in a self defense encounter, techniques that are closest to how your body naturally reacts give you the best chance of survival. That's why people often ridicule all the self defense videos with flashy techniques that look like they come out of a superhero movie - because they rely so much on fine motor function and not the gross motor function that you naturally default to during a stressful encounter, that even if you were trained to use them you'd likely neglect to do so during the hour of need.
Makes sense. Sight focus might make sense for the first shot or two once you decide you need to advance on the target quickly , but switching to focusing on the target is more important after that fact. I agree, being able to do both is important. I think there's a slight prioritization involved. At the end of the day, you'll most likely be within 7-10 yards of a threat where either way won't matter much at all. I was at the range one day with my son explaining to him the distance which most threats of self protection occur, and without aiming down the sights of my revolver I just pointed and pulled the trigger and hit all shots center mass 10 yards out without trying to aim.
@@McCaroni_Sup Yup, it's like how despite how I had been training on how to box for over a year, I still managed to break my hand twice in actual fights because I couldn't remember my discipline in that moment and started punching sloppily with my pinky and ring knuckles (floater knuckles) and fractured them on a person's face twice lmao
@@GlorifiedGremlin Oof, sorry for your knuckles. Training is good but unfortunately it seems us humans have our limits - we can't beat our physiology. A lot of martial arts really are focused on fine motor skills. It's not necessarily a steadfast rule that all fights would only have gross motor skills be available to you. That really depends on a couple of factors like adrenaline and just your general physiology. I've even heard that you can regain your fine motor skills mid-fight if you get surprised, though I'm not sure of the veracity of such a claim because I've never really been in a "real" fight and I don't plan to anytime soon. You can use fine motor skills better when you're expecting a fight - such as when sparring or in a tournament. But when it comes to the real world you will rarely anticipate having to defend yourself unless someone is going all tough guy on you to save their ego; but at that point you'd be better served by simply attempting de-escalation of the situation with words until it is either resolved or you are forced to defend yourself physically. But either way, I prefer to train martial arts that I believe rely more on gross motor movements because they're more versatile.
I always focus on the target... but I had been shooting traditional archery (gap shooting) for 10 years before I was old enough to buy my own firearm. Focusing on the target was so engrained in my shooting that I legitimately cannot focus on the front sight without taking 5-10 times longer. It was the method I used when I saw combat (granted, that was with a rifle), and I just dont personally see a reason to switch or learn something new. If I ever end up in a self defense situation, I'm fine with relying exclusively with what I learned and what kept me alive. If I end up attacked and target focus gets me killed, I can rest peacefully knowing it ain't my problem anymore.
had that same issue, been into archery my entire life and finally went and picked up a handgun for my house. I had a lot of trouble at first with front-sight focus, it's so different from instinct shooting with a bow
Definitely is different, but if you practice it, instinct shooting with a handgun can be learned as well. It’s not the popular shooting doctrine taught by instructors, but those who are good at it definitely hold their own.
Mm interesting, in a different line, im used to just not focusing on either at all, i find i hit my shots best when i just let my body take over. Granted its airsoft so its wildly different from a real self defense situation.
That comes from knowing your pistol so well that you point shoot it to a high degree. I’ve had 2 pistols that I’ve been able to do that with, and it takes a lot of trigger time.
Absolutely. Shooting 2 eyes open is what I recommend everyone do, however my camera is monocular, not binocular so it wasn’t possible to film that way 😅
@@deusvult6920 meet me at the range I’ll show you sumn buddy. You shoot 1 eye and I’ll shoot 2 eyes and we’ll test speed accuracy range and multiple target speed
In self defense you better have a target focus and “muscle memory” because there is no time for looking at the sights. You better be looking at the threat
I think in most accounts, unless there was a very deliberate shot taken where the shooter had to precisely use their sights, it kind of ends up as background noise in your memory. I'm sure I used my sights in numerous situations of force on force training I've been in, as well as shoot house drills, but trying to recall whether I had target or sight focus just isn't there. That's why getting the reps, especially under stress with a timer on the range is so important. You get to the point that you are extending, picking up your sights, and firing without having to think about it. That way, when you are presented with a threat, and your heart rate goes from 70bpm to 140+ in a flash, you aren't thinking about those small things and can instead respond to the threat as you've trained. So you likely saw your sights, it was just such a minor part of the experience that your brain filtered it out.
100%. Training to the point it becomes second nature and subconscious is the goal. 👌🏻 Like a instructor of mine use to say-“don’t train till you get it right, train so much until you cannot get it wrong.”
There is always time to find a good sight picture. This is how people get killed by stray bullets. Sight picture, grip/ hand positioning/ trigger manipulation are your 3 keys to great accuracy with a handgun.
Starting with target shooting with my dad as a kid to my military training, I noticed that after firing 1000s of rounds, I no longer consciously focus on the sights. Through muscle and eye memory, I am able to just point and shoot. The small adjustments happen automatically. ( I still have to adjust for externals such as windage) I'm 60 years old now and I have a slight tremor in my hands, but I can still group 5 rounds center mass at 30 yards. My point is, even mediocre shooters can become proficient with the proper training and practice. Practice, practice, practice.
Practice in dry-fire for muscle memory: Identity target, bring weapon up, transition to front sight focus. With practice, the aim will be where you are looking. Then you can shoot accurately, quickly, with muscle memory. To make it more challenging, you can test yourself, by identifying the target, closing your eyes, bring the weapon up, opening your eyes to check aim.
Thank you very much, I don’t know how you did it but we can actually see you in action. What I mean is as you’re explaining the technique,we are in a position behind the firearm, where we can see what’s actually happening. Thank you again so very much.
My close range vision is naturally out of focus when trying to read, or focus on iron sights. I have no choice but to view fuzzy irons and focus on the target. It works though for precise A zone shots I have to slow way down for out past 15 yds
That’s definitely true. The further out and the smaller the target, the harder it is to get good hits for sure with a target focus (unless you’re running a dot of course)
Target focus is what i caught myself doing and I didn't realize till I watched a video when I had got back from the range talking about this topic. I agree that both are circumstantial.
Agreed. Probably 8/10 times I shoot target focused because it’s faster and I’ve trained to make accurate hits that way. That being said, If I need to make a very precise shot, especially at distance I will take the added time and front sight focus.
Depends on distance and the level of accuracy you are trying to achieve. If you are going for a face shot of a hostage taker at 15-20 yards, you should probably aim. If you're dealing with a threat at like 7-10 yards taking center of mass shots, your natural point of aim is likely sufficient.
Awesome. Finally someone who shows both ways aaaaand their strengths. In my opinion the point shoot should be part of that discussion as well but still, I like that clip
My training was that this is decided by distance from the target/threat. For further distances, focus on the front sight. For closer distances, focus on the threat. At what distance should you switch methods? Get range time in and decide for yourself what works for you. You'll know when you're practicing where the switch over should be.
I’m a target shooter with plenty of 1st placements and I use the second method and have been using that for my entire career, I like to be able to see what I’m hitting not what I’m hitting with if that makes sense
It does not make sense and in fact doing it your way assures less comprehension for where the gun is pointed. Always focus on the front sight for best results. Creds: US Distinguished Rifleman, American High Power Rifleman in Long-Range, and Military Rifle Instructor assisting USAMU deliver SDM, TTT, and SAFS Training.
In a competition where shot placement matters, focusing on the front sight is the way to go. In a speed competition or combative scenario, target will always take priority.
What matters is who hits first not who misses first! Shot placement always matters in both competitions and combat. With Iron Sights Front Sight Focus should always take priority. Iron sights, front sight focus Red dot, target focus
Target is the correct answer You should be practicing enough that you can always align your sights to your eye. Most advanced shooters will bring the sights into position while focusing on the target. Another advance shooting technique is leaving both eyes open. Again, you’re focusing on the target and bringing your sights to your eye that’s already locked on. That said, you don’t wanna stare at the target either because of eye fatigue. So it’s best to acquire your target. Put your sites on target and slow steady squeeze the trigger.
The problem is that humans have a tendency to focus on imminent danger automatically, and no amount of training is going to program that out of a human's mind in a time of high stress. But with enough training with the clear tip/blurry target, getting accurate shots will make it that your muscle memory will be of a huge assistance if ever, all of a sudden, you're confronted with danger. I drew and fired an HK at a target at 10 meters and over to the side at 15 meters in 2.2 seconds, refined precision. It wasn't aim, it was muscle memory, and my brain didn't let me focus on the front sight because I put so much pressure to have the best score. And I wasn't planning on deviating from my plan to find the front sight. You press forward with both arms, get the isosceles going, and the rest is down range.
I focus on the target and hit every time but switched to a red dot holosun now I have a clear view of the target and know my sights are on the target at all times
@carpe diem well my eyes would sometimes take time to line up the front sight and keep eyes on target owning a red dot and training your eyes wit that is a lot faster
Focusing on sight alignment should be taught to be a tool to develop proper trigger press as not to alter the alignment during the press. This also allows to identify where in your press the sights deviate to indicate where to correct the press, grip, finger placement or overtravel of the trigger. Once a muscle memory trigger press has been established it is common to switch to a target oriented focus. Great video demonstration.
Iron sights for distance - for close work Green Trigger Guard Laser. Actually, the laser is zeroed at 12.5 yd so I mentally adjust my Laser dot vs my Point Of Impact up to 1.5 inches out to 25 yds.
Most enlightening thank you. I'd learned blurry target, , but in a home defence capacity target identification is paramount. Is that a Springfield, or after market glow sights?
That’s false. In very close quarters, you focus on target to see how they are moving and react to that. Natural point of aim will lead you to hitting target. But without great accuracy Accuracy, it’s focusing on sights always, focus on what you can control, you can’t control the target but you can control your weapon.
So would it be best to practice both focuses equally? Id think putting more emphasis on the target-focus would help to train you for situations where you’re hurried, and emphasis on front sight focus would be more-so for when you have time? Loved the info! Thank you
Lol you physically do not have time to draw your weapon or pick up your rifle from whatever position it’s it and drive the gun towards the direction of the threat as the threat is actively engaging you or about to. Your mind will forget what a sight is even a red dot. Your red dot may be there but you won’t realize you’re seeing it in a hundredth of a second action your body is doing and thinking to survive. Also Range doesn’t matter because you’re not telling yourself “ohh yeah I’m at 6 yards away so I don’t have to see my front sight”. Yeah that happens. If someone is shooting at you with a weapon and rounds impact you before you blink even 100 yards away, you think you’re going to pick up your gun aim it perfectly before you get shot? Well that’s saying something of anyone who says otherwise and hasnt seen the barrel of a weapon about to blow them away and the hiss of rounds and then impacting behind you. This is why the top shooters that have been in combat say anyone that says they have time to aim hasn’t been there and is blowing smoke up peoples asses from flat range work. You have to identify a target, what it’s doing, etc. you also have to get the fuck off the X and a lot of times you can’t even do that it’s too fast. This is coming from zero combat experience😉🫡
Target acquisition is so hard for some people to understand. A video on that would be fantastic so I could link to that instead of explaining it. Also much easier to understand when you can actually see what is being explained. Great video.
Thanks! Are you referring to acquiring the target initially and getting the first shot off, or tracking it between shots or even multiple target transitions?
Haha, fair enough! I’m hoping to get another camera here soon (go pro style) to be able to better pick up what I’m looking at without having to hold a camera and a pistol simultaneously.
So from my time in the military, practiced a lot of quick draw and fire techniques 4 shots in 2 seconds sequence. If I have an immediate threat in front of me I'm alresdy firing as I bring the gun up to eye level. Instinctive aiming is best for self defense situations.
I've always done target focus with irons. And I can hit out to 100 yards easily doing that. Never cared for front sight focus. Everyone will say it's wrong, but I get results. I'd rather be able to see my target clearly, and just line up some identical looking blocky blurs which are my sights. Equal height equal light works perfectly when blurred, as they blur equally and you still have a flat edge.
It’s not just about seeing the target itself more clearly, but it’s also about one eye open versus two. Typically people who front sight focus are using strictly their dominant eye, and the other is closed. With both eyes open, and target focusing, you have the ability to see more in your peripheral vision, which is important in a real threat engagement. You never know what other threats may be off to the side during combat. Therefore I always find it more beneficial to train that way.
I use both methods frequently but for self defense type shooting i believe target focus is almost always the way to go. You get more awareness and more importantly, it's what your body will probably default to anyway. I FSF when shooting for groups, zeroing or shooting long range.
I've always been taught a 1-2-3 method, if you have time you adjust your focus from rear sight, front sight, then target. When you don't have time you go from rear to front and then fire when necessary
It would, provided you can still see your target and it isn’t moving terribly fast. At distance if your target is large enough and visible enough, front sight is better for precision.
I’ve always focused on front sight for long distance shots and rear sight for short distance. When extending our past 50m I close my less dominant eye as well
The first method is the goal, the proper method in marksmanship. The 2nd method is the reality, it’s what actually happens in gunfight or high stress scenario. You’re not aiming during that. You’re using point sight or point box shooting.
The first method is good for target shooting and competition. The 2nd is good for combat marksmanship and gun fighting. Both have an important place.
This is also a good argument for red dot optics. It blends both of these into one and makes this argument irrelevant. But I still like iron sights as well. They serve a purpose.
Very well said!
Thank you 🙏
Ill never go to open sights ever again!!! So quick and accurate with my Elite 10mm and Holosun 508Titanium green dot! Apple off you head at 50 yards! Guys are shooting 200 yards with this set up dinking around, that one popular RUclipsr hit a turkey steel target at 410 yards in 4-5 shots! The hold over wasnt as high as you would think! They made a new round with the 10mm pistol round and necked it down a tad to .338 amd they are subsonic and it's a beautiful little set up
Sooooo true, EXPERIENCE with both 🤪🤣
Accurate synopsis.
No discussion of a correct method, just a display of the two. Much appreciated.
It's not complicated, he literally perfectly described both concepts here tf
That was the goal 👌🏻☺️ and thanks guys
Very informative, straight up and to the point, you love to see it
It's up to individuals and varies, depending on situation.
@The Reloading Craft What Brand Of Handgun Is that?
Focus on target about 95% of the time. If going for precision, I focus on the front sight. Just as you described. I'd rather be more aware of what the target/threat is doing, instead of being concerned with the size of my front sight.
In my unit we always taught the guys for marksmanship at a bit of distance you focus on the front sight, but once the fighting starts your adrenal response is going to make it incredibly difficult to focus on anything other than the threat, so both need to be trained but target focus is going to be what saves your life 9 times out of 10. It has to be trained consistently though, because a big part of it is building the muscle memory to keep your sights on target even when it's not a conscious thought.
As you should
It's about the front sight. No competit ion shooter worth a damn suggests focusing on the target, unless it's so close you don't bother with aiming
There's no debate. You always focus on the front sight no matter what.
Threat focus with iron sights flash sight picture up to maybe 6 or 7 yards and with red dot optics at any distance. Front sight focus with iron sights (okay, plastic sights on a Glock) at anything greater than 6 to 7 yards. It's easy to aim at the center of a blurred target, because the center of a blur is still the center, but accurate hits at distance are virtually impossible with iron sights without focus on the front sight.
The vast majority of defensive firearm use is at less than 7 yards. Just had to throw that in.
@@calanon534, many (most?) folks are happy to train only for the statistical average - "the vast majority" of defensive encounters. However, to be truly prepared, a defender must train well beyond the statistical average. Just had to throw that in also.
I learned shooting with optics, and I shot irons in a match for the first time at last year's USPSA production nationals with a factory G34. I experimented with both front sight and target focus during the match, and I found that I actually had better accuracy at distance using a deliberate target focus. There was one stage that had a 35-40 yard partial USPSA target with a hard cover steel covering the lower half and another steel plate behind the target to remove auditory feedback and necessitate shot calling. I took four shots at the target with a deliberate target focus, and I ended up with four hits within a few inches of each other. I ended up having more misses when aiming at difficult targets with a front sight focus than with a target focus. This may be because of my acclimatization to shooting with red dots, however.
It’s definitely possible, and I find it especially true when shooting small or low contrast targets that you can’t properly see when front sight focusing. Target focusing has its place too, but it is limited
Maybe I'm just old, but target focus is def needed when shooting at longer distances, over 25 yds
The first short video that has a beginning and a end. You deserve an award from youtube.
Thanks!
Yeah those looped RUclips shorts are cringe
Probably one of few if not the only video that actually presents the difference in the viewpoints irl. Thanks!
You’re welcome!
always train on target focus. being able to do both is ok but when a self defense situation comes up you must naturally aim and have the target in focus not only for properly identifying the target but continuing to identify the target as a threat. if you lose the fine details of an engagement the consequences can be problematic. also just shoot with both eyes open its a simple training task that usually becomes second nature within a few training sessions.
My thoughts exactly 👌🏻
Agreed. Our brains are naturally hard wired to focus on a threat the same way they're hard wired to have both eyes open during a violent encounter. Whenever you're in a self defense encounter, techniques that are closest to how your body naturally reacts give you the best chance of survival. That's why people often ridicule all the self defense videos with flashy techniques that look like they come out of a superhero movie - because they rely so much on fine motor function and not the gross motor function that you naturally default to during a stressful encounter, that even if you were trained to use them you'd likely neglect to do so during the hour of need.
Makes sense.
Sight focus might make sense for the first shot or two once you decide you need to advance on the target quickly , but switching to focusing on the target is more important after that fact.
I agree, being able to do both is important. I think there's a slight prioritization involved.
At the end of the day, you'll most likely be within 7-10 yards of a threat where either way won't matter much at all.
I was at the range one day with my son explaining to him the distance which most threats of self protection occur, and without aiming down the sights of my revolver I just pointed and pulled the trigger and hit all shots center mass 10 yards out without trying to aim.
@@McCaroni_Sup Yup, it's like how despite how I had been training on how to box for over a year, I still managed to break my hand twice in actual fights because I couldn't remember my discipline in that moment and started punching sloppily with my pinky and ring knuckles (floater knuckles) and fractured them on a person's face twice lmao
@@GlorifiedGremlin Oof, sorry for your knuckles. Training is good but unfortunately it seems us humans have our limits - we can't beat our physiology.
A lot of martial arts really are focused on fine motor skills. It's not necessarily a steadfast rule that all fights would only have gross motor skills be available to you. That really depends on a couple of factors like adrenaline and just your general physiology. I've even heard that you can regain your fine motor skills mid-fight if you get surprised, though I'm not sure of the veracity of such a claim because I've never really been in a "real" fight and I don't plan to anytime soon. You can use fine motor skills better when you're expecting a fight - such as when sparring or in a tournament. But when it comes to the real world you will rarely anticipate having to defend yourself unless someone is going all tough guy on you to save their ego; but at that point you'd be better served by simply attempting de-escalation of the situation with words until it is either resolved or you are forced to defend yourself physically. But either way, I prefer to train martial arts that I believe rely more on gross motor movements because they're more versatile.
Excellent video.. no BS no messing around just pure information.. I’m gonna be watching more
I've never thought of focusing on the target. I've always sight focused. But damn was that enlightening.
This is a really good demonstration and is exactly how video formatted media should be used! Excellent.
Thank you!
I always focus on the target... but I had been shooting traditional archery (gap shooting) for 10 years before I was old enough to buy my own firearm. Focusing on the target was so engrained in my shooting that I legitimately cannot focus on the front sight without taking 5-10 times longer. It was the method I used when I saw combat (granted, that was with a rifle), and I just dont personally see a reason to switch or learn something new. If I ever end up in a self defense situation, I'm fine with relying exclusively with what I learned and what kept me alive. If I end up attacked and target focus gets me killed, I can rest peacefully knowing it ain't my problem anymore.
had that same issue, been into archery my entire life and finally went and picked up a handgun for my house. I had a lot of trouble at first with front-sight focus, it's so different from instinct shooting with a bow
Definitely is different, but if you practice it, instinct shooting with a handgun can be learned as well. It’s not the popular shooting doctrine taught by instructors, but those who are good at it definitely hold their own.
Mm interesting, in a different line, im used to just not focusing on either at all, i find i hit my shots best when i just let my body take over. Granted its airsoft so its wildly different from a real self defense situation.
That comes from knowing your pistol so well that you point shoot it to a high degree. I’ve had 2 pistols that I’ve been able to do that with, and it takes a lot of trigger time.
Teacher: use a summary
Tells the whole book
It's a non-issue when you get to your fifty's and can't see either sight.
Good camera work
Thanks! It took a bit of setting up to pull off so you could see what I see through the camera
There is also one more method - don't lock on one focal point and open up your peripherals to have considerably improved spatial awareness.
Absolutely. Shooting 2 eyes open is what I recommend everyone do, however my camera is monocular, not binocular so it wasn’t possible to film that way 😅
Those dude misses a lot of shots
@@deusvult6920 meet me at the range I’ll show you sumn buddy. You shoot 1 eye and I’ll shoot 2 eyes and we’ll test speed accuracy range and multiple target speed
@@deusvult6920 not if you practice.
In self defense you better have a target focus and “muscle memory” because there is no time for looking at the sights. You better be looking at the threat
Humans naturally threat focus under stress bud.
Those sights are not a design flaw use them flash sight picture is a very real thing I can attest to.
I think in most accounts, unless there was a very deliberate shot taken where the shooter had to precisely use their sights, it kind of ends up as background noise in your memory. I'm sure I used my sights in numerous situations of force on force training I've been in, as well as shoot house drills, but trying to recall whether I had target or sight focus just isn't there. That's why getting the reps, especially under stress with a timer on the range is so important. You get to the point that you are extending, picking up your sights, and firing without having to think about it. That way, when you are presented with a threat, and your heart rate goes from 70bpm to 140+ in a flash, you aren't thinking about those small things and can instead respond to the threat as you've trained. So you likely saw your sights, it was just such a minor part of the experience that your brain filtered it out.
100%. Training to the point it becomes second nature and subconscious is the goal. 👌🏻
Like a instructor of mine use to say-“don’t train till you get it right, train so much until you cannot get it wrong.”
There is always time to find a good sight picture. This is how people get killed by stray bullets.
Sight picture, grip/ hand positioning/ trigger manipulation are your 3 keys to great accuracy with a handgun.
Starting with target shooting with my dad as a kid to my military training, I noticed that after firing 1000s of rounds, I no longer consciously focus on the sights. Through muscle and eye memory, I am able to just point and shoot. The small adjustments happen automatically. ( I still have to adjust for externals such as windage) I'm 60 years old now and I have a slight tremor in my hands, but I can still group 5 rounds center mass at 30 yards. My point is, even mediocre shooters can become proficient with the proper training and practice. Practice, practice, practice.
100% agree, and couldn’t have said it better myself 👌🏻
This is why I love RUclips. Well done Sir! salute!
Thank ya!
Practice in dry-fire for muscle memory: Identity target, bring weapon up, transition to front sight focus. With practice, the aim will be where you are looking. Then you can shoot accurately, quickly, with muscle memory. To make it more challenging, you can test yourself, by identifying the target, closing your eyes, bring the weapon up, opening your eyes to check aim.
Dis is de wey
Learn something new everyday. Thank you.
I switch back and forth but mostly focus on the front sight.
Thank you very much, I don’t know how you did it but we can actually see you in action. What I mean is as you’re explaining the technique,we are in a position behind the firearm, where we can see what’s actually happening. Thank you again so very much.
My close range vision is naturally out of focus when trying to read, or focus on iron sights. I have no choice but to view fuzzy irons and focus on the target. It works though for precise A zone shots I have to slow way down for out past 15 yds
That’s definitely true. The further out and the smaller the target, the harder it is to get good hits for sure with a target focus (unless you’re running a dot of course)
Great use of the video to show what you’re explaining! Awesome short!
Thank you!
Target focus is what i caught myself doing and I didn't realize till I watched a video when I had got back from the range talking about this topic. I agree that both are circumstantial.
Agreed. Probably 8/10 times I shoot target focused because it’s faster and I’ve trained to make accurate hits that way. That being said, If I need to make a very precise shot, especially at distance I will take the added time and front sight focus.
Practice enough and you don’t even have to use sights. Just point and squeeze.
100% agree
Been working on my point shooting lately and if you’re comfortable and have reps in with your pistol, it’s quite natural to do.
True thats how i find that i usually aim in airsoft. Although thats probably really different
Depends on distance and the level of accuracy you are trying to achieve. If you are going for a face shot of a hostage taker at 15-20 yards, you should probably aim. If you're dealing with a threat at like 7-10 yards taking center of mass shots, your natural point of aim is likely sufficient.
Awesome.
Finally someone who shows both ways aaaaand their strengths.
In my opinion the point shoot should be part of that discussion as well but still, I like that clip
Thank you! Doing a point shooting explanation is definitely worth showcasing on the channel sometime soon!
My training was that this is decided by distance from the target/threat. For further distances, focus on the front sight. For closer distances, focus on the threat.
At what distance should you switch methods? Get range time in and decide for yourself what works for you. You'll know when you're practicing where the switch over should be.
I’m a target shooter with plenty of 1st placements and I use the second method and have been using that for my entire career, I like to be able to see what I’m hitting not what I’m hitting with if that makes sense
It does not make sense and in fact doing it your way assures less comprehension for where the gun is pointed. Always focus on the front sight for best results. Creds: US Distinguished Rifleman, American High Power Rifleman in Long-Range, and Military Rifle Instructor assisting USAMU deliver SDM, TTT, and SAFS Training.
Thats a really clever use of camera focus to show the different focus points, well done man thanks for the info👍
my dumbass thought this was airsoft and I genuinely jumped when it fired a live round 💀
Congrats. Thanks for sharing
That's what his target thought too 💀
I like to focus my left eye on the target, and my right eye on the front sight. Takes a while to get used to, but works amazingly well!
LOL
You're just trying to confuse people.
As a US Marine, we are taught, the sights are for snipers. Shoot the threat. Period. Semper Fi
That explains a few things I've learned over the past 27 years teaching police recruits....
As an infantry Marine, I don't know what the fuck you are talking about.
Can also vouch that carries over to Army. It never failed me in Iraq or Afghanistan, I'm living proof.
That is prolly the best explanation to someone who learning. Cool video
Thank you!
I Love Sigsauer. Im from Thailand.
It's hard to get a firearm license on my country.
@@thereloadingcraft www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2017-10-23/thailand-amendments-to-firearms-law/?loclr=bloglaw
Fuck laws get your gun , don't tell anybody and go to the Bush to shoot and train.
My eyes do this automatically, back and forth to even make the shot more precise...Best of both worlds.
This was something I have never even thought about, very interesting!
haven't seen a lot of videos like that… That's true to form right there. good video.
Thank you!
As an athlete, you ALWAYS focus on your target. Your body will adjust naturally without doing anything.
interesting. i always had trouble deciding between which focus to use. this gives me a good guidline for the future.
Thank you for knowing how to manually control your camera for properly conveying the message it’s perfect
Well thank ya! It’s not 100% the same as far as focus amounts to the human eye, but it’s close.
Love hearing precise and accurate explanations. A question in the difference is always asked in surveying.
In a competition where shot placement matters, focusing on the front sight is the way to go. In a speed competition or combative scenario, target will always take priority.
What matters is who hits first not who misses first! Shot placement always matters in both competitions and combat. With Iron Sights Front Sight Focus should always take priority.
Iron sights, front sight focus
Red dot, target focus
Needed this information, great explanation man, thank you 🙏
Target is the correct answer
You should be practicing enough that you can always align your sights to your eye. Most advanced shooters will bring the sights into position while focusing on the target.
Another advance shooting technique is leaving both eyes open. Again, you’re focusing on the target and bringing your sights to your eye that’s already locked on.
That said, you don’t wanna stare at the target either because of eye fatigue. So it’s best to acquire your target. Put your sites on target and slow steady squeeze the trigger.
Both eyes open isn't advanced. That's like 101 for marksman
Well done. Short, sweet, informative...
Clear tip, blurry target. That's what the Marines taught me. I'll take it to my grave.
The problem is that humans have a tendency to focus on imminent danger automatically, and no amount of training is going to program that out of a human's mind in a time of high stress. But with enough training with the clear tip/blurry target, getting accurate shots will make it that your muscle memory will be of a huge assistance if ever, all of a sudden, you're confronted with danger.
I drew and fired an HK at a target at 10 meters and over to the side at 15 meters in 2.2 seconds, refined precision. It wasn't aim, it was muscle memory, and my brain didn't let me focus on the front sight because I put so much pressure to have the best score. And I wasn't planning on deviating from my plan to find the front sight. You press forward with both arms, get the isosceles going, and the rest is down range.
War is different. You know which direction not to fire.
Screw the gun lesson, I'm impressed how you got your camera to focus on a close and distant target on demand.
Thanks! 😁
My father was a range instructor, and I’ll never forget his words. ALWAYS FOCUS FRONT SIGHT!!!
This was very well done! Thank you!
You’re most welcome. Appreciate the feedback!
Always front sight focus. No question about it.
Target focus, and this is a hill I will die on 🤷♂️
@@thereloadingcraft Facts, going to the target focus is just a lot faster and just minimally less accurate
This was a good interpretation!!!
I focus on the target and hit every time but switched to a red dot holosun now I have a clear view of the target and know my sights are on the target at all times
Nice! Red dots are nice that way!
@carpe diem well my eyes would sometimes take time to line up the front sight and keep eyes on target owning a red dot and training your eyes wit that is a lot faster
@carpe diem I first perfected my iron sight shooting for accuracy, then upgraded to red dot for speed
My grandpa was a real cowboy and so was his dad. They shot from the waist. They had better aim than my uncle who’s a cop.
This is great. Thank you. I'm new to this and this was really helpful.
The waffle house has found its new host
What an awesome video. Well done, we’ll executed, no debate just facts.
Thank you! That was the goal haha
Situational. In most self defense situations you'll want to focus on the target. If accuracy is a must, front sight.
Well said
Very good display. Can't get more accurate or simpler than that Bravo
Thank you! I wish I could’ve shown some of the peripheral as well, but the camera only had one lens, so couldn’t quite manage haha.
@@thereloadingcraft that is very hard to do with the camera.
Agreed
excellent break down
Thanks!
Perfect example of why RDS handguns are so great. Best of both worlds
In that regard they are, but they aren’t without issues either…(coming from a guy that runs RDS and irons both)
wonderful demonstration
Thank you!
Very good information for some that are newer to shooting.
Neither is wrong IMO.
I agree. I use both depending on what I’m doing
Direct and to the point good video
Thanks!
Focusing on sight alignment should be taught to be a tool to develop proper trigger press as not to alter the alignment during the press. This also allows to identify where in your press the sights deviate to indicate where to correct the press, grip, finger placement or overtravel of the trigger. Once a muscle memory trigger press has been established it is common to switch to a target oriented focus. Great video demonstration.
Iron sights for distance - for close work Green Trigger Guard Laser. Actually, the laser is zeroed at 12.5 yd so I mentally adjust my Laser dot vs my Point Of Impact up to 1.5 inches out to 25 yds.
thank you I love using iron sights for the challenge.
Very nice. Which pistol is that?
Most enlightening thank you. I'd learned blurry target, , but in a home defence capacity target identification is paramount. Is that a Springfield, or after market glow sights?
That is a P227, in 45.
Always focus on the target, not only for more awareness but you will also be more accurate.
That’s false.
In very close quarters, you focus on target to see how they are moving and react to that. Natural point of aim will lead you to hitting target. But without great accuracy
Accuracy, it’s focusing on sights always, focus on what you can control, you can’t control the target but you can control your weapon.
So would it be best to practice both focuses equally? Id think putting more emphasis on the target-focus would help to train you for situations where you’re hurried, and emphasis on front sight focus would be more-so for when you have time? Loved the info! Thank you
My pleasure! Yes I would agree to that, being able to use both is helpful, and instinctively knowing when to use which.
21 years in the Army. Always taught to focus on the front sight center mass on the target. I don’t have a problem engaging the target.
Lol you physically do not have time to draw your weapon or pick up your rifle from whatever position it’s it and drive the gun towards the direction of the threat as the threat is actively engaging you or about to. Your mind will forget what a sight is even a red dot. Your red dot may be there but you won’t realize you’re seeing it in a hundredth of a second action your body is doing and thinking to survive. Also Range doesn’t matter because you’re not telling yourself “ohh yeah I’m at 6 yards away so I don’t have to see my front sight”. Yeah that happens. If someone is shooting at you with a weapon and rounds impact you before you blink even 100 yards away, you think you’re going to pick up your gun aim it perfectly before you get shot? Well that’s saying something of anyone who says otherwise and hasnt seen the barrel of a weapon about to blow them away and the hiss of rounds and then impacting behind you. This is why the top shooters that have been in combat say anyone that says they have time to aim hasn’t been there and is blowing smoke up peoples asses from flat range work. You have to identify a target, what it’s doing, etc. you also have to get the fuck off the X and a lot of times you can’t even do that it’s too fast. This is coming from zero combat experience😉🫡
Front sight focus is the proper choice.
Nice vid, I've always been more of a target focused kinda guy
Thanks!
This is the problem I have in apex. I was thinking that I had focus issues thanks for clearing this up.
They are both the correct methods. Use them both, mainly focus on the target but sight alignment is equally important.
Nice and simply put
Thanks!
Good recording!
Thanks!
I've never even thought about that
Thanks for this info
Target acquisition is so hard for some people to understand. A video on that would be fantastic so I could link to that instead of explaining it. Also much easier to understand when you can actually see what is being explained.
Great video.
Thanks! Are you referring to acquiring the target initially and getting the first shot off, or tracking it between shots or even multiple target transitions?
@@thereloadingcraft originally referring to initial target acquisition but the rest sounds good too... Gotta leave something for me to teach ☺️
Haha, fair enough! I’m hoping to get another camera here soon (go pro style) to be able to better pick up what I’m looking at without having to hold a camera and a pistol simultaneously.
@@thereloadingcraftyou earned my sub. You're awesome.
Glad to hear it! If you have any topic suggestions or ideas for improvement, let me know!
my brain just grew two sizes bigger and my life is now forever changed because of this video
So from my time in the military, practiced a lot of quick draw and fire techniques 4 shots in 2 seconds sequence. If I have an immediate threat in front of me I'm alresdy firing as I bring the gun up to eye level. Instinctive aiming is best for self defense situations.
100% agree, especially at close contact distances.
I've always done target focus with irons. And I can hit out to 100 yards easily doing that. Never cared for front sight focus. Everyone will say it's wrong, but I get results.
I'd rather be able to see my target clearly, and just line up some identical looking blocky blurs which are my sights. Equal height equal light works perfectly when blurred, as they blur equally and you still have a flat edge.
It’s not just about seeing the target itself more clearly, but it’s also about one eye open versus two. Typically people who front sight focus are using strictly their dominant eye, and the other is closed. With both eyes open, and target focusing, you have the ability to see more in your peripheral vision, which is important in a real threat engagement. You never know what other threats may be off to the side during combat. Therefore I always find it more beneficial to train that way.
I use both methods frequently but for self defense type shooting i believe target focus is almost always the way to go. You get more awareness and more importantly, it's what your body will probably default to anyway. I FSF when shooting for groups, zeroing or shooting long range.
Exactly same here
I've always been taught a 1-2-3 method, if you have time you adjust your focus from rear sight, front sight, then target. When you don't have time you go from rear to front and then fire when necessary
this video is golden
I love the sight set up that is my favorite sight 😍
Never considered the distinction, but it seems very clear that Clear Focus, upon the threat, is the way to go, in a 'combat' situation
Whatever works whenever, for me, as a broad generalization, it's better with the front sight.
Very interesting, thank you
Absolutely!
I'll remember this next time i'm playing cod, thanks
That’s what’s nice about a red dot optic. A target focus still allows the same amount of precision.
So for hunting which would you select. I am thinking the front sight focus would be better at 25-75 yds. Your thoughts?
It would, provided you can still see your target and it isn’t moving terribly fast. At distance if your target is large enough and visible enough, front sight is better for precision.
Comparison videos are the best. No bias opinion just information to compare
I’ve always focused on front sight for long distance shots and rear sight for short distance.
When extending our past 50m I close my less dominant eye as well
Nice camera work
Thanks!
Nice video, great use of ur camera
Thanks!
The green weenie taught me to focus on target
Nice camera work.
Thanks! It’s harder than it looks haha
@@thereloadingcraft I’m sure it is.