Fundamentals of Marksmanship: Pistol

A Guide
This manual focuses on the fundamentals of marksmanship with a pistol.

Bryan Nguyen Corporal/USMCR

3/5/2013

Table of Contents:
I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. Introduction WARNING! Nomenclature Types of Carry Fundamentals of Marksmanship Summary Credits

Introduction
This manual is a basic guide to understanding the fundamentals of marksmanship with a pistol. There are different methods that exist and this manual does not denounce other methods as ineffective. The purpose of this manual is to provide a strong foundation to build upon. The pistol that will be used for demonstrative pictures is Springfield Armory XDM 40. Credentials: Bryan Nguyen Corporal/United States Marine Corps Military Occupational Specialty 0311 Infantry Rifleman 8152 Basic Security Guard 0933 Marksmanship Instructor

WARNING!
Before handling a firearm, memorize basic firearm safety rules: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Treat every weapon as if it were loaded. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire. Never point your weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot. Keep your weapon on safe until you intend to fire. Know your target and what lies beyond.

These basic rules will always be followed while handling firearms, for your safety as well as others. Remember that a firearm is a tool that requires an action from a human to function. Firearms do not randomly discharge. Manufacturers do extensive testing, including dropping firearms from different heights, while loaded and on fire, REPEATLY. The majority of injuries and accidental death is from incidents where the weapon was assumed unloaded. The following guidelines are suggested: Dont assume, KNOW. Always do a visual inspection to ensure the chamber is clear. To perform this, grip the slide from the back and lock it back (Figure 1). Many firearms have a secondary indicator that it is loaded, use it as a double-check AFTER visually inspecting. Always clear a firearm before handing it off to another person. Despite having just cleared the firearm, remember you are to treat it as if it were loaded. Be aware of your surroundings. Safety is everyones responsibility. If you observe an unsafe action, it is your duty to correct the individual. If correcting an individual will put you in danger, alert proper authority such as range staff or local police.

Figure 1

Nomenclature

Figure 2 This nomenclature model applies only to the Springfield Armory XDM 40. All base models of pistols will have the majority of these components specific to the model. Please refer to manufacturer supplied manual for a diagram for your model.

Carries
There are three basic types of carries: Holstered The Holstered carry requires the pistol on safe and secured properly inside the holster. Figure 3A Tactical The Tactical carry is performed by holding the pistol properly with both hands and arms relaxed about 45 degrees from the body. Figure 3B Ready The Ready carry is performed by bringing the pistol to eye level, either from the Tactical carry, or from the Holstered carry. In this carry, your wrists and forearms will have light muscular tension to stabilize the pistol. Figure 3C

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

The Fundamentals of Marksmanship

Marksmanship is defined by as: the art of a person skilled at shooting at a mark or target. Accuracy is not accidental. There are four areas that directly impact accuracy.

Aiming
Understanding how to properly aim the pistol as designed is the first step. Identify your primary eye* 1. Extend your arms in front of body making a triangle shape with thumbs and index fingers of both hands. 2. Focusing on your hands, move the triangle over an object at least ten away. 3. Close your right eyelid; if the object disappears you are right-eye dominant. If it remains there, you are left-eye dominant. Align your sights 1. Face the target. If you do not have a target, a piece of paper with a two-inch square around eye level will be sufficient. 2. Present the pistol at the Ready. 3. Focus on the front sight above the barrel. For all steps that follow, maintain focus on the front sight. 4. Using peripheral vision, align the front sight so it is at the center of the rear sight. Figure 4 5. Using peripheral vision, align the top of the front sight to the top of the rear sight. Figure 4 Acquire sight picture. 6. Maintaining proper sight alignment, adjust your arms so the front sight is where the bullet is desired to impact. 7. Ensure that when target is acquired eyes remain focused on the front sight. All other objects should be blurry and only seen in peripherals. Figure 4

The dominant eye is unlike right/left handedness. The dominant eye processes visual input 14 to 21 milliseconds faster than the other. When concentrating on an object, you will view it from the perspective of your dominant eye.

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Grip
The proper grip accounts for control of the pistol before, during, and after firing. It affects many variables such as: Stabilization to decrease movement of the sights while aiming. Provide a foundation for trigger control. A proper grip is independent of the trigger finger pulling the trigger. Recoil management. A proper grip will absorb recoil and expedite the return of the sight to the target.

Stance 1. Face the target with your feet shoulder-width apart. 2. Place the foot of your dominant side half a foot-length forward. 3. Bend your knees slightly while minimizing tension in legs. 4. Bend slightly forward at the waist. Isosceles Grip 5. With the pistol in the holster, place your primary hand as high up against the arch of the grip as possible. Figure 5A 6. Naturally let the hand grip the pistol and bring it to the ready. 7. Place the heel of the supporting hand into the remaining exposed portion while attempting to contact as much of the surface area as possible. Figure 5B 8. Apply equal pressure from both hands. 9. Extend your arms to the Ready carry. 10. With slight tensions in the forearms and wrist, roll both shoulders forward. Figure 3C

Trigger Control
Improper trigger control can disrupt sight alignment and increase recoil. Aiming is considerably more difficult without trigger control. Proper trigger control is independent of tension in grip. Trigger Control 1. Present the pistol to the Ready while applying the Isosceles grip. 2. Follow the steps in Aiming to acquire target. 3. Maintaining sight alignment, pull the trigger BACK with the second section of your index finger. Tips: Your finger naturally curls into the hand. Pulling the trigger should be a motion that moves perpendicular to the back of the gun, NOT angled toward your hand. Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast. Take your time. Rushing a trigger pull is far more likely to disrupt sight alignment and decrease accuracy.

Breath Control
The diaphragm is in constant tension while breathing. It is under the most tension while you hold your breath. It is under the least tension after you breathe out. Breathing Guide 1. Breathe naturally. 2. After you breathe out, begin pausing for 2-3 seconds before breathing back in. 3. Create a rhythm that maintains similar intervals between breathing in, breathing out, and pausing. 4. Present the pistol to the Tactical carry. 5. If necessary, correct your grip. 6. Present the pistol to the Ready carry. 7. Aim the pistol at your target. 8. During the pause between breaths, pull the trigger.

Conclusion
This is not the end-all manual for pistol marksmanship; however mastering the basic fundamentals in this manual will provide a strong foundation to build upon. As with any skill, practice and experience will help establish the actions into memory. Dry-fire is a cheap and effective way to practice as well as identify errors. A user may find that the fundamentals alone may produce a tight shot pattern, however off center. For those errors please refer to Figure 6 (US Army Pistol Correction Chart).

Figure 6

Works Cited
United States. United States Marine Corps. Combat Development Command. 3-01B Pistol Marksmanship. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print. Springfield XDM40, .40 S&W. N.d. Photograph. The Marksman. Web. 21 Mar. 2013.