When driving, a vehicle operator needs to use just enough strength and agility to ensure that the vehicle is stable and controlled and that it stays on the correct side of the road. If someone over-drives a vehicle, he or she could end up jerking the wheel, swerving into the wrong lane or running off the road entirely. On the other hand, if an operator under-drives, he or she could end up losing control of the vehicle and meandering into traffic. Either one is inefficient and potentially dangerous. Thus, the operator needs to apply just enough control of the vehicle at all times.
The same (or similar) could be said about shooting guns. A firearms operator needs to use just enough strength and agility to ensure that the firearm is stable and controlled and that it stays on target. If someone over-drives the gun, he or she could end up pushing the muzzle too far downward and missing the target entirely. However, if an operator under-drives, he or she could end up losing control of the gun and sending rounds over the berm. Either one is inefficient and potentially dangerous. Thus, the operator needs to apply just enough control of the firearm at all times.
How to Set Up the Drill
To ensure that you are maintaining proper control of your firearm, try this marking exercise. It’s a fairly easy setup since the target itself and the distance are not vital to your success. Staple a notecard on a backer at 3 yards, or use any smaller target area (preferably around 2 to 4 inches) at distances from 3 to 12 yards, depending on your current skill level. Keep in mind that this activity is easiest and most beneficial if you can employ the assistance of a shooting buddy. A video-capturing device will make it even better.
The focus for this marking activity will be you, the shooter. You will get in a good stance, apply proper shooting fundamentals and fire five rounds at a smooth and deliberate cadence at the designated target.
Count it out if you have to. For instance, say, “One-thousand ONE, one-thousand TWO, one-thousand THREE, one-thousand FOUR, one-thousand FIVE.” Or select a shooting rhythm or pattern that works for you. As you engage the target, your assistant will need to stand on the side of your dominant (shooting) hand and select a seam or point on your clothing to “mark” and then follow throughout the shooting process. The assistant can hold out a pen or a hand along that mark or just line up a camera so that it remains still during the entire recording process. As you fire the gun, your buddy will be able to see or capture movement caused by the recoil of the firearm and compare it to the chosen (marked) location.
Analyzing Your Shots
Any significant movement backward from the marked spot shows that you are under-driving the gun and not controlling it aggressively enough. This backward movement happens more often than not, and a nice slow-motion video can prove as much if you are not prone to believe you’re exerting inadequate control of your firearm. In this case, you will need to focus on stance adjustments and use your upper body to lean in more (“nose in front of toes”) to better manage that recoil. Be sure that you are on the balls of your feet and that your toes are not coming up during shooting.
On the other hand, any significant movement too far forward, with the gun’s muzzle possibly even moving downward, would be a sign that you’re over-driving the gun and exerting too much control. In this case, you should ease up on leaning forward or pushing so far in toward the target.
Either problem is something you should address and fix. Then take five more shots with a smooth cadence to apply and practice the needed changes. Keep trying until you are able to find the correct application of control for that particular gun. Note that this marking activity can be used for both handguns and long guns to address stance and proper recoil management. In fact, it’s a great training tool that the USCCA currently uses in its AR-15 Fundamentals course.
