ROSALIN, KAIZER PAUL 1-29-20

BSCRIM2 (BBA)(8:00-9:00) PECRIM4

Principles of Marksmanship

1. Make use of a comfortable stance

The excellence of the stance is a major factor in creating conditions for maximum control. Every
individual processes a combination of individual characteristics that is peculiar to him/her alone.

Main requirements of a stance:

a.) Equilibrium and stability
The greatest possible degree of equilibrium and stability in the body weapon system
occurs when there is at least possible strain on the shooter’s muscle.
b.) Head position
This would allow the efficient use of the eyes of the shooter throughout the sighting and
aiming process.
c.) Position of the feet
The feet should be about the width of the shoulders with the toes pointed out slightly
d.) Legs
These should be straight but not tense with the knee joint semi locked but relaxed
e.) Hips
These should be leveled in natural position.
f.) Non-shooting arm
The non-shooting arm should should be relaxed and put at the chest
g.) Shooting arm
The arm should be extended with twist and elbow locked without strain
h.) Head and shoulders
These should be leveled and so slouching with unnatural tilt to the head
i.) Body weight
It should be on the toes and not on the heel.

2. Establish a steady position

This refers to the establishment of a position that allows the weapon to be held still while it is
being fired.

Elements of steady position:

a.) Non-firing hand grip
b.) Rifle-butt position
c.) Firing hand grip
d.) Firing elbow placement
e.) Non-firing elbow
f.) Stock weld
General stances
In shooting position, it is very important to know the comfort of every shooter. If
someone accurately shoots at a certain position, then one must use it. Here are two option of
stances that one can use.
a.) Weaver/boxer/aggressive stance. This is a shooting technique wherein one foot is in front.
Although the weaver stance was originally design for pistols, it can be applied virtually to any
type of firearm. However, the main principles of the stance must still be applied. This technique
must be variations including stances with the support hand carrying flashlight, knife, baton, or
other item.

Main components of weaver stance:

1. The first component is two-handed technique in which the dominant hand holds the pistol or
revolver while the support hand wraps around the dominant hand. The dominant arm’s elbow is
noticeably bent straight down. The shooter pushes forward with his/her dominant hand exerts
reward pressure.
2. The second component is the positioning of the feet in a walking stance, with the offside foot
ahead of the strong side foot. A right handed person will have the right foot angle out to
approximately forty five degrees to the side and to the rear at shoulder length. A left handed
person would reverse the footing.

b.) Isosceles stance. This is considered modern, this is widely used today by instructors and
shooters because of its wide range and it is easily performed.

3.) Proper placement of aiming point

This refers to the precise alignment of the rifle/handgun sights with the target. The aiming points
w/c are commonly used are six-o’clock hold, twelve-o’clock hold and center hold. There is
proper aiming when correct sight alignment and sight picture are established.

Sight alignment is the relationship between the rear sight and eye. The front sight is
centered in the rear sight notch and the top of the blade is even with the top of the rear sight.
Sight picture is also the relationship between the rear sight and the front sights of the
target with respect to the eye. This differs from sight alignment only by adding the bull’s eye or
aiming points to the front sight blade.

Errors in sight alignment. The usual errors of the firers during sight alignment are the
angular shift error and parallel shift error. The improper position of the front sight post is
referred to as the angular shift error, while parallel sift error is the improper placement of the
sight alignment on the aiming point.

4.) Trigger control

This is the independent action of the forefinger on the trigger pulling it straight to the rear with
uniformly increasingly pressure until the weapon is fired.

Guidelines for proper trigger control:

a. the trigger finger’s location is where it false naturally on the trigger.
b. the slack or free play in the trigger is taken up first
c. apply pressure with with the trigger finger only
d. trigger finger must be in an arch position to avoid contact with the side of the gun.

Errors in trigger control:

a.) Flinching
b.) Jerking
c.) Follow through
d.) Calling the shots