front sight in the rear sight, the bullet will miss the point
of aim by almost 15 inches at 25 yards of range.
AIMING POINT.—The correct aiming point,
when you fire at a bull’s-eye target at 25 yards, is a 6
o’clock sight picture. At 15 yards, bring the aiming
point well up into the black. When you fire at an “E”
type of silhouette target, the aiming point is in the center
of the target.
CORRECT SIGHT PICTURE.—A sight picture
is the pattern of the pistol sights in relation to the target
as you aim the pistol. A correct sight picture combines
correct sight alignment and correct aiming point (fig.
11-31). When you are aiming, your eye cannot focus
simultaneously on three objects (rear sight, front sight,
and bull’s-eye) at different ranges. Therefore, the last
focus of the eye should always be on the front sight. You
will see the front and rear sights sharp and clear, but the
bull’s-eye will appear to be a bit hazy.
NOTE
If sight alignment is correct, the bullet will
strike the bull’s-eye even if the sight picture is
partially off center but still touching the
bull’s-eye.
Since it is physically impossible to hold the weapon
perfectly still, you must learn to apply trigger squeeze
and to maintain correct sight alignment while the
weapon is moving around the bull’s-eye. This
movement is referred to as the wobble area. You must
accept this wobble area, or movement, trying to keep it
to a minimum.
Position
To position yourself properly for firing the pistol,
you need to know how to grip the pistol correctly and
how to position your body in relation to the target. Only
the standing position will be covered in this section
because it is the one used in qualification. However, the
pistol can also be fired accurately from the kneeling,
standing, and sitting positions. The pistol may be
gripped with either a one-hand grip or a two-hand grip.
STANDING POSITION ONE-HAND GRIP.—
To assume the standing position using the one-hand grip
(fig. 11-32), face the target squarely and then execute an
exaggerated half-left face (about 50°). Spread your feet
about shoulder width apart until you’re standing
comfortably. Your legs should be straight, but not stiff,
and your hips should be level. Extend the index finger of
your shooting hand and point it at the target, forming a V
with the thumb and forefinger. Adjust your stance until
your finger points naturally, without muscle tension, at
the center of the target. Pick the pistol up with your other
hand and place it in the V of your shooting hand.
11-21
Student Notes:
Figure 11-31.—Correct sight alignment and sight picture.
Figure 11-32.—Standing position (pistol).
