Tips On How To Find Your Natural Aiming Area

by
posted on November 4, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bz-aiming-4.jpg

All effective firing positions in pistol shooting incorporate the shooter's natural aiming area (NAA). NAA refers to the natural alignment of the shooter and the gun in any position.

To determine your NAA, first assume your position, with your eyes open and your gun aimed at a target. Next, close your eyes. With your eyes still closed, make a circle with the pistol, and then settle into the position that feels most stable and comfortable, and take several breaths. Then, open your eyes and observe where your gun's sights are pointed in relation to the target. Ideally, the sight picture will be aligned with the target. If the sight picture is aligned to the right or left or slightly high or low, you will have to modify your foot position or some other aspect of your stance to achieve the proper natural alignment.

Of course, the sight picture does not stay perfectly still, as it is impossible to hold a pistol without some movement. When proper NAA is achieved, the "wobble area" of the sights will be centered on target.

Repeat the NAA exercise until your stance is adjusted for the proper natural alignment. You should make every effort to adopt this same alignment each time the stance is assumed in order to take advantage of your NAA. Also, periodically repeat the NAA exercise, as changes in shooting experience, posture, age and so forth can affect the body's natural alignment.


See more: Bullseye Pistol Aiming with Brian Zins

Latest

2026 ARC Scopemounting 6
2026 ARC Scopemounting 6

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge: Kyle Lamb’s Guide to Mounting a Scope for ARC

Kyle Lamb walks through optics mounting with practical advice on leveling, eye relief and preventing scope shift during ARC competition.

Politics, Weather and Rising Stars Mark a Turning Point: 1990 National Matches

The 1990 National Matches at Camp Perry saw funding threats, severe weather cancellations and major victories by shooters like David Tubb and Jim Meredith as a new decade began.

Review: GP Arms Patriot Rebel

The GP Arms Patriot Rebel is a mid-level 2011 built for Limited Optics, delivering 1,000-plus rounds of flawless reliability including a full USPSA Nationals.

Milan Cortina 2026: Team USA’s Masters Defends Paralympic Biathlon Title With Perfect Shooting

Oksana Masters defended her Paralympic biathlon sprint title with flawless shooting at Milan Cortina 2026, with teammate Kendall Gretsch taking silver.

MidwayUSA Foundation Sends $7.5 Million to 995 Youth Shooting Teams Across 46 States

MidwayUSA Foundation concludes its February grant cycle with more than $7.5 million paid to youth shooting teams nationwide, funded by endowments that allow teams to draw 5% annually in perpetuity.

2026 NSCA Championship Tour Opens in March With Eight Stops and Expanded Winchester Ladies Cup

The NSCA Championship Tour, Powered by Winchester returns for 2026 with eight stops, $40,000 in added Ladies Cup payouts and 120 cases of ammunition for women competitors.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.