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

MMSSA Futureshootersinitiative 1
MMSSA Futureshootersinitiative 1

Metal Madness Launches Future Shooters Initiative to Promote Family-Friendly Firearm Safety and Education

Metal Madness introduces a family-focused shooting program that combines firearm safety education with fun, accessible competition for youth and adults alike

Kayla Mullin Claims USPSA Collegiate Limited Title at Hillsdale College

Kayla Mullin wins 2025 USPSA Collegiate Limited division title at Hillsdale College, outshooting all competitors in a field of 53 from top U.S. universities

Team Winchester and White Flyer Return to San Antonio for Sporting Clays Showdown

The NSCA Championship Tour powered by Winchester wraps in Texas this week with top shooters from Team Winchester & White Flyer chasing national titles and Winchester Ladies Cup honors

Review: CZ P-10 F OR

CZ P-10 F OR: full-size optics-ready 9 mm, 19+1 capacity, long grip, reliable striker-fired action and solid out-of-the-box accuracy

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge Summit Heads to Gunsite Academy This November

Gunsite Academy will host the 2025 Gunsite NRA America’s Rifle Challenge Summit in Arizona Nov. 8-9, offering AR training, competition and tactical challenges

Review: SIG Sauer M400-TREAD & ROMEO5XDR Gen II

SIG’s M400 TREAD 5.56 mm rifle paired with the ROMEO5XDR Gen II optic delivers competition grade performance and exceptional value straight from the box

Interests



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