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

W3742 SSUSA 9808 Web
W3742 SSUSA 9808 Web

Review: Fabarm Infinite RS Sporting

A radically modern double gun built to challenge over-under dominance on the sporting-clays course.

New: Federal 6 mm ARC Gold Medal Berger Target Load

Federal ships a new 6 mm ARC Gold Medal match load, blending Berger bullets with factory consistency for long-range precision.

Rising Shooting Stars: Jonathan Russell

Driven by discipline and a passion for marksmanship, 14-year-old Jonathan Russell is redefining junior rifle shooting with national records and championship performances.

Barnes and Sierra Turn Doppler Data Into a Smarter Ballistics App

TrueData is a new ballistics app using Doppler-measured bullet data and live weather inputs to deliver more realistic shot predictions.

Classic SSUSA: Kenda Lenseigne World Champion Interview

World champion Kenda Lenseigne shares her journey in cowboy mounted shooting, training secrets and her experience at the 2011 Bianchi Cup.

New: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Chambered in 360 Buckhammer

Smith & Wesson expands its Model 1854 lever-action rifle lineup with a 360 Buckhammer option.

Interests



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