Darwin Lviv

An accurate shot begins not with pulling the trigger, but with proper aim. Everything matters—grip, stance, breathing, and, most importantly, the ability to properly operate the sights. These skills must be constantly practiced. Only then will every bullet fly right to the center of the target.

In this article we will look at,How to aim at a target correctlyTo ensure a confident and accurate shot. We’ll explain how a scope works, tell you how to maintain a stable stance, and point out common mistakes that prevent beginner shooters from hitting their target.

Sighting Basics: Front Sight, Rear Sight, and Line of Sight

The sighting system of any firearm consists of a number of key components that work together to provide the shooter with precise target alignment. Key components include the front sight, the rear sight (or rear sight notch), and the reticle/reticule (in optical sights). Each of these components plays a role in the aiming process, and together they form the aiming line.

The line of sight is an imaginary line connecting the shooter’s eye, the sighting devices, and the target. To properly form it, all sighting elements must be precisely aligned:

Mechanical sights. Align the front sight with the center of the rear sight notch so that their top edges align.
Optical sight. Here, aiming is done through a reticle (cross or dot), which must coincide with the target.
Laser sight. In this case, the reference point is a dot projected onto the target by a laser.

It’s important to remember that the line you’re aiming at isn’t the same as the bullet’s trajectory. There’s a slight angle between them due to the distance between your eye/sight and the barrel. Because of this, at short ranges, the round will hit slightly below the reticle. At zero sighting distance, the trajectory and the line of sight intersect. Beyond that, the bullet begins to descend again. To compensate for this, the scope is adjusted so that the bullet’s trajectory intersects the line of sight at a given distance (usually 25 or 100 meters).

Determining the dominant eye

When shooting, it’s crucial to aim with your dominant eye—the one that’s most accurate at fixating on the target. But how do you determine which eye is which? You can use this technique:

Stretch your arms forward and connect your fingers in a small circle, forming a “window”.
Select a distant object (such as a light switch on the wall) and point the circle directly at it, keeping both eyes open.
Without moving your hands to the side, close one eye, then the other.
The eye through which the object remains in the center of the circle is your dominant eye.

At the first training sessions inshooting rangeThe instructor will help you determine your dominant eye and demonstrate proper head position. This is one of the fundamental factors that influences your shooting accuracy.

Body position, grip, aiming and breathing control

Making an accurate shot requires more than just pulling the trigger. Details make all the difference. Let’s look at some practical tips to help improve your shooting.

Stand

A stable, comfortable stance is the foundation of accuracy. Place your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, with your toes turned out at a 45° angle. Place your front leg slightly forward, with your knees slightly bent. Lean your torso forward slightly, keeping your center of gravity between your feet. This position absorbs recoil and ensures control of the gun after firing.

Grip

Hold the gun firmly, but without undue tension. For long-barreled weapons, hold the butt firmly against your shoulder. Your dominant hand should be on the trigger, and the other under the forend. For a pistol, use a two-handed grip. Your dominant hand should control the grip, while your supporting hand should grasp and stabilize it. Keep your wrist straight.

Aiming

Aim with your dominant eye. Keep the front sight and rear sight notch aligned vertically. The front sight should be precisely centered on the rear sight, and its top edge should not extend beyond the notch. Once you’ve selected your target, shift your focus to the front sight. It should be as sharp as possible, while the target itself remains slightly blurred in your field of view.

Breathing control

Before firing, take a deep breath and then exhale slowly. It’s at this point that you should squeeze the trigger. Do this smoothly, using the pad of your index finger. Your finger shouldn’t tug on the trigger or press on it from the side, as this could cause the gun to shift, resulting in an inaccurate shot.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Inaccurate shooting is a sign that the shooter has made a mistake. They happen to everyone, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The key is to spot them early, before they become a habit, and systematically work to correct them.

Let’s look at the main mistakes that can affect a shooter’s accuracy.

Poorly chosen stand

Incorrect positioning can lead to loss of balance and make it difficult to control the kickback. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly forward, knees slightly bent, and your torso leaning forward.

Dropped elbows

If your elbows are down, the gun will rise up during the shot, making it harder to re-aim the target. Keep your elbows slightly out and maintain a controlled position during the shot sequence.

Unreliable grip

A weak or incorrect grip will cause the gun to “wobble” from side to side while shooting, reducing accuracy. Your grip should be firm and stable, with proper hand and finger positioning.

Incorrect finger position on the trigger

Pressing the trigger with the side or knuckle of your finger causes the barrel to move to the side. Press it smoothly, using the pad of your index finger.

Aiming too long

Prolonged eye and muscle strain blurs focus and causes tremors. The optimal aiming interval is approximately 7-10 seconds. If you don’t fire a shot within this time, relax, catch your breath, and try again.

Head movement when pointing

When you “catch” the front sight with your head, the position of your sights changes relative to the target. With proper technique, only your arms should be working, while your head and body remain still.

Practice at the shooting range

The best place to learn how to aim correctly and shoot accurately is at a shooting range. It offers all the necessary conditions for safe and consistent practice. During these training sessions, you’ll be accompanied by an instructor. They’ll explain the design of the sights and demonstrate How to align the front and rear sights Together, you’ll practice your stance and grip, learn to control your breathing, and pull the trigger correctly. During the session, the instructor will observe your actions. If you make any mistakes, he or she will immediately point them out and help you correct them. With regular training, you’ll quickly learn how to shoot accurately and become completely automatic at the firing line.