FUNDAMENTALS OF

MARKSMANSHIP

Compiled by:
MICHAEL JOHN C. SULLANO, RCRIM
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKSMANSHIP

Fundamentals Of Marksmanship Introduction 4

Marksmanship Training 4

Preparatory Training in Marksmanship Is Divided into Five Parts 5

Mechanical Training in Marksmanship Is Divided into Six Parts Range Practice In 5

Marksmanship Is Divided Into Six Parts

Shooting Basics 5

Guidelines For Proper Trigger Control 8

Errors In Trigger Control 9

Causes Of Bad Shots and Positive Correction 9

CHAPTER 2: SHOT SEQUENCE IN BULLSEYE SHOOTING 12

Shot sequence in bullseye shooting 12

Basic of practical shooting 13

CHAPTER III: APPLY THE FUNDAMENTALS 14

Apply the fundamentals 14

Safety first 15

Single action trigger control 15

Breathe control 15

Long range shooting 15

The front sight is the key! 16

Sighting-in 16

The finger- forward grip 17

Grip and fire control 17

Double action shooting 18

CHAPTER IV: THE DRAW 19

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 The strong side draw 19

The crossdraw 19

CHAPTER V: SHOOTING POSITION AND TECHNIQUES 20

Natural shooting 20

The natural stance 24

CHAPTER VI: GOING PRONE 25

The rollover prone 25

CHAPTER VII: RAPID FIRE 26

Weak hand shooting 27

The double tap 27

CHAPTER VIII: NIGHT FIRING 29

The switchover 31

Basic barricade technique 31

CHAPTER IX: GUN HANDLING 32

Feeding and extraction jams 32

CHAPTER X: RELOADING THE AUTO PISTOL 33

The stressfire revolvers reload 33

How to clear a stovepipe 34

Control the flinch 34

How to control the match nerves 35

Mental preparation 35

CHAPTER XI: Safety rules 36

Four rules of gun safety 36

Essential gun safety rules to follow 37

Ten Commandments of gun safety 39

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Range safety and labels 39

Answer to objection to firearm ownership 40

Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act 41
References 42

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 CHAPTER 1
FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKSMANSHIP

INTRODUCTION

Proper firearms' training is one phase of Law Enforcement which cannot be ignored. No part of
training of law enforcement is more important or more valuable. The life of law enforcement officer as
well as those of his fellow officer depends directly on his skills in handling his weapons. Proficiency
with the handgun is not attaining exclusively by the volume of ammunition expended or the numbers
of hours spend on the firing line. Supervised practice and the use of training skills and techniques
while are available at minimum or no cost to law enforcement agencies help make the shooter. The
qualified shooter must develop his coordination of thought, vision and motion before he gains the
confidence to handle his firearms.

Marksmanship is the skillful art of shooting and hitting the target at a given range or known distance.

Marksmanship Training

A. Purposes of Marksmanship Training

1. To develop the ability to shoot quickly and accurately.

2. To obtain proficiency in the use of any type of firearm for self defense.
3. To enhance the ability in criminal combat fighting.
4. To master the use of firearms under any or all conditions.
5. To learn the technique of dismantling, assembling, caring and functioning of any firearm.
B. Importance of Marksmanship Training

1. Marksmanship training is important because a law enforcement officer that cannot shoot
correctly and accurately becomes a liability rather than an asset in a police department.
2. It is important because a firearm becomes a dangerous weapon in the hands of ignorant,
careless and untrained law enforcement officers.
3. It is important because the defense of the person and his rights often times depend on the
effectiveness of a law enforcement officer with his service firearm.
4. Marksmanship is generally divided into three phases:
a) Preparatory Training;
b) Mechanical Training; and
c) Range Practice
5. Marksmanship training is necessary because it enhances law enforcement morale and gets the
respect of the citizen for law enforcement.

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Preparatory Training in Marksmanship is divided into five parts:
1. Aiming exercises;
2. Position exercises;
3. Trigger squeeze exercises;
4. Timed-fire exercises; and
5. Sustained - fire exercises

Mechanical Training in Marksmanship is divided into six parts:

1. Description of firearms;
2. Disassembling and assembling;
3. Care and cleaning:
4. Functions;
5. Spare parts and accessories; and
6. Ammunitions

Range Practice in Marksmanship is divided into six parts:

1. Instruction practice;
2. Record practice;
3. Know-distance target firing:
4. Combat firing; and
5. Mounted firing
 Ensure the hammer is not triggered when the revolver is partially disassembled.
 Pressure on the trigger must be released sufficiently after each shot to prevent the
trigger from reengaging in a single action as well as in double - action firing.

Shooting Basics

A. Stance
 The excellence of the stance is a major factor in creating conditions for maximum
control. Every individual possesses a combination of individual characteristics that are
peculiar to him alone. Examples of these are height, weight and proportion of body
development to muscle system. Therefore, there is no definite all purpose stance which
applies equally to all shooters. The shooter on the basis on his own particular
configuration must find a stance that provides the greatest degree of stability for his
body.

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1. Control. There is no effective way to actually stop recoil from happening. All
we can do is recover from it as precisely, consistently and quickly as possible. A
technique that results in consistent control is keeping your mind and body
relaxed and your antagonistic muscle to a minimum. Antagonistic muscles are
those that are not directly involved in supporting the gun. Muscle tension does
not provide recoil control. Recoil control recovery is only possible through
exercising the fundamentals of position, timing and relaxation.

2. Arms. It does not really matter whether your arms are straight or bent as long
as they are relaxed, and you do not have any unequal muscle tension to hold the
gun. A correct tension- free lock- up takes stress off the arm muscles. It's a
gentle- stopping place when the arms extend. If your arms are looking straight
through tension, or if your arms are bent because there's so much tension (that
they can't extend any further), neither position is correct for you. The main thing
is that your arms are in a relaxed, natural position and not forced there.

3. Posture. Essentially an upright stance in that the spine is straight. Bent knees
down somewhat so that the legs move the upper body and pistol from target to
target. Do not twist the waist to move the gun. Stay still from the waist up to keep
the gun centered in the upper body triangle. The knees must be kept flexible to
allow this type of gun movement. The faster that you need to shoot, the more the
knees are bent down.

There should be a certain amount of weight placed forward to control recoil, but
avoid any sort of exaggerated forward leaning-stance as that can lead to tension
in different antagonistic muscles. Flex knees to give a balanced and stable
position; the knee moves the center of gravity down and slightly forward. Weight
slightly favors the balls of the feet and bent forward slightly from the waist - just
enough to counteract the recoil of the gun and feel slightly aggressive. Bending
from the waist allows the spine to stay straight.

Shoulders should stay naturally down and back into their sockets, as they are
when you are standing at rest.

The head should be positioned so that the eye can look directly out of its socket
and straight through the sight. Avoid extreme head positions such as canting to
one side. The more naturally upright and centered your head can be better.
Tilting your head too much can impair visual perception and peripheral vision,
and, in an extreme case, your balance. Bring the pistol up to your eye level, not
the other way around.

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 4. Alignment. Stand essentially, directly facing the target. Essentially because
most shooter positions their weak sides slightly forward. Stand with right foot a
little bit farther back than the left foot. Avoid any extremes, as you don't want to
pull the gun away from your body's centerline.

5. Natural Point of aim. Your feet and body must be positioned so that sights
align naturally with the target when the pistol; is raised to eye level. This
automatic alignment is called natural point of aim.

If your arms settle to one side of the target, compensate by moving the feet right
or left as necessary. If your arms settle high or low, compensate by closing or
opening the distance between your feet.

6. Stance width. This is largely a matter of comfort. It should be wide enough to

give you stability. It should however not be spread apart to the point where the
knees straighten as you move from target to target or where you have difficulty
moving. On the other hand, the feet should not be placed together so closely that
you could lose your balance when you must swing through your full range of
movement to shoot widely spaced targets. Most shooters use a narrower stance
when shooting slowly and require more precision, when the shooting is close and
fast, they tend to step into a wider and more aggressive stance.

B. Grip
 Consistency and neutrality are the goals. You should have a totally neutral feeling in
each hand. Achieving neutral allows the grip and stance technique to perform its most
important, allowing the gun to recoil in the function: all same direction, to the same level,
and on the same path. The grip and stance cannot control recoil in the sense of
stopping recoil. That's not possible. What is possible is control of sight and gun.
 Hand Position. The shooting hand should be positioned as high as the gun as is
comfortable. The closer the line of the bore of the gun is to your hands, the less
mechanical advantage the muzzle has to be left in recoil.
 Part of achieving neutrality in the grip means that the support hand must directly and
equally involved with holding the gun. The support hand does not just contact the
shooting hand; it also touches the pistol itself. The heel portion below the thumb of the
support hand makes full contact with the grip panel. The heels of both hands are butted
solidly against each other, but there is no inward pressure from hand-to-hand.
 With this grip, the support hand is positioned slightly forward on the gun so that the
support hand fingers can just engulf the shooting hand. The support hand should also
be placed as high up on the gun as comfortable possible, with the index finger firmly up
against the trigger guard. There should be no gap in the fingers of either hand, and
while some shooters like to extend the support hand's index finger to wrap around the

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  front of the trigger guard, this technique does not often a strong grip. The thumb and the
index finger are the strongest part of your grip and when you put one of them on the
trigger guard, you split them apart.

C. Breathe Control
 The breathing process provides the body with oxygen and eliminates waste elements
from the blood. Correct breathing while shooting is essential to proper body functions. A
complete respiratory cycle last for 4-5 seconds (inhaling and exhaling) and between
each cycle, there is a pause of 2-3 seconds. This pause can be extended up to 10
seconds without any special labor or unpleasant sensation. It is during this pause
between breaths that the shooter should fire the shot. The reason is that during the
respiratory pause, the breathing muscles are relaxed thus the shooter avoids strain from
the diaphragm. Also thinking of the need to breathe does not break concentration. If the
holing of breath is not sufficient to allow the shot to be fired within the required time, hold
fire, release trigger, resume normal breathing and repeat the process.

D. Sight Alignment
 It is the relationship between the rear sight and front sight with respect to the eye. The
front sight is centered in the rear sight notch and the top of the blade is even with top of
the rear sight.
Sight Picture - is the relationship between the rear sight and the front sight to the target
with respect to the eye. These differ from sight alignment only by adding the target. In
the situation, there are three objects in front of the eye: the rear sight, the front sight and
the target. Since the eye can focus only on one, the focus should be on the front sight.

E. Trigger Control
 It is the method used to apply pressure on the trigger so that they shot can be fired with
the least amount of disturbance to sight alignment. It is the independent action of the
trigger with uniform increasing pressure straight to the rear after the slack has been
taken.
Trigger Squeeze - is the same type of pressure that would be applied to a "medicine
dropper" to expel one drop. The "pressure" is applied gradually and drop finally falls. The
shooter should not be able to predict the falling away of the one drop.

GUIDELINES FOR PROPER TRIGGER CONTROL

a. The trigger - is where it falls naturally on the trigger, This varies with every person. Find the
spot on your finger that suits you best. What is important is uniformity of the placement and the
ability to apply pressure straight the rear. to

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 b. The slack or free play in the trigger is taken up first.
c. Apply pressure with the trigger finger only.

d. Trigger finger must be in an arched position to avoid contact with the side of the pistol.

ERRORS IN TRIGGER CONTROL

a. Flinching - muscular tension or reaction in anticipation of recoil. It is caused by moving the
head, closing the eyes, moving the shoulder to the rear or combination.
b. Jerking - an attempt to make the pistol fire at a certain instant by rapidly applying pressure
on the trigger.

Follow Through is the continued and physical application of the fundamentals after each round has
been fired. The shooter must not shift his position, move his head or bring down the pistol for a few
seconds after firing a shot.

Calling The Shot is the prediction of the shots on where the hits are on the target.

When the gun fires, the mental picture of sights in relation to each other and the bulls eye, tell
the shooter where the bullet should have gone. Other items that have to be considered would
include any sudden movement of the hand, a tendency of the arm to swing in one direction or
another. It is extremely important that the shooter learn to predict where every shot should
have struck the target. To describe the location of a hit on the target, the numerals on a clock
dials are related to the target. The hits are "called" by using the imaginary figures on the clock
face, such bulls' eye ate 10:00 o'clock, 8:00 at 4:00 o'clock and so on. It is the only means by
which the shooter can begin to analyze its own mistakes.

Rhythm - Good shooting demands consistency in the shooter. The consistency goes to the point
where each of deliveries a shot on target is done in the same way each time. This might be called
"habit". However, each of these things must be done in the same cadence - in the same length of
time - each time the act is repeated. This even involves such simple things as bringing the sights to
bear on the target from the same direction each time.

CAUSES OF BAD SHOTS AND POSITIVE CORRECTION

There are obviously a multitude of causes for "bad shots". It is not intended to be complete list nor is
intended to provide the shooter with the convenient list of bad habits. It is however, intended to assist
the shooter in finding the source of its troubles.

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 1. Not focusing on front sight - this quite frequently is
listed as "looking at the target". A shooter may be focusing his eyes on neither the sight nor the
target, but since he does not see
the target in clear focus he assumes he is looking at the sights. You must concentrate on the
front sight and maintain sight alignment while the shot is being fired.

2. Holding too long - adverse conditions that interrupt a shooter stability to "hold" may cause
him to delay the trigger pressure, waiting for conditions to get better. The disturbing factor about
this is that you will do it unconsciously. Therefore, you must continuously ask yourself. "Am I
determined to apply positive pressure on the trigger even if the movement enlarges as long as I
have perfect sight alignment?"
3. Improper grip or position - suffice to say that you cannot fire a decent score with any gun at
any range if you continually fire under the handicap of a faulty position that pulls you to either
side of the target or a grip that does not give your natural sight alignment.
4. Jerk or heel - the application of abrupt trigger pressure with the trigger finger, or in the case
of the heels flinching pushes the heel of the hand in a reflex action. This is caused by the need
to fire quickly during the short duration of a sight picture or the sights passing near the target
center. During a wind shot, sight alignment is much easier to maintain than a sight picture. Apply
pressure to the trigger straight to the rear and wait for the shot to break.
5. Anticipation - anticipation can cause muscular reflexes of any instant nature that so closely
coincide with recoil that extreme difficulty is experienced in making an accurate call. Anticipation
is also the sight of flinching.
6. Loss of concentration - if the shooter tells in his determination to apply positive pressure on
the trigger while concentrating on the front sight, his prior determination needs renewal and he
should rest and start over.
7. Anxiety - you and your work on shot meaning while building up in your mind doubt about
chances of the shot being good. Finally, you just get rid of the particular round so you may work
on the others.
8. Vacillation - this is a mental fault more than a physical one, which results in your accepting
minor imperfections, in some of your shots, which you could correct if you worked a little harder.
The end results, being you hope, you can get a good shot.
Apply the same determination and techniques to every shot you fire, and your resulting scores
will reflect the uniformity of performance.
9. Lack of Follow -Through follow- through is the subconscious attempt to keep everything just
as it was at the time the shot fired. In other words you are continuing to fire the shot even after it
is gone. Follow through is not to be confused with recovery. Merely recovering and holding on
the target after the shot is fired, is no indication that you are following thru.
10. Lack of rhythm - hesitancy on the shot or any subsequent shot in timed or rapid fire.
Develop a good rhythm with positive trigger pressure and then have the fortitude to employ it in
every case. Frequently many shooters will have fire rhythm until the last shot of a string and

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 then hesitate, doctoring up the last shot for extra
perfection. Time runs short, the target starts to run and the shot is jerked.
11. Match pressure - if there are 200 real competitors in a match rest assured that there are
200 shooters suffering from some degree of match pressure. If you are exerting all your mental
energy toward correctly executing the fundamentals, rather than the probable results. Your
reward will be what you feel when people congratulate you on a line performance.

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 CHAPTER II

SHOT SEQUENCE IN BULLSEYE SHOOTING

In "bullseye" shooting, let us accept that shot values is our aiming area. Focus on the front sight and
apply positive pressure all the way through the shot breaks.

1) Settle into your aiming area - your normal area of movements readily apparent. If in the
wind it happens to be larger or have abnormal characteristics and you are unable to reduce it
to normal, accept this as minimum for today and proceed to fire. However, make every effort to
hold the weapon motionless as possible. Take up initial trigger pressure currently.
2) Find sight alignment - your sight alignment must be exact and in such distinct focus that
the bullseye becomes blurred gray mass somewhere beyond the front sight.
3) Start positive trigger pressure - be determined that once started a positive constant rate
of pressure is to be completed without interruption. Any hesitation, change of rate, doubt about
result or loss of concentration will give you a less than acceptable score for the shot.
4) Concentrate on sight alignment - any distraction warrants benching the weapon and
starting over. Do not try to fire the shot if any uncontrollable irregularity disturbs the existence
of ideal conditions.
Do not think of impending results at the target. Any surprise shot within the aiming area with
good sight alignment will be a good shot. You must not think of anything except sight
alignment.
5) Try for surprise break of shot - your reflexes cannot Try quickly enough to disturb sight
alignment or a act smooth positive trigger pressure if the shot breaks as a surprise. Shot
breaking in the aiming area with good sight alignment will form a group representing the
equivalent of your holding ability.
6) Additional suggestions - it may be advantageous to "rest" after three or four shots.
Remember that you do not have to shoot before bringing your gun down to rest. When a
shooter fatigues, runs short of breath or has trouble in concentration, "by all means" he should
lower his arm, relax, breathe deeply and try again. Some excellent slow fire shooters try two or
three times before getting a shot fired. Do not expect to have a perfect sight picture, only
perfect sight alignment. You can shoot groups only within your ability to hold. Later your hold
will improve and your group aller will consequently grow smaller.

BASIC OF PRACTICAL SHOOTING

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 1) Organized shooting is termed practical if it involves
the three equivalent elements of accuracy power and speed - symbolized by the monogram
DVC (Diligentia, Vis, and Celeritas).

2) A defensive pistol must be capable of being brought into action from a safe carrying
condition with maximum speed.
3) The practical shot delivers decisive hit in the shortest time his skills permits, but minute time
differentials between contestants are less important than the union of varied target problems.
4) A quick accurate hit is meaningless unless it is powerful hit. In competition, therefore, a
power minimum is stipulated and power increases above that are encouraged.
5) In practical competition, the target is of size representing the area on adversary in which a
single hit with a power may be expected to stop the action.
6) The pistol is a defensive arm, and practical pistol competition is conducted mainly or ranges
typical of defensive encounters.
7) Practical problems are constantly varied within parameters consistent with defensive
combat, so that the unexpected challenge is taken for granted.
8) Practical weapons and accessory equipment are not technically restricted expect as to
insure safe and sensible approximation of defensive confrontations. Weapons or equipment
not suitable for continuous indefinite wear are not recognized but innovation encouraged.
9) Continuity of fire may occasionally be necessary in defensive combat and is tested in
practical competition. (It is not the whole measure of practical marksmanship, however, and
must not be overemphasized).
10) Practical shooting is primarily a research tool by which to discover what instruments and
systems are best suited to the primary purpose of the arm. What is also entertaining is
fortunate but not vital.

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 CHAPTER III

APPLY THE FUNDAMENTALS

Whether you're shooting the combat pistol, shotgun or assault rifle, apply the same fundamentals:

1) Sight Alignment - center the front sight vertically and horizontally within the rear notch.

2) Trigger Control - release the trigger without disturbing the sight

picture.

3) Follow Through - concentrate on your sights long enough

after the gun goes off to be able to "call your shot".

Careful, consistent application of these basic skills is the key to

accurate shooting and if you can shoot a pistol well using the basics, you
should have little or no difficulty with the shotgun or assault rifle.

SAFETY FIRST

1. Before firing any gun, make certain your shots will land in a safe place.
2. Be "muzzle conscious” know where the pistol is pointing at all times
and of destroynt it at anything you don't want to harm or destroy.
3. Make sure your holster does not allow the muzzle to point at any
part of your body.
4. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard unless the pistol is pointed
down range and you're ready to fire.
5. Make sure you have a solid grip with drawing hand before you
begin the draw.
6. Keep the weak hand away from the muzzle when drawing and re-
holstering.
7. Make sure you have both hands on the pistol before you thrust it at
the target.

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 8. Do not disengage the safety or move your finger
towards the trigger until you have a proper grip, and the muzzle is pointing completely down
range.

SINGLE ACTION TRIGGER CONTROL

For precision action shooting, hold and squeeze:

1. Establish a good sight and gradually apply pressure to the trigger

with the pad of the trigger finger. It should be a smooth, steady
motion with the finger moving straight back. If the sights drift off the
target, stop applying pressure and realign them.

2. Then continue applying pressure until the trigger breaks. Don't try
to make the gun go off.
Avoid what is called the "five finger squeeze". If you gradually apply
more pressure to the pistol with your finger gripping as you're squeezing
the gun firmly and evenly with the gripping fingers while the trigger
operates independently.

BREATHE CONTROL

 In bullseye shooting breath control is critical. You literally can't afford to take a breath
during a string, nor can you over-extend your breath.
 Breath control is just as important in combat shooting.
 Upon the command to "stand by" take a deep breath and immediately let it out. Then on
"ready", take a second breath, let about half of it out, and proceed to fire the string in
that condition. In all forms of marksmanship, controlled breathing is essential.

LONG RANGE SHOOTING

When standing and shooting over long ranges, whether single

or double handed the basics of shooting are of outmost
important:
1. Consciously maintain a clear sight picture, and don't
let your point of focus drift onto the target itself.

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 2. When you have a perfect sight picture, gradually
apply pressure to the trigger and squeeze it back smoothly. The shot breaking should be a
surprise.
3. Now come the follow-through, look at the sights, align them on the target again and take
note of how you had to correct the gun, in this way you can determine your mistakes. .

4. It's important to continue breathing as evenly as possible. Holding your breath too long
causes you to shake and make the sights look blurry. The following works best before raising
the gun, take a good breath in, and breathe out, then breathe in again normally while raising
the gun over the top of the target. Then, while lowering it to the point of aim, let out the half of
the air in of your lungs at this point, you have to be steady and hold your breath while
squeezing the shot off.
5. A few long-distance shots at the end of each practice session will help in consolidating the
basics. Remember too, that quality and not antity of practice counts. ten perfect shots than
complete concentration. It's better to fire a hundred done without

THE FRONT SIGHT IS THE KEY!

 A sharp focused sight is the key to a perfect sight

picture.
 Because the human eye can focus only one object at
a time, when the eye concentrates on the front sight,
the target and rear notch appear slightly fuzzy. (But
they're still clear enough to allow precise alignment.)
 Remember; don't release the trigger until you have a
perfect sight picture: front sight focus on the target,
Centered laterally with in the rear notch and and flush
with the top of the rear notch. An accurate shot
depends on it.

SIGHTING IN

After you've chosen a specific load, sight-in for 50 yards first:

1. Fire a tight group or bullseye from your steadiest shooting position.
2. If necessary, move the point of impact towards the center of the bullseye by turning the sight
adjustment screws as follow:
 To lower the point of impact, turn the elevation screw clockwise;

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  To raise the point of impact, turn the elevation
screw counterclockwise;
 To move the point of impact to the right, turn the windage screw clockwise;
 To move the point of impact to the left, turn the windage screw counterclockwise.
3. Fire another group, note the results, and make further adjustments if necessary.
4. Repeat the process until your groups are in the center of the bullseye.
5. When you're satisfied with your 50-yard dope, sight-in for 25 yards.
If you use different brands of ammo or a variety of hand loads and you want to pinpoint
accuracy, sight- in for each load.

THE FINGER-FORWARD GRIP

 Place the left index finger as high as possible under the trigger guard, with the point of contact
of about the center of the first joint. Make sure the finger pulls straight back not to one side or
the other.
 Use of the finger-forward grip doest make or break you - there's fine shooting done both ways.
In fact, the low grip is more consistent
and easier to acquire when firing a quick shot from the holster. But for me, the finger- forward
grip feels more comfortable and provides more control over the pistol.
 Have someone watch you to make sure your index finger aren't bouncing off the trigger guard
when you fire. If it is, you're not getting the benefit of this technique.
 Wrapping the left index finger around the front of the trigger guard helps control recoil better
than the "low" grip in which the index finger is placed underneath the trigger guard.

1. Assume the interlock hold as if the index finger of the weak hand doesn't exist (i.e., with the middle
finger of the support hand touching the bottom of the trigger guard.)

2. Then assume the wedge by forcing the weak hand index finger tightly under the finger guard.

GRIP AND FIRE CONTROL

1. Pull back hard with the weak hand and push forward
hard with the strong hand.
How tightly you hold the gun depends on whether
you're shooting a single shot or string of shots, for
multiple shot where quick recovery is essential, hold the
gun supper tight - about as tightly as you can squeeze it.
But for single shots, you can afford to loosen up
considerably.
2. Push the weak hand index finger very tightly up
underneath the trigger guard. This prevents most, if not
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 all, of the up and down motion of the gun in recoil. Lock the
weak hand thumb over the strong hand thumb.

DOUBLE ACTION SHOOTING

The most important element of double action shooting is the grip:

1. Squeeze very hard with the weak hand, allowing it to do so, most of the work of holding the
gun, so the strong hand can concentrate on the trigger control. The weak hand thumb supports
the strong hand.
2. The finger contacts the finger at the first or
second joint, depending on hand size. For speed
shooting, it is preferred to smooth, rolling motion
of the straight pull.

CHAPTER IV

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 THE DRAW

THE STRONG SIDE DRAW

The holster is position slightly forward of the hip, with the gun riding
straight up.
1. From the ready position, the strong hand moves to just above the
gun.
2. As soon as the hand closes around the stock, the gun is withdrawn
from the holster.
3. The weak hand grasps the gun when it is slightly farther forward than
the face....
4. And the arms extend to shooting position. There are a lot of people
who really attack the gun in the holster, but that is not necessary. Just
make sure the whole process is as relaxed as possible.

THE CROSSDRAW

For good and safe combat draw, keep inspire:

1. If you know where the targets are, lock the gun while in the "ready" position.
2. On the signal draw, move the strong hand toward the holstered
gun, arm pivoting at the below.
3. As you grasp the gun, the weak hand must remain high in order to
help counterbalance the movement of the strong hand and to
prevent the weak hand from being swept by the muzzle.
4. After the gun has cleared leather and is pointing down range, the
strong hand thumb must disengage the safety.
5. Hands meet and arms push forward, locking the strong side
elbow, and
6 Ready to fire.
Practice safe, smooth drawers but don't push for speed until your
body is accustomed to the movements of the draw. Practice until the
draw becomes a single, smooth reflex and you'll be surprised at how
fast you are.

CHAPTER V

19
 SHOOTING POSITION AND TECHNIQUES

NATURAL SHOOTING

Isosceles

Weaver
20
Tactical

Barricade Position (Standing with Support)

21
Prone Position

22
 Kneeling Position

Sitting Position

23
 NATURAL SHOOTING

Swing the gun vertically up to the line of sight from the draw creates a pendulum effect, which
requires om shooter to first overcome the upward momentum of the gun then try to pick up the sights.
With this team of The motion is forward and
towards the target:
1. On the start signal...
2. Look at the target while finding the
holster with the thumb.
3. Get a solid grip and withdraw the gun
from the holster.
4. When the gun has cleared leather...
5. Bring the hands together and punch
the gun at the target...
6. And the sights will superimpose
themselves on the target naturally.
Don't think about anything. Just look at the
target. If you can't allow the conscious mind to
interfere, the subconscious will align the sights. It's as natural as pointing your finger.

24
 CHAPTER VI

GOING PRONE

1. Position your mat at about a 30 - degree angle to the target. This automatically places you
diagonally to the line of fire, which in turn forces to you lay on your side rather than on your chest.
2. Drop your knees as soon as the gun has cleared leather.
3. As the knees hit the ground, reach out with the left hand as far as possible and plant it on the mat.
4. Extend the warmfully keeping it parallel to the ground. That way you'll already have full extension
when you hit the ground.
5. Let the right side of your body collapse onto the mat then brig in the weak hand and you're ready to
shoot.

THE ROLLOVER PRONE

The most popular position for practical shooting is the Rollover prone because it can be assumed
quickly; it can be used to fire from cover and is very steady
for precise shot placement. It works best on smooth, flat
surfaces. It does not work well on rough, heavily vegetated
or rolling surface because the line of sight can be
obstructed.

1. The body is positioned on a forty-five degree angle to the

target. Legs, the torso, and the strong side shooting arm are
in full contact with the surface. The weak side leg is bent so
that the inside of the knee contacts the surface in a relaxed
position.

25
 CHAPTER VII

RAPID FIRE

It's easy to turn the pistol to a good sight picture after firing a single shot. But in timed, multiple-shot
strings, quickly re-acquiring the sight picture between shorts is a challenge for the most experienced
shooters.

A firm grip will control the amount of recoil and the amount of loss or sight picture, and will keep the
amount of muzzle climb approximately the same from the shot to shot in a given string. With practice,
a rhythm can be developed.

1. Good sight picture, press trigger.

Front Sight is vertically CENTERED Between Rear Sights

Front Sight and Rear Sights are horizontally LEVEL

2. Pistol fires, lose sight picture as muzzle climbs.

3. Take up trigger slack as pistol return to line of sight.

4. Re- obtain sight picture and press trigger. Gun fires, recoils, cycle starts again.

26
 WEAK HAND SHOOTING

Weak hand shooting is a problem for some shooters but it need not be

Here are some simple techniques you can use:

1 Relax - shooters create problems for themselves by using uncomfortable, unnatural

stances. For example, standing sideways to the target with a straight back and a bent arm just
doesn't give you control over recoil. And shooting with straight arm creates pendulum effects
which actually worsen the effects of recoil. But standing in a relaxed, comfortable position
allows you to control the pistol so that it recoils consistently. which in turns allows you to shoot
consistently.

2. Lean into it - get your body weight behind the gun.

3. Stand at the angle to the target - don't stand square to the target, but rather or a slight
angle. Keep your shoulders in line so that you can see the sights with your master eye.

4. Keep it simple - it is not recommended tilting or canting the gun because it isn't natural.
You're not accustomed to looking at the sights or an angle. And when you change the angle,
you change the point of impact, so you have to remember to compensate by changing your
point of aim. Too complicated.

o Follow these few guidelines and avoid contorted or rigid position. Do what's
natural for you, and keep it simple.
o Shooting arms is almost straight; shoulders are in line with the pistol. Forward
knee is bent and the weight is forward.

The Double Tap

The double tap is simply too fast, successive shots fired of the same target. Some shooters
have trouble with the technique because they think of it as sort of two shot "string" and as a
result they fail to see the sights for the second shot, it is approached as two individual shot and
make sure to see the sights for each one.

1. Starting with a solid grip comes up on the target get a good sight picture, and press
the trigger for the first shot.

2. When the gun recoils, pull it back down to the line of sight as quickly as possible…

27
 3. Get a good sight picture, and press the trigger
for the second shot. The finger should never lose contact with the trigger.

The double tap is an advanced technique that requires a good deal of practice. Start out
shooting slow single shots, then slow doubles and let the speed come by itself. If you
can't shoot five slowly, you'll never be able to shoot two fast ones.

28
 CHAPTER VIII

NIGHT FIRING

Directing the opponent's gunfire away from the law enforcement officer's body is an important training
aspect of the revolver night-firing course, as taught to the United States Park Police. As in other
revolver combat courses, the primary purpose here is to develop shooting habits and skills, which will
enable officers to fire quickly and hit man-sized targets, while themselves assuming the best available
defensive positions.

The key to success is night-firing is good shooting form. Good form is developed by instruction and
practice in hip shooting, point-shoulder, and the half kneeling shooting position. Good form in
handling the flashlight, which briefly illuminates the target, also pays off in night-firing accuracy. One-
half of the United States Park Police night-firing courses are fired using a flashlight to illuminate the
target. The remaining shots are fired in total darkness.

Training for law enforcement officer to develop accuracy in shooting in darkness demonstrate to them
the possibilities and limitations of revolver combat shooting at times when the position of the
opponent is revealed by gun flashlight, yet while there is no light on the law enforcement officer's gun
sights or target. Well a fast blinking flashlights, or in total darkness, good shooting form has a most
important bearing on results. Scores fired on our range have consistently proved that at 7 to 15 yards,
shooters with good shooting form obtain excellent scores both with fast blinking flashlight briefly
illuminating the target and when firing in darkness. However, the easy coordination of double-action
snap-shooting with fast blinking, momentary flashlight illumination of night's target takes concentration
and practice. For a police officer, such practice is essential to self-preservation, as standard of
professional competence.

Law enforcement combat shooters who are uncertain of their firing positions and who ust recheck
must r their shooting form before firing have great difficulty in achieving accuracy in night shooting, as
they are unable to correct shooting faults which are obvious in the night

Law enforcement officer generally are faced with their most dangerous actual combat situations at
night. and sometimes in darkness. An officer properly trained in the night-firing principles and
techniques pertaining to the skillful use of his sidearm gains confidence. a man can handle combat
emergencies as they occur with greater skill than can one who has not received training in night-firing

All shooting is done using double action. The night-firing course allows the expenditure of 50 pounds.
Twenty five rounds are fired after very briefly lighting the target with a flash light, and 25 rounds are
fired in total darkness. The shooter is instructed that the flashlight may be flicked on for only the
briefest period of time. The revolver will be draw and pointed at the target before the light is blinked.
The shot will be fired as nearly as possible to simultaneousness with the quick blink of the light. As in
all double action shooting a vise-like grip on the butt of the gun improves accuracy. So also dis
smooth trigger pull-back.

29
Twenty shots are fired from the 7-yard line, 10 shots after using a fast blink light on the targets, and
ten with no light. The shooting position is the standard hip shooting position. The flashlight is held in
the non-shooting hand at arm's length away from the side. Care must be taken not to move the
flashlight back toward the body as the light is blinked. Moving the light in toward the body will draw an
opponent's fire toward the body.

The shooter loads on command, in total darkness: 5 rounds and returns gun to holster. He draws and
fires one shot on command. The flashlight is used to briefly light the target simultaneously or a split-
second before each shot. The light should not be blinked until the revolver is drawn and the shooter is
in the hip-shooting position, ready to fire. After firing these six shots, the shooter reloads 4 rounds, on
command, again while in the dark. At this point, it is essential for the shooter to know which way the
cylinder of his revolver rotates when fired. After loading 4 rounds, upon command. the shooter draw
and fires 3 rounds, using one blink of the flashlight, then reholsters, draws and fires two more shots
on command, using a single, quick link of the light.

The target is then scored and pasted. After completion of the flashlight phase, the shooter then fires
corounds in the same sequence, without benefit of the flashlight. Even when shooting in the dark the
shooter usually can see an outline of the target.

Fifteen - Yard Phase

 Twenty rounds are fired from the 15-yard line. Ten rounds are expended while using the
flashlight, and ten in total darkness, both times using the point-shoulder position. The shooter
loads on command in total darkness with six rounds, draws a fire one round on command
within 4 seconds, using one rapid blink of flashlight at arm's length, way from the shooter, and
the shooter must assume a crouching position, so as to reduce the opponent's target area for
return fire.
 The shooters reloads 4 rounds, on command, draws and fires all 4 front the same position, on
one command, in 8 seconds, using one rapid blink of the flashlight to locate the target. Targets
are then scored and pasted.
 Ten rounds are then fired from the 15-yard line in the same sequence without using the
flashlight. Targets are again scored and pasted.
 Holding the flashlight close to the body, and standing in an improper upright position, offers a
better a larger target area. The police officer would attract his opponent's fire to the center of
his own body, since the opponent wiil usually fire at the best target of the flashlight.
 The remaining 10 rounds are fired from the 25-yard line. Five rounds are fired using for each
one blink of the flashlight, and 5 shots are fired without flashlight.

30
  The shooter loads with 5 rounds in total darkness. On command, he drops to the shooting-side
knee and fires 5 shots in 12 seconds, using one blink of the flashlight with cash shot to locate
the farget. After these 5 shots have been fired, weapons are holstered, the range lights are
turned on, and the shooters go forward.
 They look at their targets, and return to the shooting position, the 25-yard line, without scoring
the targets. The remaining 5 shots are fired from the half-kneeling position without using the
flashlight. The targets are then scored and pasted.

THE SWITCHOVER

A solid grip is essential in practical shooting and it's especially important when shooting with the weak
hand only. This technique allows a quick safe switchover and gives maximum control over recoil.

1. From the draw as soon as the muzzle is pointing safety down range, disengage the safety
with the right thumb.

2. Tilt the left palm slightly upward while moving the thumbs and trigger finger away from the
pistol.

3. "Rock" the gun into the web of the left hand, thumb following thumb around the grip safety.

4. "Wipe it off". That is, draw the right hand sharply to the rear along the plane created by the
extended fingers.

5. Elbow points downward, arm and wrist re locked. Keep the left shoulder lower than the right
to get more weight over the gun and thereby dampen vertical recoil.

BASIC BARRICADE TECHNIQUE

 From the left side: trigger guard and knuckles of weak hand are pressed into barricade. Gun is
canted to allow free operation of slide.
 From the right side thumb and knuckles of the weak hand are pressed into the barricade,
creatinghe steady, "tripod" effect.
 Basic barricade position is steady and comfortable. Body weight is forward and feet are square
with shoulder for maximum balance. Heel of opposite foot is slightly raised. Hand and gun
position will vary depending on type of event and angle to target.

31
 CHAPTER IX

GUN HANDLING

FEEDING AND EXTRACTION JAMS

Failures to feed jams are the easiest to prevent. If you're going to be in a match, run every single
round you plan to use through the gun, being extremely careful not to blow a hole in your floor. All
safety precautions apply doubly here. You'll know in advance that every round will feed. But if you do
not get a feed jam:
1. First see if the round can be forced into place with your hand striking the back of the slide.
2. If it can't, drop the magazine.
3. Look the slide back...
4. Shake the round out of the mag well, letting in fall…
5. Insert new magazine...
6. And release the slide.

Yes as a matter of fact, it is slow, which is why you want to prevent this sort of thing from happening.

Another type of failure to feed is caused by a case that is slightly ballooned or oversized for the
chamber. If the case enters the chamber of your gun but won't seat...
1. Rap the rear of the slide and try to force it home.
2. If that doesn't work, pull back the slide and eject the round.

A failure to extract, which is not all that common, is the worst jam you can get. You've got on empty
case in the chamber and a live round coming up behind it:
1. Lock slide back...
2. Drop the magazine to get rid of the live round...
3. Slam the slide forward to pick up the lodged case...
4. Insert a new magazine.
5. Pull back and release the slide once more, ideally ejecting the offending case and
chambering a live round.

32
 CHAPTER X

RELOADING THE AUTO PISTOL

1. A quick smooth reload reduces recoil out-of- action time, allowing more time for shot making Low-
cut tension-adjustable magazine carrier is won on point of left hip with magazines pointing forward.
Bumper pads are essential for proper seating of magazine.
2. Empty magazine is released only after weak hand firmly grasps magazine in carrier.
After last shot, safety is left off and pistol is twisted in hand, allowing thumb o depress magazine
release button.
3. Pistol is held at eye level while fresh magazine is placed hell-first into magazine as well.
Index finger of weak hand is positioned along forward edge of magazine, just below tip of bullet.
4. Fresh magazine is thrust home in one soli motion with palm and heal of weak hand. Pistol is held
high to allow magazine to be locked into magazine well...
Heel of magazine indexes on front of mainspring housing.
5. And enables a quick return to firing grip and stance.

THE STRESSFIRE REVOLVERS RELOAD

We find the under stress the body loses the motor coordination, but the body gains in gross power of
movement. This technique was deliberately designed to the greater strength of the fight or flight
reflexes feed off the grea and to eliminate or minimize the need for fine motor conditions.
1. The revolver is opened in the conventional manner: the weak hand comes away from the
strong hand on the grip, and as the right thumb actuates the cylinder release, the tips of the
fingers of the left hand open the cylinder.
2. The muzzle is held straight vertical the right thumb is lifted up out of the way so it will not
block the ejection of the casings, and in this position. It holds the cylinder open so the rounds
will clear the grip. The left palm comes down with one firm, sharp slap onto the ejector rod for
positive ejection. The fingertips are pointed away, toward the target. And in this position the
barrel itself becomes a guide for the web of the hand.
3. The ejector rod has been allowed to snap back and create a proper vertical position for the
drop, the hand must wrap around the front of the frame and trigger guard area. The hand is
shaped into a double "v" shot is, the third and forth fingers are together, the index finger is
wide apart from the middle finger and the thumb also is wide apart from the index finger. The
"v" formed between the first and second fingers wraps around the ejector rod; the "v" formed
by the thumb and web of the hand encircles the cylinder. This means that the front end of the
frame is now in the palm of the hand and the hand can be locked into a fist.

33
 4. The hand assumes its natural position (which it will
do instinctively) and the muzzle is pointed straight to the ground. The right hand has taken the
speed loader from its carrier with the fingertips ahead of the bullet noses. As fingertips encircle
the cylinder, the hand jiggles lightly the

one time the fight or flight reflex and the trembling it induces will actually help you - and the
bullets find their way into the cylinder and sear.
5. The fingertips and thumb come back up and release the turning knob.
6. The right hand rotates back into its firing position on the grip. We have not made an extra
movement to throw the loader away but have simply let go of it and allowed it to fall away by
itself.
7. The index finger comes back out of the " The ween the barrel and begiestor rod and bet
base of the thumb now begins to close ind cylinder. The hand is now exactly position to slide
back into.
8. A wrap around or wedge hold.
What you see here is a total smooth flow of movement. It should be done close to the body
because the closer to the body the more dexterity one has. The design was originally
developed for the system that is called Stress Fire because of the enormous stress and body
alarm reaction that occurs in an actual gun bottle.
We have found that every real degrees of bad alarm reaction though certainly nor approaching
fight or fight reflex - do occur under the stress of a major competitive match. The hands begin
to tremble coordination seems to be lost. Competitions say "I was shaken" or "I feel I was all
thumbs". For them, the greater power of this technique is going to carry them through and
make them faster under stress.

HOW TO CLEAR A "STOVEPIPE"

One of the most common types of jams is the "stovepipe", and it's one of the easiest to clear. Here's
a technique:
1. As soon as you've identified the jam...
2. Quickly bring your weak hand up to the gun, placing the hand palm down and forward of the
un-ejected case.
3. Strike the case sharply rearward with the weak hand.
4. While some experts recommend cycling the slide with the weak hand, hitting the case
sharply will move the slide for enough to the rear to chamber a fresh round.

CONTROL THE FLINCH

The flinch convulsive movement of the head, hands or body just before the shot is the head, problem
that can afflict shooters at all levels. Often the shooter isn't even aware of it.

34
 In order to diagnose whether you're flinching, take the "ball
and dummy" test:

1. Have someone load your magazine with live and dummy rounds-out of your sight so that
you won't know whether there's a live round or a dummy round in the chamber.
2. Fire a string of deliberate, single shots. When a dummy round is chambered, you'll know if
you're flinching, because any movement will be painfully obvious when the hammer crops.

3. Practice firing single shots without moving often, juts being aware of the problem will cure it.

HOW TO CONTROL MACH NERVES

It is fortunate in being able to shoot better in completion than in practice. It is largely due to success in
controlling match nerves. Here is some approach:
1. Be prepared. make sure your gun functions properly, and pre-test your match ammunition
by dropping each round into chamber. You can't be confident at the line unless you know your
equipment is dependable.
2. Think positive. - visualize shooting a perfect score. Repeat to yourself what you have to do:
"sight picture, trigger control".
3. Control adrenaline. Nervousness is mostly due to the negative symptoms of the increased
adrenalin flow which is part of the body's "fight or flight" response to stressful situations. When
you'reat the line and your hands are shaking and your knees are weak, take three of four deep
breathes. The extra oxygen has an immediate calming effect. Shake out the tension through
your wrists and hands. Tell every muscle in your body to go loose. Now the adrenaline can
work for you. Your reaction time will decrease, your eyesight will improve, and you'll move
quicker.
Everyone gets nervous, even world class shooters. But at any level of competition, the ability
to win is the ability to control match nerves.

MENTAL PREPARATION

Most top competitors will tell you that it's not the best shooter who wins the match; it's the one who's
the most relaxed. In order to relax, you have to allow the subconscious to take over and execute what
you've pumped into it during practice. Here are some tips on how to do it:
1. Set reasonable goals and reward yourself when you achieve them.
2. Compete with yourself, not to other shooters. The minute you start thinking, "I'm going to
beat so and so", you're not going to beat anyone.
3. Run through the match in your mind and visualize shooting a good score.
4. Refuse to let spectators or other shooters distract or intimidate you.

35
 When you're mentally prepared, you don't have to think
about watching your sights or squeezing the trigger. Your subconscious takes over and you're
just doing it.

CHAPTER XI

SAFETY RULES

Firearm - as herein used, Firearm includes rifles, muskets, carbines, shotguns, revolvers, pistols and
all other deadly weapons from which a bullet, ball shot shell or other missile may be discharged by
means of gunpow other other explosives. The term also includes air rifles and air pistols nada 28
d1998 under provisions of ex and air no. 712 dated 28 July 1981. The barrel of any firearmshall be
considered a complete firearm.

FOUR RULES OF GUN SAFETY

Firearm safety is a matter of personal responsibility and self-control. The individual is always
responsible for his action and for safe gun handling.
As part of safety and security, keep your gun away from your children and other unauthorized
persons in your household. Your gun should be kept in a secure place but accessible to you in case
you need it. It goes without saying that you do not lend your gun to anyone.
The four basic rules of gun safety should become second nature to you every time you handle the
gun. Practicing these rules will allow you to keep and enjoy your gun for a long time.
1. Consider every gun was loaded. Always assume that all guns are loaded until you have
personally checked that there is not ammunition in the chamber or cylinder or a loaded
magazine inserted. Taking this extra effort to check every time you handle a gun will always
serve you well.
As a matter of etiquette, pistol must be unloaded with its slide pulled back and locked when
handed over from one person to another or when placed on top of a table. Cylinder of
unloaded revolvers must be open.
2. Never let the muzzle of a gunpoint at anything you do not intend to shoot. - Always
point your gun at a safe direction. If things will go wrong, it will go wrong. It is therefore wise
that you do not point your gun at anybody (including yourself) or anything that you have no
intention of shooting.
Never use your gun merely to intimidate anyone. You might accidentally pull the trigger and
hurt or kill someone without meaning to. Also, a drawn gun is a life-threatening situation. If you
point a gun at another person, he may instinctively react by shooting you to remove the threat
against him.

36
 3. Keep your finger off the trigger unless you are
ready to fire. - Accidental firing is more often not equipment related. It is a finger
unconsciously pulling the trigger before an intention to shoot. To avoid this to happen, make it
a habit to keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.
Whether you are preparing to shoot, clearing a jam or simply holding a gun, keep your finger
off the trigger guard until you are ready to fire to avoid accidental firing.

If you are carrying your gun in a holster, make sure that the holster covers the trigger guard. This will
eliminate any accident pulling of the trigger.
4. Be sure of your target and what lies beyond and around it before you shoot. - Never fire a
gun unless you are definite on where your bullet will stop. Firing in the air (even for so-called warning
shots) is definitely irresponsible and may cause harm to people.
When firing at targets penetrate by bullets, make sure that there is a safe backstop and kets your
target away from surfaces that cand keep ricochets.
Finally, make sure that you do not miss your target. If you miss your target, where will your bullet
stop?

If a child finds a gun, they should be taught to:

● Stop and don't touch it.

● Leave the area.
● Tell a responsible adult what you found.
The adult should not touch the gun either, even if the adult is familiar with firearm safety. The gun
could be essential evidence that could be used in solving crime and the mere position of the gun
could be important. Not to mention fingerprints, blood or cartridges cases. Obviously the police should
be notified first.

Essential Gun Safety Rules to Follow

1. Be sure the gun is safe to operate. A gun that has been neglected or one that is very old
may not be safe to use. Some of the older guns manufactured should not use modern
ammunition.
2. If you don't know anything about the gun, seek a knowledgeable person. If you are in a
position to use a gun at a range or while recreationally shooting outdoors and you are not
familiar with the gun, and then ask the owner. Almost every gun model operates little differently
from the other.
3. Know how to use the gun safely. If you don't know what you are doing while out shooting
with friends and family, don't pretend to know what you are doing. It is ok to ask questions.
Don't be afraid about looking less than macho. If you make a grievous mistake while handling
the gun, then how would you look?

37
 4. Use ONLY the correct ammunition for the gun. Just
because the ammunition fits the gun does not mean its right for the gun. Ammunition with extra
powder (often labeled "+P+") can blow up the gun.
5. Carry only one caliber cartridge or shell at a time. This will reduce the possibility of using the
wrong ammunition in your firearm.
6. Wear eye and ear protector as appropriate. A hot piece of metal or powder in your eye is not
a good idea. Always wear protective eyeglasses or you may be sorry. If you want to be able to
hear your grandchildren, you should have earplugs or earmuffs and use them according to
instructions.
7. Never take a gun away from someone by pulling on the barrel. If they have their finger on
the trigger, pulling on the barrel could discharge the gun and injure you.

8. Never use drug or alcohol before or during shooting. Alcohol or drugs can impair judgment.
Mistakes can happen. Be vigilant about safety, don't drink alcohol or use some prescription
drugs while handling a gun.
9. Never shoot into water and avoid ricochets. Bullets can skip off the surface of water and
then change direction too!!! Don't shoot into the water. Don't shoot a heavy metal object such
as junked cars, old propane tanks and abandoned refrigerators. Ricochets have been deadly
in this type of situations.
10. Store gun and ammunition so it is not accessible to unauthorized people. Never be
satisfied with just hiding a loaded gun. If you are simply hiding a loaded gun in your home.
Knock it off. You are sending out an invitation to tragedy if you hide a loaded gun in your
home.
11. While hunting, you should positively identify the sex of the animal before readying your
shoot. If you don't know the male or female of the species looks like, you had better do some
homework first. Never shoot at sound or movement while hunting.
12. While hunting, you should be completely aware of where your buddies are and carry you
firearm accordingly.
13. Store firearm and ammunition separately. Store ammunition so it does not get too moist or
in an area that gets excessively hot.
14. Never climb a tree or fence or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.
15. Be aware that certain firearms and activities have additional rules and precautions.
16. Always obey range rules and a range safety officer. A range safety officer has everyone's
best interest in mind.
17. Never rely solely on the safety device on the gun. Mechanical safeties have been known to
fail. If you know Murphy's Law, then you should know that if a safety lever or button is going to
fail, it would fail at the worst possible moment.
18. Read fully understand the manual that came with the gun. The gun manufacturers are
concerned about gun safety. Don't take the gun apart too far. Learn all there in to know about
your firearm.

38
 19. Never allow horseplay with a firearm even if you
are certain it is unloaded. Horseplay with an unloaded gun is never good idea. It can condition
a child to respect a firearm less, and regard gun safety as less important.
20. Carry guns in cases.
21. Be sure that barrel is clear of obstructions. An obstruction inside the barrel, such as bullet
or bullet jacket can destroy the usefulness of the gun and could cause severe injury or death. If
the discharge of the cartridge seemed a bit different in sound or recoil, the gun should be
pointed in a safe direction for 300 seconds to 2 minutes, in case of a hang fire. Then the barrel

should be checked for obstructions. A hang fire occurs when the gun does not immediately
discharge, but discharges a few moments later.
22. If you do a bunch of your shooting at indoor pistol ranges, you should make sure that the
range is fully ventilated and the fans are properly working. There can be relatively high
concentration of lead and harmful compounds in the air if proper ventilation is not observed.

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GUN SAFETY

1. Treat every gun as if it is loaded.

2. Always keep the barrel pointed to a safe direction.

3. Never put your finger on the trigger until ready to fire at proper target.

4. Keep the safety on and/or the action open unless firing.

5. Know your target and backstop.

6. Know your handgun and its ammunition.

7. Always transport your gun unloaded and when possible, with the action open.

8. Always be certain that the barrel and action are clean.

9. Never shoot at flat surface of water. Bullet may ricochet.

10. Guns and alcohol don't mix. Never drink around firearms.

RANGE SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE

In addition to the four basic rules, there are further rules to safety particularly while inside a firing
ranger These procedural safety rules involve safe gun handling and common sense.
1. Make sure that your firearm is unloaded when you enter the firing range.
2. The uncasing and casing of the firearm must always take place at the safety area.

39
 3. The handling of ammunition in any safety area is
strictly prohibited.
4. Once holstered, firearms may not under any circumstances be handled in any fashion
outside the safety area without the express authorization of range officer. They are always
unloaded, with the hammer down, and no magazine inserted. If holstering of firearm is not
allowed, the firearm shall remain in the case or bag.
5. Eye and ear protection must be worn at all times on the range whether shooting or not.
6. Observe the 180 degrees rules on safety. When allowed to handle your firearm, always
point the muzzle of your firearm down range. Never hold your firearm if there are people in
front of you or with people downrange.

7. In a firing line with no barriers, the person to your right is always given priority unless
otherwise stated.
8. Always announce that you are firing before you start shooting to allow people to prepare for
your firing.
9. Load firearm only upon the advice of the Range Officer.
10. The Range Officer is the only boss inside the firing range.

ANSWER TO OBJECTIONS TO FIREARM OWNERSHIP

Firearms have two main purposes. One of them is sporting, skeet and target shooting. These
ritualized sports are of no danger or fencing. to the society at large than judo

The other most important purpose is self-defense. The definition and reality of self-defense is
reluctant participation. The same people, who learn to handle firearms, usually hold certificates in
First Aid and CPR. That does not mean that they are just waiting for others to choke or suffer a heart
attack. However, if someone around them does have a problem they can help.

People purchases gun out of necessity, much the same way they buy accident insurance and fire
extinguisher.

No one wants to spend for hand gun, ammunition and range fess. No one wants to go to work
burdened by a 2-pound chunk of metal and plastic. No one in Israel wants to lug an Uzi and four
spare magazines when going grocery shopping. However, people do so to avoid coming to grief at
the hands of the few who do not value lives and well being of others. violent

 If only the firearm were outlawed, many social problems will disappear.
o Firearms are tool, not causes. By the same logic, banning needless will prevent drug
use. In reality, drug dependents would use alternate delivery methods, while diabetics
who need needless to inject insulin would be out of luck. By the same token, violent
felons would still have guns or switched to edged and blunt weapons, leaving law-
abiding citizens vulnerable. For better or for worse, guns are effective equalizers.
 Guns are too effective for protection.
40
 o Adherents of that theory advocate tear gas.
Come again? They are asking you to handle the situations for which police requires
shotguns, body armor and superior numbers alone, with only marginally effective
fubisrior your disposal.
 Everyone should just learn martial arts.
o Most people do not have the time to become very proficient: guns have a much less
severe learning curve. Moreover, most martial arts trainers advocate retreat in the face
of a knife or other weapons. Fast retreat is least available to the same people who
cannot fight with bare hands.
 Gun owners can get trigger-happy and blow everyone away.

o Psychopaths intent on mass murder can and have used other means, such as
gasoline, explosive, knives and garrote. Normal people concerned about
consequences of their actions are not likely to kill on a whim. Even a justified
homicide (such as to prevent a mugging) would entail legal expenses ses in excess
of P100, 000. A wrongful killing would likely land the perpetrator in prison. For this
reason, every gun owner must be more polite when carrying a firearm; responsibility
and restraint are appreciated most deliberately.
 A woman should avoid guns. An assailant would simply take the gun away and use it
against her.
o Guns are not very complicated: it is hard to screw up pointing and hitting the intended
target at the distance of a few feet. It is not always necessary to shoot the perpetrator:
presenting a credible threat of bodily harm is usually enough to stop an attack.
 We should turn the other cheek...
o The quote referred to a blow to one's pride, not a life-threatening assault. Also, most
people who would not defend themselves would fight for their child or spouse. Even so,
pacifism may be a valid choice for some Individuals. Forcing the choice on everyone is
neither fair nor realistic.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10591

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LAW ON FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION AND

PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

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REFERENCES

 Brian Ence, Practical Beyond Fundamentals, The Tediker Publishing, 1990

 Combat Shooting Illustrated by Ken Hackathorn, G &A Handguns, September 1991

 Defensive Handgunning Fundamental by Jim Grover, Guns & Ammo. April 2004

 Go. Roland D. Responsibility Gun Ownership. Strong Waters Publishing 70-1 Sanciangko,

Cebu City, 1998

 Grip and Stance by Chuck Taylor, Handguns, October. 1998, Petersen Publishing Company

 Handgun Ballistics by Dean Grannell, Pistol & Revolver Digest, 3rd Edition, DBI Books, USA

 Https://gearpatrol.com/2014/02/11/guide-to-life-how-

to-hold-and-fire-a-handgun-properly/Amos Kwon, 2014

 Https://thewellarmedwoman.com/training-handling/ shooting-stance-for-women/

 Shooting Principles and Rules, International Practical Shooting Confederation 13th Edition,

1997

 Stanford, Dave. Practical Shooting Handbook, US RD IOSC, President USPSA/IPSC INC.

 The Tactical Pistol by Gabriel Suarez, Paladin Press, USA. 1996

 USPSA Rule Book, USPA/IPSC, Inc. 14th Ed., 2000

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  www.123rf.com/

photo_66084736_man-in-black- uniform-and-headgear-with-gun-in-shooting-position- isolated-

on-white-background.html Pasta77

 www.benning.army.mil/armor/316thcav/.../goldbooks/ Pistol Gold Book.pdf

 www.blog.thegunsandgearstore.com/5-pistol- techniques-to-improve-in-5-minutes/ Asam,S

 www.marines.mil/Portals/59/.../MCRP 3-01B

 Pistol Marksmanship.pdf www.officialgazette.gov.ph retrieved on May 4, 2018

 www.pewpewtactical.com/shooting-stance-grip/

 www.quora.com/Why-should-you-point-a-gun-away- from-a-flashlight-in-a-dark-space Fogh.J

 Www.shastadefense.com

 Www.shutterstock.com

 www.usconcealedcarry.com/the-fundamentals-a- natural-and-neutral-shooting-platform/

Micheal Martin, 2013

 www.whrp.net/techniques-for-holding-flashlight-while- shooting/ Wayne's Home Renovation

Projects

 www.wideopenspaces.com/pistol-ready-positions/ Tatiana Whitlock, 2014

 www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Tactical-Quickdraw-With-a-Pistol

 www.wikihow.com/Shoot-a-Handgun

 Dennis Ibutnande (2020). Marksmanship and Combat Shooting.

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