Here are other Point Shooting vs. Sight Shooting articles worth checking out as well:
Colonel Rex Applegate on Point Shooting
The Connection Between Combat and Range Results
Point Shooting vs. Sight Shooting (counterpoint to the article below)
Point Shooting vs. Sight Shooting – Handgun Training Effectiveness from the NYPD SOP 9 results
Point Shooting vs. Sight Shooting – Handgun Training Effectiveness (LAPD)
…….
The following guest article was written and submitted by John Veit.
We welcome a variety of points of view on the subjects of shooting and marksmanship. Test them objectively on the range and let the results fall where they may.
AIMED Point Shooting or P&S In Brief
by John Veit
WHAT IS P&S?
AIMED Point Shooting or P&S is a very simple, fast, and accurate method of shooting. P&S can be learned with little or no training, and maintained with minimal practice.
HOW TO P&S, OR POINT AND SHOOT.
You just grab your gun, place your index finger along its side, point at a target, and pull the trigger with your middle finger.
That’s all there is to it. Point-n-pull. Point-n-pull.
Here’s a link to a video clip of me shooting one handed:
In the video, as soon as I was pointing at the target, I pulled the trigger.
WHY P&S WORKS
P&S works because when the index finger is placed along the side of a gun, it, the bore, and the sights will be in parallel. So, when you point at a target, which we all can do naturally and accurately, you get automatic and correct sight alignment and correct sight placement.
OUR NATURAL ABILITY TO POINT
Here’s what the US Army says about pointing. It’s found in the US Army Field Manual 3-23.35: Combat Training With Pistols M9 AND M11 (June, 2003).
“Everyone has the ability to point at an object….
“When a soldier points, he instinctively points at the feature on the object on which his eyes are focused. An impulse from the brain causes the arm and hand to stop when the finger reaches the proper position.
“When the eyes are shifted to a new object or feature, the finger, hand, and arm also shift to this point.
“It is this inherent trait that can be used by a soldier to rapidly and accurately engage targets.”
SIMPLICITY
The photo below is from the US Marine Corps Pistol Manual of 2003.
It shows both correct sight alignment and sight placement. They are critical to hitting a target, and are dependent on a shooter meeting the traditional marksmanship requirements of Sight Shooting, which include: a specific stance, specific grip, specific placement and use of the thumb and index finger, controlled breathing, trigger squeeze and manipulation, and being able to see and coordinate the correct alignment of the sights and their correct placement on the target for EACH shot taken.
With P&S there is no need to go through the process of meeting those
complex must-be-met marksmanship requirements, as correct sight alignment and sight placement is automatic as mentioned above.
The same is true regarding the “marksmanship” requirements of other POINT SHOOTING methods such as: placing the gun muzzle on an aim point, body indexing, gun canting, using a stiff arm and sighting along it, etc..
P&S can be used in good light or bad, when you can’t see the sights or there isn’t time to use them, when moving, and against moving targets, even aerials.
P&S is not a bar to the use of other shooting methods. It can simplify and speed them up.
EASY TO LEARN
Little or no training is required to learn P&S, and once learned, it can be maintained with minimal practice. That won’t happen by magic. You have to know about it, and use it.
P&S is for use in Close Quarters situations where the chance of being shot and/or killed is the greatest. If that’s going to happen, there is an 80% chance that it will happen at less than 21 feet.
P&S is cognitively simple, requires little thinking and decision making, and it utilizes large muscle groups and gross motor skills which produce optimal performance during high levels of stress.
SHOT GROUPS
Don’t expect dime or quarter sized groups with P&S as it is not a precision shooting method.
Here’s what the NRA says about shot groups in its NRA Guide To The Basics Of Personal Protection In The Home (2000): “…the ability to keep all shots on a standard 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch sheet of paper at seven yards, hitting in the center of exposed mass, is sufficient for most defensive purposes.”
Below is a close depiction of one of the targets in the guide. It shows a random grouping all over the target, with hits close to the top, bottom, and the sides. The text states that: “If your shots are spreading….beyond the maximum allowable group size (an 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch sheet of paper) at 7 yards, you should slow down.”
Here is a pic of a target I used at the range. A year had gone by since my last visit to the range. The target shows the result of my FIRST TEN SHOTS of the day using P&S. The black is 4 1/2 inches.
THE P&S AIMING AID
The pics below show guns with my P&S aiming aid attached to them.
The aiming aid is not required to use P&S.
It makes correct index finger placement mechanical and automatic. And it helps to keep the index finger away from the slide when shooting rapidly and the gun is bucking and jumping in your hand. It also helps in supporting the gun, as it rests on top of the index finger.
You are welcome to add one to your personal firearm/s and airsoft/paintball/etc… type guns if done at your own risk and expense, and if you accept full responsibility for any and all results.
Ditto for Police agencies that may wish to add the aiming aid to agency weapons. I hold the patent on the aiming aid, USP # 6023874 – 2/15/2000, so I can make this offer.
The ones shown in the pictures were made from lengths of plastic corner molding, and attached with double sided tape.
Here is a link to info on how-to-do-that.
THR CONCERN ABOUT USING THE MIDDLE FINGER ON THE TRIGGER
Many think that the index finger MUST BE USED on the trigger. However, both the middle and index finger can be extended and flexed independently.
Here is a link to a chronology of P&S that has links to several books that mention using the middle finger to pull the trigger.
And according to the literature, in a life threat situation you will have a crush grip on your gun, so it won’t really matter which finger is the trigger puller.
With a crush grip, your index finger won’t be held aloof from the gun for squeezing the trigger smoothly back until each shot breaks. And your thumb won’t be positioned along the side of the gun but not pressing against it.
Your thumb, which is higher up in the hand, will press against the gun and push it over to the right. And the index, middle, ring, and little fingers, which are lower in the hand, will pull the gun down and around to the left. As such, shots will go low and left unless a counter measure is employed.
A STRONG AND LEVEL SHOOTING PLATFORM
You get a strong and level shooting platform with P&S. It is made up of the natural pincer of the thumb, web of the hand, and the index finger, and the ring and little fingers add tenacity to it.
The result is a strong four fingered grip, not your weak three fingered marksmanship grip.
You can squeeze the bejeebers out of the gun, and all you will do, is strengthen your grip. Front punches can be made, and the gun and forearm can be used as a crude battle-axe.
Also, when the index finger is extended along the side of the gun, it will help “lock” the wrist and strengthen the grip, and improve recoil control.
ONE HAND, NOT TWO
The NYPD’s SOP 9 study of THOUSANDS of Police combat cases established that Officers with AN OCCASIONAL EXCEPTION, fired with the strong hand.
So, to train for reality, shoot one handed.
C A U T I O N
Common sense is required when using P&S. For example, if your index finger rests over the ejection port, or if it will be hit by the slide, or if it will extend beyond the barrel, then DON’T use P&S with that gun!
And P&S may not be able to be used with some guns because of their design.
One such gun is the 1911 which was the standard issue sidearm of US forces for 74 years (1911 – 1985).
THE 1911 AND P&S
The 1911’s slide stop pin projects out from the right side of the frame, and if the index finger is extended along the side of the frame and depresses it when the gun is fired, the 1911 can jam.
As such, 1911 manuals cautioned against using P&S. This language is from the first manual that was published in 1912.
…”(3) The trigger should be pulled with the forefinger. If the trigger is pulled with the second finger, the forefinger extending along the side of the receiver is apt to press against the projecting pin of the slide stop and cause a jam when the slide recoils.”
That exact or similar language, is found in manuals published in 1915, 1917, 1918, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1929, and 1941. And I am sure there are others that I am unaware of.
It is clear to me that cautioning against the use of P&S for 29 years, plus the continued use of the 1911 as the standard issue sidearm of US forces for another 44 years, squelched the use of P&S in the US.
A simple two pronged clip was used by the Soviets, to keep the slide stop pin of the Tokarev TT-33 in place. The TT-33 was similar in design to the Browning model 1903, and 1.7 million TT-33’s were produced.
The 1911’s slide stop was not modified. And as such, our military forces never had the option of using P&S in CQB situations where we now know that in most all cases, the sights are not or can not be used.
P&S IS DEADLY EFFECTIVE
Jack Ruby used P&S when he shot and killed Oswald at the Dallas Police Headquarters on 11/23/63. Lots of images of “Ruby shoots Oswald” can be found on the web. In some of Oswald just after he was shot, Ruby’s middle finger can be seen extending through the trigger guard of his pistol.
The following is from John Minnery’s 1973 book: Kill Without Joy, which is not a read for the weak of heart or squeamish.
“One of the best visual representations of an assassination that I’ve ever seen is the shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby…. He’s using his middle finger to squeeze the trigger and his index finger, the normal shooter’s trigger finger, is pointed right at his target. He shoots where he points. This method is not too well known in the States but the method was SOP with wartime SOE and SIS agents in Britain….”
P&S VIDEOS
Below are links to a video clips of P&S being used while moving, and when shooting at aerials (pop cans tossed in the air).
Shooting at aerials requires practice. Do not use a firearm – use an airsoft pistol.
Move and shoot video clip:
Shooting at aerials video clip:
More informational articles on P&S, and stats and studies that support its use, as well as information on other Point Shooting methods, can be found at http://www.pointshooting.com.
Firearm User Network 
Oct 12, 2011 @ 09:03:05
Since I have a 1911 with a “fatal design flaw,” I guess Point Shooting isn’t for me. At least that’s what your video says. However, I find I do just fine and can get 1-2″ groups from my Kimber any time I want. I like the grip I get with the “trigger finger” on the trigger and find it more solid anyway.
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Oct 12, 2011 @ 09:19:18
Thanks John for posting the article.
Here’s the link/URL to the info on how to add the aiming aid to a gun for those who may be interested in that: http://www.pointshooting.com/1ahowto.htm
And here’s the link/URL to the chronology of the use of P&S:
http://www.pointshooting.com/1achrono.htm
Here’s some added info on using the sights in life threat situations that I have added to the article, which is a work in progress.
VISION
In a close quarters life threat situation, our Fight or Flight response is activated and it can significantly affect vision and use of the sights. Here’s a link/URL to more on how vision changes in life threat situations: http://www.pointshooting.com/1nosight.htm
The following quotes are from an article on the SureSight web site that discusses vision and use of the sights in life threat situations. Here’s a link/URL to it: http://www.suresight.com/research/
“…Reduced peripheral vision, commonly referred to as “tunnel vision”, often occurs in gunfight conditions. Up to a 70% decrease in peripheral vision is normal. Occurring with this is a highly reduced ability to detect subtle motions, such as that of the handgun’s relatively small front sight bobbing in and out of alignment in relation to both the rear sight and the target.”
“…generally speaking, when a person is in the grips of SNS activation, that person is facing the threat squarely, intently focused on it and with a reduced ability to detect small movements and near objects, regardless of how he or she has been trained. Under these circumstances, traditional sights become difficult, if not impossible, to see.”
Additionally, the picture above from the US Marine Corps Pistol Manual, shows the gun sights in focus. With SNS activation, the sights would be out of focus (blurry), and the target would be in focus. Also, in a “real” situation, the lighting can be expected to be poor, and the target dark or mottled, and likely moving. As such, accurate shooting via focusing on, and/or using the sights, would be highly unlikely.
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Oct 13, 2011 @ 10:13:48
This works. Back when the Topperweins were tossing and hitting 10,000 one-inch wood blocks into the air and hitting them all in exhibition shooting, they weren’t aiming either. The US Army’s “quick kill” program used BB guns to demonstrate (and teach) that skill too. Louis Armstrong said, “If it sounds good, it *IS* good,” and the same goes with this. If you hit the target, it *IS* good.
-bp
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Oct 13, 2011 @ 10:21:08
When I first learned about the P&S method I tested it and got about the same poor results shown above so I had to ask myself “Why?” It reminds me of my first NRA Training Counselor Course taught my former National Pistol Champion, Frank Higginson. Frank took a Model 41 S&W held it upside down and used his little finger as the trigger finger; he shot a tenring group at 25 yards to point out that nothing matters except sight alignment and trigger control, everything else just makes it easier to to duplicate shot after shot. Why reinvent the wheel if the wheel gets you where you need to go. The only reason I can see for not using the trigger finger God gave you is if it has been cut off or you hit it with a hammer. When you can’t hit the target go back to basics.
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Oct 13, 2011 @ 19:44:00
Thanks for your comments.
AS TO WHICH FINGER IS THE TRIGGER FINGER?
In the 1804 book: Instructions For The Drill, we find…”Pull the trigger strong with the middle finger.”
And in a general Military Dictionary of 1810, we find that to fire you should…”Pull the trigger strong with the middle finger.
The Encyclopedia Perthensis’ or Universal Dictionary of 1816, carries the same language.
The Arcana of Science of 1829, mentions “pulling the trigger with the middle finger.”
in the 1835 book – Helps and Hints – How To – Protect Life And Property, by: Lt. Col. Baron De Berenger, the author states that the method he describes is best used with dueling pistols, and in self defense situations against highway robbers, housebreakers, and etc., who will not allow one to take the time to deliberately aim with the sights.
1835. Basically, “his” shooting method calls for the use of the forefinger for aiming, and the use of the second finger for trigger pulling.
The following quote is from Joseph Renaud’s self defense book: “la Defense Dans La Rue” 1912, as translated by James Farthing and Herve Dautry. It describes the shooting method used and an 1870 event.
“Some people will find it useful to press the trigger with the middle finger while keeping the index finger against the cylinder, parallel to the barrel. This technique relies on the habit of using the index finger to point at things.
“I heard the General de Chabot tell that such a method of shooting had saved his life in several occasions. For example, the day before the battle of Sarrebruck in 1870, he found himself face to face with a Prussian captain while seating in a small canteen. They both shot at each other straight away. Mr de Chabot had a single action weapon while his foe had a double action one. Nevertheless, the German missed five times while the French lieutenant mortally wounded him with his second shot. It must be noticed that both had fired hastily but this technique for handling the revolver makes instinctive shooting more accurate. Always used this technique with a good quality revolver, as it will prevent any spit of lead from between the cylinder and the barillet that would burn your fingers.”
In the 1886 Instructions in rifle and carbine firing for the United States army, on page 33 we find…”If the trigger has been pulled with a jerk instead of a gradual pressure, …Some riflemen advocate the employment of the second finger upon the trigger …”
In the publication Recreation of January, 1898, on pg 148 we find: …”In shooting a rifle, most sportsmen use the index finger to pull the trigger. If your readers would try using the second finger, and squeezing the hand together, instead of a direct pull, they would find a great difference in the pull of the trigger. This method is of great advantage when one has a standing shot at deer, as one is less liable to pull off.”
In the publication Bullet and Shot in Indian Forest…, 1900, we find: …”Some beginners are very apt to ‘pull off’ in the act of firing. If such will make a practice of using the middle finger put well round the trigger, in place of the forefinger, they will probably find a great improvement in their shooting.”
The following is from a review of the Mauser C-96 “Broomhandle” Machine Pistol by David M. Fortier. In it, he said that the C-96 was extremely popular in china from the early 1900’s up through the 1940’s and beyond.
“….Special commando units were armed entirely with the C-96, and later the selective fire variants, as well as a large beheading sword carried in a leather scabbard on their back. Recognizing the Mauser’s weak and strong points, the Chinese developed the following technique for using the C-96 and later the 712. They would hold it sideways (what we would today refer to as “Gangbanger style”), with the index finger lying on the magazine well pointing at the target, and pull the trigger with the middle finger.
For more references see my chronology of the use of P&S: http://www.pointshooting.com/1achrono.htm
I am sure there are lots more references that I am unaware of that are sitting idly in the dust bins of history.
IMHO, in the later 1800’s, with the decline in closed end pistols, and the rise of the revolver, and with it, the possibility of one’s index finger being burned by hot gases escaping from the cylinder, using the index finger on the trigger would make practical sense. But it still would not make self defense sense, in terms of being able to shoot accurately in a CQ life threat situation where one was shooting to kill, and not just target shooting.
In this discussion, please keep in mind that guns are made for killing.
What else?
THE TRADITIONAL US/COMPETITION 3 FINGERED GRIP
As to the traditional US and competition 3 fingered grip, which uses the index finger on the trigger, according to the literature, in a life threat situation you will have a crush grip on your gun. So your index finger won’t be held aloof from the gun for squeezing the trigger smoothly back until each shot breaks. And your thumb won’t be positioned along the side of the gun, but not pressing against it.
Your thumb, which is higher up in the hand, will press against the gun and push it over to the right. And the index, middle, ring, and little fingers, which are lower in the hand, will pull the gun down and around to the left. As such, shots will go low and left unless a counter measure is employed.
Traditional grip for competition? OK
Traditional grip for CQB, NOT SO OK.
THEN ALONG CAME THE 1911
With the adoption of the 1911, the use of the index finger on the trigger became mandatory, because if the index finger was extended along the side of the frame and used to aim the gun, it could press on the slide stop pin that extends out from the right side of the 1911, and the 1911 could and still can, jam when fired.
So for the next thirty years +/-, US Military manuals cautioned against firing the 1911 that way. And the slide stop pin design was not changed, so our armed forces did not have the option of using P&S during WWII, Korea, or Viet Nam in CQ life threat situations where they were most likely to be shot and killed and those that carry them still don’t.
IMHO, it’s a real crime that a fix was not made to the slide stop, as without one, the men and women in our armed forces were not given the best weapon and all know options for using it in CQB.
But that’s history.
Also, in terms of using the index finger on the trigger and using the sights in CQB, I have never seen a pic or video of Sight Shooting used in CQB, yet it’s been taught for use in CQB for over 100 years. And the miss rate in Police combat is more than 80%, and Sight Shooting has traditionally been taught, and still is taught to Police.
P&S is a proven method of shooting and killing at close quarters, and it was and is known of, but it’s not taught to those who go in harms way for us.
Go figure?
THE NRA
The NRA used to teach sight shooting only, and still does in its basic courses.
However, in its 2000: NRA Guide To The Basics Of Personal Protection In The Home, we find recognition of the fact that sight shooting is not your best option in a real life threat situation:
It advocates the use of point shooting in close quarters life threat situations.
It also stats the commonly know findings of studies of Police close quarters combat as facts. And it also recognizes that our Fight or Flight response, with its involuntary physiological changes, kicks in automatically in life threat situations.
In Chapter 6 – Defensive Shooting Concepts, the Guide states that “…real-life violent encounters occur at very close range, often in reduced-light conditions, and are over in a matter of seconds. One study of Police shootings in a major urban area showed that the majority of encounters took place after dark, at 3 yards or less, in less than 3 seconds, and involved the firing of an average of three shots.”
It goes on to say: “Often, either the assailant or the defender – or both – are moving rapidly during the encounter. Such conditions do not permit the careful alignment of the sights on a specific aiming point on the target.”
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Jun 22, 2014 @ 22:36:43
I’m a former member of the USAR Pistol Team and the original OCAR Marksmanship Mobile Training Team which later became SATT.
My opposing comments to John Veit’s Aimed Point Shooting method was not to suggest that he not give his views nor you not posting his views but merely to give info I found in testing his method.
Many shooters look for the secret that will take them to the next level and ignore the obvious of always going back to the basics when you reach a plateau or your scores start dropping.
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