Point shooting may seem deceptively simple but it’s an art that’s hard to master. Without the use of sights, point shooting relies on your marksmanship and speed to ensure accuracy. Also known as intuitive shooting or target shooting, this type of gunfire can be used to mitigate threats or suppress a potential emergency.

Of course, practicing point shooting enhances your marksmanship in general and can be used to hone other techniques and skills. When you can accurately hit targets at a long-distance or with little notice, for example, your ability to hunt or shoot for sport increases too.

Point shooting techniques

When it comes to point shooting, there are two main techniques you can employ. First, you can use a standard grip to control the gun with your thumb and wrist. Secondly, you could pull the trigger with your middle finger and allow your index finger to rest on the pistol, above the trigger guard.

Both techniques involve using either the thumb or index figure to align your shot and assist you in hitting the target. It’s believed that an impulse from the brain causes the arm or finger to naturally align itself with where your eyes are focused. Providing you’re looking at the target, this impulse should ensure that you’re able to successfully hit it, without the use of a sight.

How to practice point shooting

Most people practice point shooting at a range or on their own land, if it’s safe to do so. To improve your point shooting technique, you’ll want to start slowly and at a relatively close distance. Once you can consistently and accurately hit the target, you can begin to pick up speed and become proficient at point shooting.

Although learning point shooting can be harder than firing with a sight, it’s an important skill to have. By practicing regularly, you can gradually increase your intuitive shooting skills before making it an essential element of your shooting drill.

Do you need to practice?

Although the term ‘intuitive’ may make intuitive shooting sound natural, it takes time to enhance your skill. While the natural impulse to align your finger, and, therefore, the gun, at your target can help to improve your shot, regular practice will help you to hone your skills and improve your aim.

Additionally, practicing point shooting allows you to become accustomed to how the weapon feels in your hand. With consistent practice, you’ll develop muscle memory which will ensure the weapon feels like an extension of your arm, as opposed to a secondary object. Furthermore, routine point shooting practice can help to enhance your subconscious hand-eye co-ordination and increase the instinctiveness which with you fire.

How useful is point shooting?

Having good point shooting skills enhances your marksmanship in general but there are additional benefits to be gained. If you ever need to use your gun to mitigate a threat, it’s highly likely you’ll need to rely on your point shooting skills to respond to a sudden and unexpected danger. Due to this, practicing point shooting is always worthwhile and is something every gun owner should do on a regular basis.