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by Charles L. Cotton
Sun Jul 01, 2007 11:02 am
Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
Topic: Point Shooting: A Viable Concept?
Replies: 20
Views: 3053

Point Shooting: A Viable Concept?

In another thread dealing with tactical books, yerasimos posting an interesting comment about Col. Cooper's views on unsighted fire. Here is the portion of his post on this subject:
yerasimos wrote:I obtained a copy of Jeff Cooper's To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth, and I found the first two sections (The Present and The Pistolero)useful. Interesting and useful philosophical commentary, ideas on mindset, and much more. Cooper called things as he saw them, straight up/neat, holding nothing back, uncowed by liability concerns, and it is very refreshing to read, particularly in these times. There is a lot of material toward the end that is not applicable to CCW, but it can be interesting reading. It is a book worth buying new, particularly if you do not have an prior experience with the Modern Technique or are not interested in the schools that promote it.

Cooper was never a big fan of unsighted gunfire (or point shooting), insisting upon, at minimum, a rough flash sight picture (or blitzblick, as it is sometimes called). Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the derivative Modern Technique/Gunsite crowd are even less enthusiastic about unsighted fire. However, the NRA's PPOH doctrine covers some "point-shooting", and I know there are other trainers out there that address this type of shooting.
I too am not fond of what some refer to as "point shooting." While taking a shot from the retention position may well be necessary and should be practiced, a retention shot is not what most instructors consider point shooting.

So what is the difference between "point shooting" and a "retention shot?" Point shooting typically refers to shooting with the arms fully or almost fully extended, but looking over the sights. Bill Jordan is spinning in his grave as I type this, as he certainly would not agree with this statement. He was the master at "point shooting" and his technique is what the NRA terms "instinctive shooting" a/k/a "speed rock." I share Mr. Jordon's opinion, except that I personally practice a retention shot that is much different from a "speed rock." This is primarily because the draw stroke I use and teach (other than in the NRA PPOH Course) does not lend itself to using the "speed rock" technique.

The problem I have with what most books, including the NRA Guide to the Basis of Personal Protection Outside the Home ("PPOH") is that the point-shooting technique taught has the arms fully or near fully extended and the pistol raised almost to eye level. If I have to room to extend the gun without essentially handing it to my attacker, I'm going to use the sights. I know the theory is that I don't have time to do so, but I respectfully disagree. It takes a split second to take a flash sight picture and I cannot think of a realistic scenario where fully extending the gun does not pose a threat, but there is insufficient time to take a flash sight picture.

As I said earlier, I don't use the traditional "speed rock" or what the NRA terms "instinctive shooting" techniques, but I do believe it is the easiest to master for many if not most shooters. While it does put the gun a bit further out in front of the shooter than does my technique, it is nevertheless easier, faster and more comfortable to learn.

Here is a link to a few photos from the NRA PPOH book. I think they make it easier for folks new to tactical shooting to understand the difference between "point shooting" and a "retention shot."

Chas.

Point-Shooting v. Retention shots

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