Thread: Aiming without sights

Originally Posted by Koshogi

You can't learn instincts.

Point shooting has commonly been given, incorrectly, the term "instinctive" shooting. Instincts, relate to a natural ability.

I took the Combat Focus shooting course many years ago, which expanded on the training and experiences that Applegate, Fairbarn and Sykes developed. I believe that training in a system using a point shooting method, does have a sound place in the training agenda for those employing small arms.

I would recommend the book "Bulleyes don't Shoot Back" by Michael Janich (a very knowledgeable, and nice bloke) and Col Rex Applegate.
Bullseyes Don't Shoot Back: The Complete Textbook of Point Shooting for Close Quarters Combat: Rex Applegate, Michael Janich: 9780873649575: Amazon.com: Books

Rob Pincus's book "Combat Focus Shooting" is not as good, but does offer some worthwhile input in the concept.
Combat Focus Shooting: Evolution 2010: Rob Pincus, Betty Shonts: 9780979150876: Amazon.com: Books

An older video on the Combat Focus Shooting Course is available on YouTube ( I haven't watched it, so can't comment on it's worth).

You are thinking of the term "Instinctive" or as you put it "Instincts" to literally.

Instinct combat shooting: The act of operating a weapon by focusing on the target and instinctively coordinating the hand and mind to cause the weapon to discharge at a time and point that ensures interception of the target with the projectile.

This is a skill that most definitely can be learned. If it is the term (everyone is using) that you are worried about then that is just semantics...

Originally Posted by Shooter

Instinct combat shooting: The act of operating a weapon by focusing on the target and instinctively coordinating the hand and mind to cause the weapon to discharge at a time and point that ensures interception of the target with the projectile.

While I can understand Chuck Klein's "interpretation" of the term 'instinctive shooting' to validate his opinion. In reality, he is merely attempting to change the definition of a word to suit his liking. The use of ANY weapon or tool by a human is not and can not be classed as instinctive.

Originally Posted by Shooter

If it is the term (everyone is using) that you are worried about then that is just semantics...

Yes, the meaning of a word is unimportant in a conversation.....

Once again you are reading to deep in to the use of words. "Instinctive" can be used in many forms... "An action done or happening without logical thought" much like a sportsman throws or kicks a ball...

If you practice a drill over and over then yes your actions can become instinctive in that your actions will move quicker than your logical/cognitive ability. Be careful buying in to some "FAD" course that you have recently done and then take for gospel. Instinctive shooting builds the basis of all combat shooting techniques regardless of what professional force your were trained with... Yes that's right even your army (well past army) uses and employs "instinctive shooting".

Point and shoot is just an adaptation of the underlying fundamentals of "instinctive shooting".

Originally Posted by Shooter

If you practice a drill over and over then yes your actions can become instinctive in that your actions will move quicker than your logical/cognitive ability.

No, it will become a learned behavior. You will move quicker due to muscle memory and reducing the reaction time based upon repeated external stimuli.

Originally Posted by Shooter

Be careful buying in to some "FAD" course that you have recently done and then take for gospel.

Actually, I took the course over ten years ago. I have taken several pistol courses over the years, the Combat Focus Shooting course was the only one that taught point shooting. So I wouldn't quite say I'm taking a 'FAD" course as "gospel".

You can certainly use your instincts to aid your shooting, but you can't instinctively shoot.

Originally Posted by Koshogi

No, it will become a learned behavior. You will move quicker due to muscle memory and reducing the reaction time based upon repeated external stimuli.



Actually, I took the course over ten years ago. I have taken several pistol courses over the years, the Combat Focus Shooting course was the only one that taught point shooting. So I wouldn't quite say I'm taking a 'FAD" course as "gospel".

You can certainly use your instincts to aid your shooting, but you can't instinctively shoot.

Well we will have to agree to disagree, which is a shame given your "elaborate" background.