The Number 1 Cause

In a typical gun class, we introduce ourselves at the beginning. The exercise is to tell your name, where you are from, what do you do, and why are you here. Students are asked to keep answers to 30 seconds or less. It's a quick ice-breaker that starts building camaraderie. And, from time to time, this segment provides for some blog fodder. This is one of those times. 

One participant gives the name, skips where they are from and what they do for a job, and says "I know how to shoot, just want to test a new gun." 

Folks - this is the excuse writing itself prior to being used. And it will be used. You can bet your bottom dollar. 

We get out on the line, and are performing some lesson modules using DEA dots at 3 yards (10 feet). This does not require a tremendous amount of skill, and sets the student up for success later when a 6-inch vital zone is used. And starts the student toward skills needed to make hits on the 3-inch ocular cranial cavity area. 

Usually, at this time, if a student misses a shot, it is only out by an inch or two. Usually low-left (trigger jerking). They are coached on how to fix it, and most do. 

This student was missing low and low-left by six inches or more! 

"I know how to shoot!" 

Yeah. 

Right. 

Of course, positive coaching was given. And the inevitable happened. 

"I think my sights are off!" was the complaint. 

This author asked permission to shoot the gun thrice. 

Three clover-leafed shots in the middle of DEA dot #2. 

"Your sights are on the money." was this author's reply. 

"Then why are all my shots down there?"

"Because you were jerking the hell out of the trigger. Start going easy like you've been told 15 times, and you'll be in the dot. Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze." 

Next shot was low-left again. Jerked the hell out of it. This author asked the student to put their finger on the trigger, but the author would put his finger on top of the student's finger, and apply the pressure. Slow & steady pressure was applied, and the shot went into the middle of the #1. 

Astonishment. 

Next 15 shots hit in the appropriate dots.