The old gunfighting mantra still rings true: Only hits count. Yet, there is a difference between shooting and hitting. Nearly anyone can shoot a firearm very quickly. But even the fastest shooter will not likely prevail in a gunfight without hitting what her or she is shooting at. The truth is that effective defensive shooting is a balance of speed and precision. You need to make combat-effective hits, but you also need to do so quickly enough to stop the bad guy before he stops you. Striking that balance is one of the keys to prevailing in a gunfight.
Effective Defensive Shooting
It pays to first talk about what we define as “combat-effective” hits. Generally, on a human target, putting bullets into the high, center chest is the best way to quickly stop a violent attack. Yes, a bullet to the central nervous system will very likely stop the fight more quickly. But that target is much smaller. As you can see, we are already talking about the difference between speed and precision. We will describe the high, center chest region as a zone roughly 7 inches wide by 8 inches tall with the top edge at about the lowest portion of the collar bones. That’s where you want to put rounds to quickly stop a threat.
When we talk about typical gunfight distances, statistics show most defensive firearms uses happen at distances from 1 foot (or less) out to about 15 feet. Some shots can be longer. That is where we really see the need for changes in our shooting style to balance the need for speed and precision.
The distance to the target is a good indicator of whether you need more speed or more precision. A fight happening at 5 feet very likely requires an intense amount of speed. Yet hitting a 56-square-inch target at that distance does not require amazing precision. Conversely, if the fight is unfolding at 25 feet, you might have a bit more time, but you may need that time to put the rounds into the effective zone.
How to Determine Shot Balance
The book Defensive Shooting Fundamentals: Level 1, published by the USCCA, describes the concept by utilizing a 10-point scale. This would mean a perfectly balanced shot of moderate difficulty — let’s say 10 feet — would require a speed level of 5 and precision level of 5. At the same, time putting shots into the high, center chest from 5 feet might require a speed level of 8 and precision level of 2. Which would mean that a shot of 25 feet might require a speed level of 2 and precision level of 8. As you can see, the numbers can move up or down, but as the need for speed decreases, the need for precision increases. It’s a balance.
Some factors that will impact the balance of speed and precision include the relative size of the target, the distance to the target, the circumstances under which you are forced to shoot and the anticipation of the need to shoot. Each of these elements will impact your level of speed and your level of precision. But speed and precision will always need to be in balance because it is that balance that helps to ensure accurate shooting. And remember, only hits count. You need to stop the threat as quickly as possible. This is, of course, a very brief description of why we need this balance and how different elements impact that balance. A much more detailed description appears in Defensive Shooting Fundamentals: Level 1.
Training for Speed and Precision
Effective defensive shooting training will allow you to improve both your speed and your precision. The best part of this is the training can be done simply with nothing more than a shot timer, a good target and your defensive pistol. The USCCA developed a target that will train every aspect of the balance of speed and precision by incorporating multiple target points that allow for several different shooting drills which can shift the focus from speed to precision and back again, requiring the shoot to focus on that balance.
For instance, if you use only the 8-inch by 7-inch center target and you fire a string of five shots that can all be covered with the palm of your hand, you are shooting too slowly. If, on the other hand, you rattle off five shots and only two land inside the square, you need to slow down. By shooting as quickly as you can effectively put all five into the high-center chest, you are building that balance of speed and precision. Smaller targets, printed on the perimeter of the main target allow you to focus on precision. Once you hit them regularly in a given time frame, you can increase your speed. Again, only hits count. And your goal should be to decrease the time it takes for you to effectively hit each target. This improves both your speed and your precision.
Defensive shooting is not a bull’s-eye competition. Good defensive shooting is the ability to put your bullets where they will be the most effective in the shortest amount of time. It is truly a balancing act with dynamic requirements that vary with the circumstances. Understanding and achieving this balance will go a long way to helping you survive a deadly encounter.
Learn more about shooting skill basics:
Why Shooting Stance Is Important and How to Perfect It
Trigger Pull Weight and Accurate Shooting
