Gunfighter

Hoff · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 506 Location: Warrior Nirvana

Speed and accuracy work together to a common end, which is the HIT as soon as possible. Pressing the trigger at the speed necessary to control the sights at the level necessary to hit that particular target is the key. I have heard instructors say that most deadly force confrontations average seven feet and sights are not required at that distance. I can tell you that if the bad guy is seven feet away holding your loved one hostage and the only target you have is the right eye socket than…sights are required!

Hoffners Speed and Sight Alignment Scale (SSA Scale)
If the target/threat is small, distant, moving, in anyway difficult to hit, you will need to slow down on the trigger and focus more on sight alignment. this is Controlled Trigger Press/Fine Sight Alignment (one extreme end of the SSA Scale). If the target/threat is huge, close, and easy to hit, than…this is no time for a dime size group, in fact, you need to be pounding shots into the threat as hard and fast as possible and stop the threat before your head is shot or lopped off. This is the Hammer Trigger Press/Combat Sight Alignment (the other extreme end of the SSA Scale). Most of the time your position on the scale will be somewhere between the two extremes, but YOU have to choose. Your decision on how fast vs. how slow to press the trigger, how much front sight focus vs. combat look through and/or body index is based on two things, your perception of the threat situation AND your perception of your abilities with the equipment you presently have at hand. Your position on the SSA Scale will be different depending on what you are fighting WITH at the moment; pistol, shotgun, rifle, etc. Know the difference.

If you practice only one trigger press and sight alignment you are a target shooter and not a gunfighting warrior, and doing yourself an injustice. Recognize the need for different levels of trigger press and sight alignment, practice at both extremes and in between. In the fight have the ability adjust to the situation as necessary to win and make it happen. Only you can do it. Remember to win the fight you have to WANT to be in the fight, to get the hit you have to WANT to get the hit!
Hoff

wichaka · Joined: 27 Jul 2007 Posts: 78 Location: Washington State

wichaka's rule of thumb for combat shooting.......

If your target is larger than your front sight, better get ta shootin'
If your front sight is the same size or larger than your target, better get on them sights, and fast.

Hoff · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 506 Location: Warrior Nirvana

Wise warrior words, thanks
Hoff

the impactzone · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Hempstead

Wasn't it Plaxco who said "let the sights dictate the cadience of fire"

Hoff · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 506 Location: Warrior Nirvana

Mike Plaxco would know about Sight alignment and trigger speed thats for sure. Ultimately, the operator must base sight alignment and trigger speed from their perception of the target factors, size, distance, movement, immediacy and correlate that information with their ability to hit with the particular weapon that is currently in hand, whew, long sentance!
Hoff

the impactzone · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Hempstead

And how do we gain that perspective? Practice and training, in order for it to become second nature you have to experience it frequently and from different perspectives, from a car, from a prone position, from a wall, down a hall way, from a ditch. That’s why I love your classes Brian if it rains and it’s muddy well then it’s just another perspective that you may have to face in life!

Hoff · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 506 Location: Warrior Nirvana

Plenty of opportunity for "all of the above" at The Impact Zone including Speed and Sight Alignment. Readers be sure to check out the outdoor home of Hoffners Training Academy thanks to Phil Oxley at www.theimpactzone.us
Hoff

Liam · Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 84

Phil is running a match every Tuesday at the Zone. Start time is 5:30. Last week we ran 6 stages. Didnt have to set up or tear down. I try to get there early and practice my Hoffners SSA before hand and then apply it in the match. Join me.

Hoff · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 506 Location: Warrior Nirvana

Sounds like a good opportunity for learning our SSA scale...and no clean up, ggota like it. All should try to make this opportunity when possible.
Hoff