Tips On How To Find Your Natural Aiming Area

by
posted on November 4, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bz-aiming-4.jpg

All effective firing positions in pistol shooting incorporate the shooter's natural aiming area (NAA). NAA refers to the natural alignment of the shooter and the gun in any position.

To determine your NAA, first assume your position, with your eyes open and your gun aimed at a target. Next, close your eyes. With your eyes still closed, make a circle with the pistol, and then settle into the position that feels most stable and comfortable, and take several breaths. Then, open your eyes and observe where your gun's sights are pointed in relation to the target. Ideally, the sight picture will be aligned with the target. If the sight picture is aligned to the right or left or slightly high or low, you will have to modify your foot position or some other aspect of your stance to achieve the proper natural alignment.

Of course, the sight picture does not stay perfectly still, as it is impossible to hold a pistol without some movement. When proper NAA is achieved, the "wobble area" of the sights will be centered on target.

Repeat the NAA exercise until your stance is adjusted for the proper natural alignment. You should make every effort to adopt this same alignment each time the stance is assumed in order to take advantage of your NAA. Also, periodically repeat the NAA exercise, as changes in shooting experience, posture, age and so forth can affect the body's natural alignment.


See more: Bullseye Pistol Aiming with Brian Zins

Latest

SILENTSTEELUSA Video 2
SILENTSTEELUSA Video 2

Silent Steel USA Streamer Suppressors: Flow-IQ Tech Explained

Silent Steel USA’s Streamer suppressor family throws out the baffle stack in favor of a patented Flow-IQ gas-rotation system.

New: Zeiss Conquest Apia 20-50x 65 mm Compact Angled Spotting Scope

Zeiss unveils the Conquest Apia 65, a compact angled spotting scope weighing 47.6 ounces with 20-50x zoom.

New: Springfield Armory SAINT Gear Pac Bundles

Springfield Armory’s SAINT Gear Pac bundles a factory-installed Viridian green dot, four Magpul PMAGs and a rifle bag for $1,368 MSRP.

Mowrer, Tobar Finish Fourth in ISSF World Cup Granada Air Pistol Mixed Team Final

Nick Mowrer and Nathalia Tobar place fourth in Granada as Team USA falls short in air pistol mixed team final dominated by record-setting India.

Swarovski Announces Next Generation CL Companion Binoculars

Swarovski Optik launches a new generation of its CL Companion travel binoculars with a wider field of view, longer eye relief and redesigned housing, available in 8x30 and 10x30 magnifications from $1,499.

MidwayUSA Announced as Official Sponsor for 2026 NRA Annual Meetings

MidwayUSA is the official sponsor of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, set for April 16-19.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.