How to Aim a Pistol With No Rear Sight

Pistols almost always have front and rear sights that shooters use as a visual guide to hit their intended target.The key is to have the muzzle pointed precisely at the mark at the exact moment the bullet is projected out the barrel. Wind, distance, and the steadiness of the shooter's grip also determine the results of hitting the intended target. What if you are in a situation that requires immediate action and you don't have the time it takes to aim at the target using your pistol's sights? Then you would have to resort to a method that police firearms trainers have adapted in their curriculum which is called "hip shooting" or "point shooting".

Instructions

  1. Point Shooting At a Distance (More Than 5 Yards)

    • 1

      Make sure your body is aligned with the target. If the target is moving and is not directly in front of you, adjust your position by turning at the waist, because this aligns the pistol accurately at the target. Turning with your shoulder, elbow or wrist will most likely result in a miss.

    • 2

      With a one-handed grip, grab your pistol and extend your arm all the way out, bringing the pistol right below eye level, with elbows and wrist locked, pointing directly below the exact spot where you want your bullet to land on the target. Pointing low is a quick, reactive alternative replacing the use of the rear sights. Without the rear sights, shooters tend to pull the trigger too soon, which will effect the direction of the bullet, so pointing low will increase the chances of hitting your target when your not able to utilize your rear sights.

    • 3

      Assume a double-handed grip and bring the pistol to chin level, with arms fully extended. This keeps your arms and body in a coordinated triangle shape that directs your shot.

    • 4

      Squeeze the trigger as soon as your elbows straighten out.

    Shooting Targets at Close Range

    • 5

      Grab your pistol with one hand, raised up to the same level of your rib cage. This is called "shooting from the hip". If the target is within arms reach, then it is suggested to use two hands to avoid having the pistol being physically taken away from you. You can avoid the need for using two hands if you react fast enough using one hand.

    • 6

      Attain a low stance with knees slightly bent, depending on exactly how close the target is. If your target is farther than arms reach, then you have time to position your body with your knees bent a little more. Keep your head low with the top of the barrel squared at chin level.

    • 7

      As you squeeze the trigger, remember to aim a little lower than your intended mark point on the target. Pulling the trigger as soon as your arms are extended in the proper position will increase your chances of hitting your target faster.