Why dots?

April 7, 2014  
|  0 Comments
Categories: Assorted Ramblings
Tags: Targets

Here’s another contribution to an ongoing debate about bullseye targets. Why not shoot dots? Must you shoot human shaped targets (or something representative of a human, like a face) to train effectively? One of our minions believes you should, but despite his compelling and eloquesnt argument we are not entirely convinced. What you’re going to read below from guest writer Jared Ross is one of several reasons why many of our crew still shoots dots and shapes. We anticipate many of you will take opposing positions – hell our minions argue about it, why shouldn’t you? Good debate can be a training tool unless your breath stinks of window cleaner. Contribute accordingly! Mad Duo

Dots

I was recently told in a passing conversation, by someone I had just met, that real combat shooters only use “tactical combat targets.”  I told him that I wasn’t sure what that meant- what a “tactical combat target” is.. Not aware of my background, he proceeded to tell me that bull’s-eyes and dot targets have no place in combat shooting or real-world training.  I kept my game face on and listened to him talk.  After that conversation, I did a little looking and to my surprise I found that this idea has started to take hold.  More and more people believe this.  I don’t claim to know everything about shooting — anyone that does is a fool.  I just consider myself a student of the gun.  Personally, I think it’s important to always (be) open to something new.  I also believe that the more you understand the “why” of doing something, the better you will execute it.  I’ve been asked by various students and non-SF soldiers why we use dots and bull’s-eyes as part of our normal firearms training.

I believe that dots and bull’s-eyes have a place, and are necessary to become an effective combat shooter.  All of the classes we teach at RTG we pattern from prior training and experience.  I teach at an Army SF CQB school 2 to 3 times a year, which helps keep things freshand allows me to track new trends.  Our classes follow this same template that is used to train the best combat shooters in the worl. The only key difference is the round count.  In the RTG classes, we may do a drill with just one mag.  This is to keep the ammo expenditure reasonable for student’s expense.  In the SF class, we would use 4-8 mags for the same drill, but It helps when Uncle Sugar is paying for the ammo!

Let me give you the book definition of Marksmanship. (MMS): It is the ability of an individual to develop the basic skills necessary to shoot both rifles and pistols accurately and produce consistent shot groups.  So MMS is accurate hits on a desired target.  Combat Marksmanship (CMMS), on the other hand, is the ability of an individual to consistently place fast, accurate, and lethal fire on the enemy without hesitation, in adverse conditions, under mental and physical stress; or to quote Capt. Malcolm Reynolds, “Someone ever tries to kill you, you try to kill ’em right back!”

In order to effectively perform CMMS you first have to know and understand MMS.  I won’t go into the 8 principles or fundamentals of shooting at this time.  I’ll just assume that you already know them.  We regularly use 3-inch and 6-inch dots to help teach MMS.  So why use a dot?  It gives you a definite point to aim at.   It allows you to easily recognize your shot group, or more appropriately, shot pattern.  When I’m instructing, I’m watching you.  I’m watching your stance, grip, how you manage your recoil, anticipation, are you looking over your sights?  I rarely look at the target as you shoot; I’m looking at you.  After you are done shooting that iteration, I will then look at your target to aid me in evaluating any deficiencies, and provide you the feedback needed to improve.  Where you pattern on the dot target will translate into what you need to do to improve your overall MMS.  Hence the plethora of different dot targets, with feedback written on the Targets themselves.  As cheesy as they may seem, when you have no one with you to help critique, this style of target can be useful as a stand-alone training aid. (RTG has a version on our website as a free PDF download, see below.)

There is so much going on in the mind of a new shooter. An uncluttered, simple target is the best thing for them to use as they focus on the basics.  A target with multiple dots is also a good way to track progress as you shoot.  If you shoot a specific number of rounds or magazines at one dot, then move to another, you can see how your shot groups change and allow you to compare your mistakes.  It also gives you the chance to see how much you suck, take a deep breath and move to the next dot, starting over fresh. At first, you want to have as little stress as possible to allow you to concentrate.   The time for stress is when you make the transition to CMMS.

So, does using dots have a place after you understand MMS and move on to CMMS?  You bet!  Every time I go to the range I do warm-up drills using dots.  It doesn’t matter if it is Carbine or Pistol.  I will take the time to shoot a mag of single shot, followed by a mag of Controlled Pairs, and then a mag of strings of 3-6 rounds in a rhythm.  I will usually follow this by a Half-and-Half drill, or something similar. This is all to start the day right and brush off any rust.  After this warm-up, we put on kit and go about the day in the Shoot House or whatever is planned.  Near the end of the day, it is a good idea to shoot the same type of drill as the warm-up.  This way, you end on a good note and reinforce correct shooting principles.

If one were to only use silhouette-type targets, or “tactical combat targets” as I was told in my conversation (even if 3D targets are only used to help “Keep it Real”), it is nearly impossible to correctly evaluate the shooter.  This just reinforces sloppiness on their part.  The student will find it extremely difficult to progress to the point of being able to “call” their own shots.   They will never be able to know what “right“ feels like.  Now the key to those statements, and the argument I have been hearing as of late, is to ONLY use realistic, human shaped targets.  These types of targets are just as essential as the dot type, to the overall development of a Combat shooter.

One of the reasons I designed the RTG 1 and 2 targets while I was on active duty was to make a target that would allow my team to seamlessly transition from MMS to CMMS as we shot.  I just added the different shapes in place of only dots.   So, we can use these targets for a warm-up, and then go immediately into different drills for CMMS.

I am just a student of the gun.  I find that the more I go back to the basics, the more I understand about shooting.  Continually using dots as a way to evaluate and improve your overall shooting ability is essential if you truly want to become the best that you can be.  I suspect that those who don’t find them useful as a tool haven’t really been there, and/or are just trying to be “harder core than you” to make up for that fact.  This isn’t meant to sound arrogant or like I’m the ultimate tough guy. It’s the simple observation of America’s best shooters throughout the SOF community. Everyone shoots a wide variety of different targets, and for good reason.

Think this out, hit the range, and prove it to yourself.

Jared Ross

More on those targets here: http://www.breachbangclear.com/site/10-blog/557-rockwell-tactical-group-targets-swingin-dick-approved.html

The PDF download is here: http://www.shop.rockwelltactical.com/Targets_c3.htm

About the author: Jared Ross has spent about a decade as an 18B Green Beret Weapons Sergeant. A former 82nd ABN 11 Bravo, he has done multiple combat tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and assorted other shitholes. He spent several years with one of the active duty SFGs, is now with one of the reserve SFGs and remains involved in weapon and CQB instruction. Jared is a what we’d consdier both a well rounded soldier and an inspired, methodical and instructor. His company is called Rockwell Tactical Group, a training organization based in Pennsylvania; everything they teach is predicated on a warrior mindset, whether students are responsible armed citizens, military, LEOs or PMSCs. They teach students of every race, age and gender, striving to ensure they prevail not only over the assailant, but fear and panic as well. You will be seeing more of him on Breach-Bang-Clear. If you’re interested in training with Jared and his crew, check them out at Rockwell Tactical Group.

Mad Duo, Breach-Bang & CLEAR!

Mad Duo

Mad Duo

About the Author

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Articles

PROMOTION ENDS: MARCH 31ST, 2024

Tactical Easter Sale Part 1

desert camo tracksuit gif

Can Cooker Trailblazer gif. Reads: Turn up the heat. Trailblazer bundle. Only $80.  Order bundle.

Gun.deals: back Breach-Bang-Clear

Find what’s in stock, and where, and compare prices. 

⚠️ Some hyperlinks in this article may contain affiliate links. If you use them to make a purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. It’s just one way to Back the Bang. #backthebang 

Get Patched In

Wretched Minion Patch