How to Shoot Segment 4 Natural Body Alignment & Position

This is the fourth part of a continuing course in marksmanship, presented by a former NRA Distinguished Police competitor, senior police instructor, and accomplished hunter. Learn to shoot with precision, without gadgets, and with no gimmicks!

[@dkendzierski2329]

These videos are several years old and you may not see this comment. However, I think it's important to thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge, wisdom and experience with us. The content is excellent and the gracious manner in which you share what you have learned is a blessing to us all. It certainly is to me. Thank you ever so much! Blessings, peace and joy to you and those you love. Don

[@rjnogel]

I can only confirm the many positive comments about your videos. I especially like your excellent grammar, diction and economical use of words. That alone enhances the clarity of your teachings.

[@02pwrstrk]

You are an excellent instructor. Love the series. Everyone should see these instead of all of the "tactical" channels. Learn the fundamentals and the rest will fall into place. Randy P.

[@travispowell2471]

Been binge watching your vids. since I found them a few days ago. Went to the range yesterday and with your instruction my handgun accuracy has improved greatly. Im talking night and day here. I have learned soo much about shooting technique from you . Cant thank you enough for your expert advice. Learned more from your vids in just a few days than years and years of shooting with other people. I feel very fortunate to get a life time of knowledge from a wonderful teacher such as your self...Thank You

[@xallthatremains8339]

These videos should have hundreds of thousands of views. There is no other instructor on KZbin who is as experienced, knowledgeable and thorough. You usually have to pay for instruction this good. Thank you so much for dedicating your time and experience to us gunblue. Your videos are invaluable

[@Dardrum]

We are from the same age group,,,,,All I can say is thank you, I will pass your knowedge off to my chillin lol. I really do appreciate your videos. Thanks again.

[@donbeach777]

As a Vietnam Vet and long time LEO, I thank you sir for refreshing my old skills and teaching me some new techniques for range shooting and self defense. God bless you!

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you, and God's blessings.

[@GigTuber]

This is the most detailed description series about how to shoot. I am forever indebted, for your demonstrations and presentation. I find your way of teaching and showing us your words are incredible. Thanks GunBlue490. United we stand!

[@pauljaynes6421]

You are performing an incredible service by explaining the sport of shooting in such a precise manner. I have been shooting, and teaching shooting, for many years and thoroughly enjoy your teaching method.

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you.

[@lhd700]

It just gets better and better. Thanks GunBlue.

[@briandavies5232]

I have watched all of your videos and have been absolutely blown away ( excuse the pun ) with your wealth of knowledge and the way you present all the information in a very interesting and easy to understand way. I wish there were more people like you who are prepared to pass on such a lifetime of valuable experience to others. In studying some of your techniques I have already seen the change in my accuracy and fully get what you mean about making every bullet count. Please do not stop making such fascinating and extremely useful videos. Thank you so much for your help.

[@Martinitram100]

Sir, you have helped me immeasurably in so short a time (not that time is the point), I feel blessed that I found you. Thank you so very much.

[@mpccenturion]

Thank you for taking the time to put this together. I have shot since 79 and I always look for good straight forward training. Your language and ideas are valid. I hope to send some traffic in your direction. Cheers

[@PunchDrummer]

If for nothing more than the mention of Marshall Dillon and "Gunsmoke".... Your series is fantastic - what a great perspective! I'm still awestruck by the effectiveness of the "trigger/peach" analogy from the last video. Who's going to tell you this stuff like this? Thank you! Looking forward to the next video.

[@Mike82ARP]

A great, no nonsense series! Thanks!

[@SuperSportsman01]

I am really enjoying this series of videos. Glad to see you back at it, and please keep 'em coming and thank you for your commitment to the craft.

[@pastorpfp1]

Thank you for your teaching on shooting. I appreciate the videos. God bless you!

[@seaboss17]

Thank you so much for this excellent instructional series. I've learned a lot from you, and I am looking forward to the next videos. Take care.

[@mx5ish]

Your videos are immensely helpful and insightful. Thank you very much.

[@kevinduckworth3355]

Experience and wisdom.....nothing better

[@thevikno]

Love your video, you glow of experience and true knowledge of what you teach. Thank you fir the videos.

[@MrNiceKnife]

Excellent videos, thank you for taking the time and putting them together. God bless brother.

[@geoffreyshaw4689]

Angel Santiago - I could not agree more with you; this gentleman's knowledge and his ability to communicate it effectively is simply magnificent. His common-sense springs from a firm faith and it is most gratifying to hear and see.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Your videos are very much appreciated. We've learned so much! Any chance you will continue this series as mentioned? Would love to learn more about breathing, be able to see your feet, and see real shot demonstrations outside. Thank you for taking the time and energy to put up videos that immensely help others including us. May God bless you!

[@swkohnle08]

Thank you Sir, I have enjoyed your "How to" shooting series. Very good instruction with a lot of commonsense. I enjoy all your videos.

[@python56]

Thank you. Very informative. Looking forward to the next segment.

[@drsvs]

I watch it then practice it. I've done that three times so far, and I'm still learning from it. Many thanks.

[@justitotanedo1164]

Thanks for all the valuable information that I absorbed watching your channel.

[@lavida57]

Going though these again. Priceless knowledge being shared. Thank you God Bless

[@ATINKERER]

That was a fine lesson. I had a hard time understanding some of the points you were trying to make. But after rewinding a few times at points where I didn't understand you, I finally got the message. The windup thing you were talking about was something I had never heard before. I'll have to remember that the next time I'm at the trap range.

[@dawayfarer210]

Thanks a lot for your generous sharing of your years of experience , Cheers God bless u

[@jeremydoblinger3609]

I bet you were dam sharp in classes you've given.. I'd love to have been there officer training with you in the 80's.. thanks for these lessons I have them all saved. I'm 36 and alot of this I was never taught.

[@Jeff_Seely]

Thank you for a great segment. I continue to learn about things I've not done right. I have always had tremors and believed they have let me down in my shooting. I'm interested in learning about how to work with them to place each shot more accurately. Thank you very much.

[@byrdland3576]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Gunblue!

[@justjohnny6559]

I've been shooting for years and I'm still getting A LOT out of your videos. Thank you!

[@GunBlue490]

You're quite welcome. Knowing that I'm helping others is what it's all about.

[@jeffjewett481]

A wealth of useful information, visual presentation and precise language. Thank Ypu

[@worddunlap]

Great info. Much of what you do I've been practicing a lifetime and I've been told it was wrong or bad by range personnel and even friends. If it was someone grading me I listened enough to pass. It does feel good to be validated.

[@robertfrank9228]

You are a wealth of knowledge and I thank you Sir.

[@aisanti]

I just came across with your videos a couple weeks ago. I have just devoured them since. So much knowledge and such a simple way to transmit it. I had wasted many hours of poor shooting before and its surprising the improvement after putting your basics in practice. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. You are doing an invaluable service to America and the world as well!

[@GunBlue490]

Angel Santiago I'm very glad that I've helped you out.

[@DylanSaliba]

Anyone else poop their pants when he pointed it at the camera? lol Great series and a great teacher! Thank you GunBlue490!

[@Rod1Malkin]

Thanks for presenting the basic under-structure of thinking, the E=mc2's of shooting form. Bravo!!! Much easier for us beginners to make sense of things!!

[@trevorspinks3878]

Really great instruction, thanks

[@Blues-man.]

Thank you and God bless you !

[@speakupriseup4549]

Great information explained so well.

[@chapmaker46]

another great vid thank you

[@Goatpimp]

Thank you

[@MrCervuselaphus]

I have a page of notes I have taken down. I have also learned so much about .. everything just settlingmyself between domestic duties and the weather etc to soak up a ll this imparted knowledge. The big one is the left arm supporting as a vertical support. thanks again.

[@frankf7858]

Great info , thanks

[@mornebadenhorst9341]

Good day. Are you going to continue with the series . This was the best shooting information i ever got.

[@George1mac]

Beautiful Savage Rifle.....I have one in 300 and one in .308 carbine weight. My wife walked by and asked what am I so absorbed in that I have watched for the last couple of days. I laughed and told her she is going to be watching this series on how to shoot.

[@robertabrams9266]

I love your videos. I learn so much every time. Do you have any tips or secrets on M1Garand/M1 Carbine/BM 59/M1A/M14? I started with a Garand and went from there. Thank you so much for all that you teach.

[@principle33llc28]

Love your videos and clear, concise instruction. Any chance of doing one on how to shoot with both eyes open?

[@bullseyedixon5660]

thank you sir

[@LouBalestriere]

Another amazing video. Thanks so much! We got hit with a couple feet of snow so far. Hope it wasn't as bad for you. At the end of this video, I think you mentioned another segment on breath control. I'm not unable to find that video. Is there one?

[@jamescarter4175]

Thanks!

[@TheHikuky]

Excellent 👍👏👏👏👏

[@stephenspillers9993]

Hello sir, did you ever do a video on breath control? I would love to see it!

[@kencoleman111]

Enjoy your videos. But I have one question has the snow melted and if so when do we expect segment 5 .......... in antiaipation, Ken

[@byrdland3576]

Arm resting on lower body {support arm}. That is significant. Thanks. No sling, no sticks, ready for anything sans support.

[@HenneArt]

what happened to the rest of this series? from looking at the rest of your channel, i don't see any other videos connecting to this series. you said in this one the next one would deal with breath control, in the field, ect... thanks for the exclnt content btw!

[@hp4546]

Plenty of other comments asking for the breathing control segment 5. Just adding my comment asking for the next part. Perhaps even a video with some tips on how to get rid of the "Flinch" Something that I am working on due to starting off with .40 cal pistol due to work requirements.

[@219garry]

Is there a segment in one of your videos on how to control breathing for accuracy?

[@philippefrater2000]

Thanks a lot again! Very helpfull content there. Regards from France. (Yes, we also have guns in France). 😂🇫🇷🇫🇷😂

[@timferguson593]

Nice savage.

[@advmotorrad]

where is 5th part sir?

[@johnd4348]

Thank You sir for teaching the basic techniques of markmenship. If I have to watch one more of these Bearded experts tell everyone that they have to shoot a rifle with thumb over bore with their support arm fully extended I think I will die. I just turn them off when I see someone shooting like that. It's not natural and is wrong. Thank you for teaching the right way to shoot.

[@abigailsaoirsefinnegan]

I personally like thumb over bore.......pair that with a GSGW Mod-1 and it's extremely flat shooting. I can get quick follow-up shots and transition between targets/threats very quickly and efficiently.

[@tressiw]

Hello Sir, Thank you for your excellent instruction! I have spent time in my day watching your 3 part series about sight radius, sight picture , and trigger control. Now, I am one that purchased a 9mm for my wife and I. We should have purchased a .22 but its too late now. I know you aren't into branding, but could you recommend a .22 handgun? I have a Sig P229 and think the style of handgun in .22 caliber is not as important as learning the proper sight picture, am I correct ? I've learned so much from your channel, it is indispensable for the new shooter.....Thank you!

[@GunBlue490]

tressiw That's a tall order, as there are many, and a very wide range of prices. Take a look at a Ruger auto or revolver with target sights. Smith & Wesson has always made excellent revolvers and autos, and Browning has a good auto. The main thing is comfort in your hands and a crisp trigger and sharp, adjustable sights.

[@tressiw]

thank you sir, I am currently watching your 2 part series on Rimfire ammo. Thanx again..... Good night!

[@nono559]

Sir, how much reward pressure would you recommend the butt of the rifle in your shoulder pocket? Would you use your none trigger fingers on your trigger hand to slightly pull it in?

[@GunBlue490]

It depends on the rifle and application. A standing rifleman supporting a stoutly recoiling rifle needs to hold it snugly to ride with the jolt. An AR-15 rifleman can simply support the stock's toe high on the shoulder for an erect head posture, but if he's swinging on a moving target, he wants his stance more compact, with the stock pressed in for control, and the head lowered on a low stock mounted in the shoulder pocket. Any rearward pressure is provided as needed with the pistol grip hand. As weather improves, I shall hopefully be covering these issues.

[@nono559]

Thank you for responding back. I typically shoot a .300 Winchester magnum for hunting, and have noticed when I use my three fingers of the trigger hand to push the butt in to my shoulder, rather than squeezing my entire hand. Would you think that is a correct application?

[@advmotorrad]

How to Shoot Segment 5?

[@koryphillips1202]

I have been watching this series and am wondering if I may ask you a few questions? Is there any more episodes after this one, IE: Breathing control etc? I have also asked questions about accuracy in another thread but I cannot remember which one, so I will just ask them here if it is appropriate. I hope it is, as it is about accuracy. I have recently bought a Rem, Mod 700, 308 and am using a non magnified red dot. This is my first red dot so I know there is a lot to get used to, especially on a new rifle. What I am curious about though is vertical shot stringing. I am using Federal gold medal match 168 gr, so quality ammo. I am shooting prone in every case and replicating things as close as possible shot to shot and am noticing that at 100 yards the vertical stringing is just about 2", however the horizontal is under 1/8". I noticed this to a lesser degree at 50 when I was sighting it in and now at 100 as well. Do you have any suggestions that you can offer ? Thank you for your time and experience. Kory.

[@GunBlue490]

Kory phillips I plan to cover breathing control as soon as weather permits and I can shoot outdoors. Vertical stringing can have many causes, but generally it involves either barrel pressure at the forend that changes as it heats, or dispersion caused by visual aberations induced by mirage. When it is accompanied by minor lateral stringing as with yours, I suspect barrel pressure influence. Free floating, accompanied by epoxy action bedding, will eliminate vertical stringing die to barrel pressure. Free floating without bedding will result in radical inaccuracy, with the entire barreled action swinging in the stock. Remington 700 employs front barrel pressure, which will push successive shots.

[@koryphillips1202]

I decided initially to keep it brief as to not have a "Book" of a questions until I saw what you thought, but what you say makes total sense as the model I have uses a hogue rubber overmolded stock with a partial pillar. I watched a lot of videos on this particular rifle before I bought it and many people were complaining about several issues, one of which was that the stock due to its construction touches the barrel, or touches it when the rifle fires. The cure as some people say is to shim the front attachment point by the hinge plate (Which works some times) So I tried it as purchased and noticed vertical stringing, so I thought I would try shimming (Which I know is not a permanent cure due to the angle that shims make the action conform to), but I wanted to try it and it did not really help. The stock is really quite flimsy, especially at the for end so I plan to remove the shims and put it back to stock again and purchase more of the exact ammo and try to ensure I make sure all human factors are eliminated. If it is still stringing I will move to plan B. Thank you again and as always your guidance is much appreciated and valued. Kory.

[@GunBlue490]

Kory phillips Shimming causes vertical stringing, period. Barrel warms, grows, and pressure increases, pressing barrel upward. Barrel influence by stock contact will cause problems. You should have .050 barrel clearance (five business cards), in conjunction with a glass bedded action. There are no shortcuts. Sorry.

[@robertunderdunkterwilliger2290]

Your natural position for bulls eye pistol can change over time. And its never as important to put your feet in the same position as it is for rifle shooters. The wrist is where the accuracy is.

[@GunBlue490]

Baikal IZH35M Sorry, but your body always has a natural position, and whether it changes over a lifetime is irrelevant. Your wrist does not define your body's posture or natural stance. Every world class bullseye competitor, whether with rifles or handguns, constantly assesses his or her natural point of aim, and would never take a shot without first doing so. It's not an arguable issue.

[@robertunderdunkterwilliger2290]

Rifle and pistol shooting is very different, with rifles you use your body to rest the gun (slow fire precision). For this you must have a well practiced posture that must feel natural and relaxed. Olympic rifle shooters even have measuring tapes to make sure they stand in the right posture every time. But this posture will change over a lifetime what feels natural. So it is something a shooter must work on continuously. In the field a natural position is hard to find. So I don not see the point in practicing this too much for hunting!? With pistols a 'natural position' is not really the same thing, since we do not use the body for resting the gun on. One top Olympic shooter named Ragnar Skanaker was asked about this and scoffed at the idea of 'natural position' and said "My arm attaches with a joint to my body, it can move around!". A 'natural position' will be different for different guns, and vary over time, if it even exist. Heavier guns will be offset by a more leaned back position for example. But it is not the most important thing ... The eye can discern very minute discrepancies, aiming extremely accurately is not a problem for most people. In fact they do too much of it! What pistol shooters need to learn is to not move the gun as they fire it. If they do, all the aiming will have been pointless. Most of the misses are due to wrist movements when firing, it is the biggest problem for handgun shooters. Especially so when shooting rapid fire disciplines, Olympic or otherwise. A shooter must learn to have the same firmness in the wrist from from one shot to the next. Intense muscle memory. If you move the arm at the shoulder x degrees the shot will not deviate as much as if you move the wrist the same amount. And that is why two hands are more accurate for most. The best book on marksmanship is A . A Yuryev "Competitive Shooting".

[@GunBlue490]

Baikal IZH35M I have no idea what you are talking about. I have been around competition shooters and have shot rifles and handguns all my life, hunting, competitively, and informally. I am an NRA Distinguised with a handgun, and the information I pass along freely for your benefit is not book knowledge. I earned it professionally over a lifetime of teaching professionals. Essential markmanship training will better any shooter, no matter if he's going afield hunting or competing. I'm not carrying this further, and you need not respond, because there is nothing to argue. I'm teaching folks to be better shots, and if you find my approach lacking, you are welcome to find your own alternatives. But this is my channel, and I am the resident expert that people are flocking to learn from. And they report great satisfaction in the training they are getting here, and are advancing. End of discussion.