Target Focus: Does it Work?

[@johnnymccann5607]

once I was super fast and extremely accurate. Now much older disabled, hands stiff as bricks. still can hold my own .hitting what I want no problem just slower .papa enjoys your videos.😊

[@davidkachel]

Welcome to the club. I just remind myself that though I have slowed, I'm still a lot better than 99.99% of the world's bad guys. Just look forward to the day when you can overhear some cop tell the bad guy being wheeled away, "See that 100-year-old guy over there? He just shot you with a 100-year-old gun!"

[@doranmaxwell1755]

I get that for sure. I can still be sorta kinda fast and at least more accurate than most... One thing I did many decades ago was to learn to hip shoot and point shoot (at close range) I can still beat some of the tactifool guys for draw and fire.... Takes way less time to hip shoot than paying attention to the sights... HF did some three round drills.. Hip and point shooting are WAY faster... enough to give us old guys an advantage. One guy I know said that I was 'cheating' LOL I learned to hip shoot clays at 10' Now that I am 70 years old? LOL not near as fast but.... fast enough. After about 8 yards more or less? well.. that is what sights are for. Course... after say 20 yards or so? red dots or glow plug sights outdoors are pretty much useless. At 50 yards? using em is simply a guessing game. At 100 yards? does anyone here even try that with a red dot? Yet... My GF manages to hit a 2 liter at 100 yards 2 or 3 times out of six with 'standard' iron sights on a very nice model 10 PPC gun in 38 spl.. Her misses? trust me... you would not want to be standing in back of that 2 liter.

[@leifhoklin2681]

@@doranmaxwell1755distance is where the red dot shines. It gives you nothing inside of 15 yards. Beyond that, it gives you the world. You asked if anyone shoots red dots at 100 yards. I was shooting a 12” plate last week with a pistol at 160 yards, standing. That was with iron sights, but it’s even easier with a dot.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

my eyes must really be weird cause I simply cant see the dot until it is a fuzzy blur. I shoot 100 yards with open sights a lot and getting a sight picture is very easy for me. I can't imagine that a big glowing fuzzy ball would help me especially when shooting at 2 liter sodas.

[@jackbauer5511]

Target focus shooting does not require abandonment of the sights. You adjust your level of sight refinement based on the precision required. It's about using the sights efficiently based on the level of confirmation required to make an accurate hit. It's not throw the gun out and hope for the best.

[@hrfunk]

I understand what you’re saying, but that’s not how it has been taught by quite a number of individuals.

[@PPISAFETY]

Jackbauer, you're 100 correct. I wish more people understood this, and that choosing a sighting metthod is not an "either/or" proposition. Some shots are going to be easy to make by simply using an eye-level point and good trigger control, some are going to need a flash sight picture and good trigger control, and some are going to need a formal or hard sight picture with good trigger control. a properly trained shooter knows how and when to use all three methods and when each is appropriate.

[@tylerfreal6472]

just cause they are mil guys doenst mean they know what they are teaching, jack is right funk , i got dudes in CAG that will back it up @@hrfunk

[@BlakeHouse-j3u]

Both Jack and PRI are describing a very good real world approach . But it is NOT what is currently be tought and advocated under the title of Target Focus. They are teaching and advocating to deliberately Not look at the sights at all . For all of the different terminology and insisting otherwise, I'm not convinced it's anything other than old school Point Shooting.

[@nealewatson5284]

Morning HR. I'm gonna comment first without watching. Now at 75, I've been training for many decades and have found that the key to hitting my target is to first Focus on that target. With constant, repetitive practice the body will follow what it is taught and my shot will impactive the target. With that being said, any action will bring it's own dynamic and the key to survival is to follow your training. Whatever discipline you follow, stay with it and it will serve you well. Now, I'm gonna watch the video. Stay safe.🙂

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Neal. Be sure to let me know your thoughts after you watch the video.

[@dependablepaul]

FSP, Focus Shooting, Instinctive Shooting, to me, are all birds of a feather. Back in the 60s, as a kid, I got to attend a demonstration instructural event at a USAF range given by Lucky McDaniel. I've used his methods for years to do my quick shots, both with pistols and rifles. In the 70's I used White-out on the front sight and as soon as it came into view of the target I was looking at, I pressed the trigger. Nowadays I use the green Glow-on paint on my blued firearms and the Orange on my Stainless. For me, it works about as well as a red dot.

[@LoneStarLawman]

Trying to "find the dot" on the optic at three yards, when, all you have time for, is to move off the X, point and shoot, seems very hard to do. I think Col. Cooper was right. The front sight flash picture works very well. Target focus at three yards or less, is pretty good.

[@UrbanDefenseSystems]

At three yards you probably don't even need to aim to be fair. At those distances it's more about who can get their gun out and shoot faster.

[@akman45304]

Not going to lie. Seeing the thumbnail I thought those were fetterman targets. I was like oh wow spicy.

[@hrfunk]

Someone else said the same thing when I used those targets in a previous video.

[@RustyJoe]

Reps matter and as an instinctive archer, I’ve incorporated some of the same target focus into my defensive handgun shooting. One sees the bow hand and arrow head in the sight picture it’s relationship to the target is noted even though the focus is on the target. Some of my pistols make very precise hits easier than others, but since an encounter usually means one’s situational awareness has lapsed and the attacker is very close with no warning, the luxury of any sight picture is out of the question. The flash sight picture is valuable and should be practiced for the occasion when one has the time and distance

[@hrfunk]

Considering the FSP was only marginally slower than target focus on the first drill, and faster on the second and third drill, wouldn’t it be a better option?

[@RustyJoe]

@@hrfunk if you have time to get the sights between the attacker and your eyes. Just like training from different positions and cant angles makes one a more deadly instinctive archer, training to release shots from different positions between draw and full presentation makes one a more effective defender. Every defensive situation is an adverse condition so the more “arrows” in one’s quiver the better 😉

[@anangryranger]

Nicely done sir. 👍 Throughout my 28 year career as a peace officer, I trained every day with my S&W M28. Either on the range, or in my garage with Speer primer fired plastic cartridges. From an early age, I shot barebow with a recurve. I would concentrate on a spot that I intended to hit, and shoot. I would hit where I looked. If I looked off from the spot I would miss. Utilizing the same technique of concentration on the target, I incorporated this towards pistol shooting. 0 to 10 feet, from the hip. 10 to 25 feet, nearly eye level, but sights were never used. Strictly point shooting. One afternoon, years ago. I responded to a robbery in progress at a little store/cafe. As I approached the store, both armed suspects stepped out on to the sidewalk. They were 20 feet away. As they raised their 9mm's at the "gangster tilt", I fired one round at each. My point shooting paid off. Had I not trained daily, and with the point shooting methods in this training, I wouldn't be here to tell about it. Regardless of the name used to describe this shooting method, it does work.

[@hrfunk]

I wonder, if you had trained just as rigorously using a flash sight picture, if the results would have been the same?

[@anangryranger]

@@hrfunk Well sir, that was over 40 years ago. I'd only be speculating. I worked most nightshift, by choice, and rarely used a flashlight. Those black sights on my old 28 were invisible in low light. And thus I trained for the environment I was often in.

[@ianwalker3144]

Thanks for the insight, sir! What I've heard is that target focus is best at handshake distances (inside 3yds), and your demonstration bears that out.

[@henryschmidt636]

Much appreciate the editing work to bring us side by side shooting views. Really puts the time differences into reality.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you. I like to use them for just that reason.

[@garyglenn5233]

As long as I can get my first round in the head or heart, the bad guy is going to have a very bad day. Unlike most people that carry a 9×19 ,I always carry my 11.43×23 mm. Sounds like a cannon in metric terms doesn't it? I love the look on people's faces when I throw that number out at them. What's even more hilarious is when they start asking questions and I explain to them that it's just the metric designation of the old 45 acp. It drives the 9mm fanatics nuts. But anyone that's had physics 101 knows that a .451" diameter bullet that weighs 200 to 230 grains is going to be more effective on the target than a. 355" bullet that weighs 115 to 124 grains. Any caliber is going to be very effective with a head shot, but a center mass shot requires a larger, heavier bullet to achieve a faster stopping average with less rounds than a smaller caliber. I've been practicing point shooting at 4 yards because in most real world defense situations, the range is going to be close and you'll probably be shooting one handed in a point and pull manner. I've noticed a pattern from watching a great many self defense shootings caught on security cams that the average number of rounds fired is three and the bad guy still has enough steam left to run away, if only for a short distance when shot with a 9mm. A 357 mag,357 Sig, 40 S&W and 45 acp usually takes only one or two rounds to keep the bad guy down. As a former LEO, I'm sure that you have seen similar results. I completely understand that the 9mm is all most of the new shooters can handle in terms of recoil, but with practice a more effective caliber isn't hard to master. I am still puzzled why the 357 Sig isn't more popular. It comes in pistols that are the same size as a 9mm, the recoil isn't much more and the effectiveness is almost the same as the 357 mag. I am a firm believer that the first shot is the most important one. Every shot after the first is a possible legal problem, depending on what state, town etc... you live in. I hope to God that I never have to use any of my guns against another person, but I will do so without hesitation or regret if I have to. I'm a 55 year old partially disabled white man that literally can't run or retreat, so I have to face any threat head on, be it a chipmunk, bear or drug crazed thug. I'll try the target focus technique and see if it works for me. I can't afford to practice as much as I'd like, so any technique or drill that gives me a slight edge is worth trying. I love your videos because you cover a wide range of subjects that apply to us regular folks, from guns to training. Most of the youtubers are the tacticool crowd and my tactical days are long gone. Thanks for putting out content that applies to us older regular folks, especially your love for the 1911 45. Can't wait for the next one.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@mikereinhardt4807]

Three things HR, one another great video, enjoyed it a lot. Two in my experience target focus shooting requires a great deal of practice to get the most out of it. As an example look at demonstration shooters and ask them how much time they spend in a week practicing. It is substantial compared to what the every day individual can or is willing to spend. Lastly, if you are ever given the option of cataract surgery I highly recommend it. Get both eyes done for distance vision and you will be amazed at how much your vision is improved. Not exactly as a 20 or 30 year old but pretty darn close...

[@nealewatson5284]

Hey HR, I have watched your video and found it instructive. The "Target Focus" technique taught by the Israeli's I think is quite similar to Col. Coopers method. First acquire your target, then draw your weapon and present in such a manner as you have practiced etc. Of course, all this has to be completed in as short a time as possible and than fire on your target. One problem as I see it is a lot of guys and gals practice for competition and there is not someone shooting back at them. So two disciplines are necessary if one wants to compete and utilize training for personal protection. Therein may lie a problem. When one faces a rapidly escalating personal protection challenge which of the two disciplines will automatically come to the fore? Practicing for competition has great benefits and can be fun but practicing to save your life might just be more beneficial. I know drills are necessary but the mind control required in a real life scenario is much more difficult to master IMHO

[@BlakeHouse-j3u]

To quote a good friend about an encounter with multiple armed robbers : " I aimed on his shirt button like it was the neck of a deer ."

[@007Chancellor]

Damn! You're looking FIT, Marine! 👍 In Defensive pistol matches - at standard "self-defense" ranges, I use my front sight very much like a red dot. Focus on the threat, and shoot when the front sight imposes on it. With practice, it is effective and FAST. Of course, the gold-dot front sight makes this even more effective - even with eyes that are pushing 70 years old.

[@hrfunk]

I have used them, and they work well. Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment.

[@oldcop18]

Glad to see you’re using a realistic CCW gun & holster as opposed to those who use high end competition gear to do the same thing. As you know all of my confrontations happened w/my issued revolver, after dark and I only used sights in one case. I believe it’s important for folks w/your stature to show how it might really happen in a street confrontation.

[@hrfunk]

I do my best. Thanks for chiming in!

[@18wheeler77]

I do a lot of point and shoot drills from 3-5 yards. Sometimes one handed. But I’m gonna start training with flash sight from 5-7 yards now. Thanks for the video Sr. Hope you have a great weekend! ✌🏼

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome. Let me know how the FSP works for you.

[@ClergetMusic]

My understanding from the 1940 US Army manual for both the rifle and the pistol is that you are supposed to focus on the target, but still see the sights. See the sights, focus on the target.

[@hrfunk]

One of the problems with any discussion of “target focus” is the fact that there are so many different definitions of the term.

[@papimaximus95]

Bad Breath Distance: Point Shooting (Target Focus) Self Defense Distance: Flash Sight Picture (aka Good Enough Sight Picture) Reach Out and Touch Distance: Front Sight Focus

[@papimaximus95]

@Dillydilly956 Not really. At some point, your target will get blurry due to the distance. The front sights/optic is always at the same know/set distance.

[@BlakeHouse-j3u]

At literal Bad Breath Distance , you might want to use Retention Position . Spitting Distamce is actually a useful concept . In the context of how far an experienced tobacco chewer could reasonably expect to hit a 1 foot or so sized target . Pretty close to optimal point shoot / target focus shooting distance.

[@papimaximus95]

@@BlakeHouse-j3u "Retention shooting" is just point shooting from a retention position (i.e., pectoral index).

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good drill Howard, personally I think everyone who carries a firearm, whether civilian or LEOs should try out. Especially since all shots need to be on the "target", for obvious reasons. This is a vital training tool to determine one's ability and maximum affective distance under short time frames. We were taught flash sight picture for close encounters (under 10 yards) when I served in the 1970s; but obviously we didn't have RDS. Adrenaline will also be a factor in these types of encounters, so prior to each string, physical activity to increase the heart rate will be beneficial.

[@LionquestFitness]

Looking fit Chief! It looks like you've been hitting the pushups and situps. You're developing that Kirk Douglas/Burt Lancaster look.

[@hrfunk]

Careful Greg. Kirk and Burt are not going to be happy with you.

[@sadinnj2694]

Mr Hrfunk, thank you for this video and all of your content. It is great! I would like to make some defense of the focus shooting (or what I have learned as point shooting) method. I have been using it for years as part of my training. (I also train this method largely with one-handed shooting for additional speed.) At this point, using an IPSC A-C-D target, I can hit the A zone nearly 100% of the time with shots from concealment ranging around 1.4-1.5 seconds at 7 yds. The same goes for strings of fire (6 shots under 3 seconds). The reason I am able to do that is that I have fired thousands of rounds downrange with meticulous practice. I don't need a sight picture because I am dialed in with how my body and gun need to be positioned relative to a threat. I can literally feel if I am on target or not. That said, using a similar technique (i.e., body positioning), 10 yds and beyond, I do need a front sight quick picture to maintain accuracy. (I do not need to line up the rear sight because I can feel where the gun is horizontally because of my draw.) At 25 yds and beyond, then I have to line up with rear sights. It is very clear that you are an awesome shooter using the flash sight picture, but I will bet that with several thousand rounds of practice and proper coaching on body positioning and body platform, given your skills, you could get to 1 second draws with one hand and with perfect accuracy. That's half of where you were, and that can make a difference. Just my $0.02.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you. I appreciate your comment. One thing that concerns me. however, with shooting techniques that require more or less perfect body position, presentation, etc, is the consequences of circumstances that don't permit such a precise execution. Having been involved in a shooting as a police officer, I can say from experince that achieving the exact shooting position in a real life encounter as one does on the range is not always possible. FSP, on the other hand, is more forgiving when stance, grip, etc. are less than perfect.

[@alantoon5708]

That's how one shoots with a RDS. Most of the departments in my area use RDS or are about to.

[@hrfunk]

Considering the age and vision of the average officer, I think that money might be better spent on ammunition and more training.

[@alantoon5708]

@@hrfunk a department last week had an officer shoot himself while holstering...

[@hrfunk]

As I was saying….

[@alantoon5708]

@@hrfunk At the range, was attempting to put his backup G-43 in an ankle holster without removing his finger from the trigger first...

[@hrfunk]

That’ll do it.

[@keithplymale2374]

I have also seem a presentation on what was called seeing what you need to see. My take away was that basically it was a matter of focusing on the rear sight instead of the front sight and then on the target. It is because of how the eyes work. Example was when you are driving you are not normally looking at the wind shield. You are looking past it to the things beyond it. I thought it was an interesting idea.

[@jamesbuckley6951]

Thank you Mr. Funk. I was really on the fence about putting a red dot on my revolver but with my older eyes I see the wisdom of what you have to say. Going to use a red dot and have no regrets!

[@bjdog42]

Very nice realistic comparison. I use my carry gear for every class I take & it makes a difference. I'm wondering if you've ever considered XS Big dots? I used my Hellcat in a class with the factory sights & did fine. Afterwards I noticed the lume ring had come out(tritium & white outline stayed) & I decided to go with an orange big dot rather than replace the factory sights since I use the big dots on my Glocks anyway(yellow on them). I already had another class scheduled so I used the Hellcat & was getting better time & accuracy. For me, the big dot allows me to focus on the target & it still forces its way into my peripheral enough for a flash picture at least to 7 yards. I also find I can use them without glasses since im mildly nearsighted. May not work for everyone but I get good results & most of the people I've taught take to them well too.

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

Another outstanding video Chief, thank you! Your results appear to validate my personal experiences as I become more proficient with a red dot. Plus, I look alot cooler to the younger crowd w/a red dot vs. my RX glasses and we all know how important that is! 😉

[@hrfunk]

Ha, ha! The importance of looking cool can’t be overstated!

[@danbyers8462]

While in the Navy I attended "Shipboard Security Engagement Tactics" ( Team Training). It was taught by 2 retired Marine Corps Majors and an Navy Seal(E-7). Traveling through a ship rapidly in very close quarters and short target distances at a "high ready" using standard govt issue 1911's in various low light conditions. We would be traversing to a specific location on ship. Crew members on the ship during a Security Alert were to stand fast, while the security alert teams moved throughout the ship. It was impossible to use your sights to engage a target and live to tell about it! So we were taught to engage targets using 'target focus" only and were surprised to realize how accurate "target focus is at closer ranges! Very intense! (We used paint pistols of course for safety) Great video HR! I believe "Target Focus" can be used at greater distances for personal protection with much practice! "Instructor Zero" has shown this in quite a few videos on You Tube.

[@hrfunk]

Everything has to do with the degree of precision a shooter expects at a given distance. I agree, at very close range, accurate shooting can be accomplished without the use of sights. However, as distance increases, one's ability to engage a hostile threat with accurate fire diminishes proportionately.

[@danbyers8462]

@@hrfunk totally agree, Navy Seals train to muscle memory and also have the budget to get the best equipment. Their focus is much higher than the average "Joe". In one scenario the Seal was the bad guy and myself and another sailor on my sweep team was on a weather deck above the "bridge" where the ship's XO was being held hostage. I was low to the deck as I approached the port bridge wing. The Seal saw me the same time I saw him. I shot him in the neck and he shot me in the left ear. Ohhh that hurt! He was not happy about being shot in the neck. It was all automatic reaction from about 8 ft away. Best Security force training I was ever involved in during my military career. Really appreciate videos like you just had. Shows the pros and cons of training techniques.

[@davidkachel]

"Couldn't find the dot." THAT is why I refuse to use a red dot, along with the fact that target acquisition always takes longer, even when you can find it. I had one, actually a "green" dot, and quickly realized they can get you killed. It went right into the trash.

[@d7dun1010]

Tried putting a RD on my Sig m18 twice and wound up sending it back both times. Like you and HR, I could NOT routinely find the RD on presentation. I tried but it just wasn't working at all. On a good day, I might find the dot on draw 3 or less out of 5 attempts. Looks like its me and irons for the duration.

[@What-is-happening]

Here’s a technique nobody teaches anymore. Hold the pistol or revolver directly in front of you ( not in front of your dominant eye) focus on the threat( you’re probably going to have a hard time not focusing on the threat anyway) your right eye is looking down the right side of the barrel, your left eye is looking down the left side of the barrel, press trigger smoothly. Give it a try, you might be surprised. Especially with a small gun with less than ideal sights( like an LCP or a j frame with trough sights) .

[@terryclark9603]

Yes target focus does work with a lot of practice. Long time ago I shot rabbits doing that. The way I practice was with a small like a 3 inch target with a larger background target to know were you are hitting .it doesn't take long before you learn. Practice makes perfect. 004.Ironman in Alabama 73s.

[@ericrumpel3105]

Excellent - realistic video, Thanks SO much fer sharing VERY realistic info. I believe these examples you presented are very accurate of the 3 different techniques of training, that said, being of old school & older age - as you are, for me - this proves I need to stay with the training I have & continue with that practice - that is the flash-sight-picture & appreciate the drill-reinforcement, atleast with the results I'm getting with the eyesight I am yet retaining. Thanks Again fer sharing.

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome Eric. I’m glad you liked it.

[@lindeleasley]

My vision has always required corrective lenses, but as I've aged my focus range has gotten worse. The red dot is a big help to counter act that.

[@MarvinTurner-oc4ml]

HR, you have just convinced me that I need to explore getting a red dot for one of my pistols. I've been resisting that, mainly because I really don't have any experience with them and old dogs are slow to learn new tricks. Very good, informative video. Thank you, Sir!

[@hrfunk]

My pleasure. They take some training, but I do think they have some benefits.

[@OhioGunRunner]

I agree with your conclusions 100% and have experienced the same eye issues as I have aged. 1 thing I would add is novice shooters seem to shoot better faster with the MRD’s. From an instructors stand point it is much easier to train focus on your target press trigger when the dot is on target. I see new shooters on target faster than training traditional sight focus as we were trained. Very insightful video! Thank you.

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome Bill. Thanks for watching!

[@quinnmclaughlin7537]

as a kid I shot archery Years before I ever shot a gun regularly, I always shot archery Target Focus, moving over to pistols I use Target Focus and Under-mount laser, with irons as a back-up, I suppose it has something to do with being cross-dominant too

[@raybo34]

Very good demonstration and evaluation. I practice target focus all the time.

[@burnyburnoutze2nd]

13:26 You nailed it right on the head here. This line of thinking is exactly why I got turned right off from IPSC/USPSA. The sport has gotten way too sporty in both equipment and attitudes and is no longer a viable method of training for defensive scenarios beyond movement and fire. As a reservist soldier, I need a shooting sport who's mindset and equipment more accurately reflects the realities of defensive shooting with zero excessive sportyness. This is why I went to IDPA. Too bad most clubs in Canada strongly prefer IPSC to IDPA.

[@hrfunk]

For more or less the same reasons you stated, I’m getting to the point where I prefer training (with an emphasis on realism) to competition.

[@burnyburnoutze2nd]

​@@hrfunk Being in Canada, the options for proper training classes are severely limited compared to the United States. Army training with handguns is almost worthless unless the Mcpl or Sgt actually has handgun shooting experience civvie side, and training courses beyomd that are so few and far between that I'm seriously considering attending courses in the states with borrowed guns, because trying to navigate all the legal hoops to bring my own handguns from Canada to the United States and back is excrutiating.

[@hrfunk]

@@burnyburnoutze2nd I know what you mean. I've considered coming to Canada to hunt, but I don't want to jump through those hoops either.

[@burnyburnoutze2nd]

@@hrfunk the biggest issue is making sure the guns you have for hunting here fall into the non restricted class and aren't restricted (handguns and short barreled semi auti centerfire rifles) or prohibited (full autos, short barreled handguns, banned by name etc). Our import/export laws are far more lenient than the USA The easiest way to know: Is it a stereotypical fudd gun? It's non restricted. Is it a lever, bolt, pump or break action firearm and it fits the ATF defjnition of a rifle or shotgun? Non restricted. I would avoid anything semi auto solely because there's so much uncertainty about the governments current push to ban most semi auto centerfire rifles that what is legal one day us suddenly prohibited the next. There is some paperwork required, but it's not hard to fill out. There's temporary non resident firearm declarations, and it's even possible for a non resident to have a canadian firearm license and use that to make crossing the border for legitimate hunting purposes easier.

[@hrfunk]

@@burnyburnoutze2nd Thanks. That's good info if I ever decide to take that trip.

[@DanTheWolfman]

Very Interesting Video. I have Part 2 & Part 3 of Red Dot vs Iron Sights in the can coming out. For you, you probably should train to point shoot/target focus 3 yards & in, you should try Silver Marking Pen the centers of your Red Dots to use as a reference 4-6 yard range (at least on Micro Smaller Window RDS that are harder to find), & Actually look for the Dot only 7yards out based on your times IMO. 5 yards in you are too slow to find dot IMO based on bad guy reaction time 1.75 is a not get shot, 2.25 to first hit is likely you got hit too IMO. Most Civilian/Plainclothes defensive gun use really is 2-5 yards, if it's a situation where your awareness preps you to counter ambush, say 2 robbers at restaurant 7 & 10 yards or one is really near the register clerk...you will know to draw to your dot. Just some thoughts.

[@pgg0024]

I have to also wonder about this in a high stress environment. With heartbeat elevated, blood pressure up, eyes dilated. In my state now that most agencies are issuing /authorizing optics now we are seeing hit rates of 90% instead of the 30% before. That is a significant difference.

[@hrfunk]

Interesting. I wonder if that will continue to be the case?

[@johnherr3579]

Good morning HR. Interesting video today. On the 5 shot string using target focus for speed on the first shot and then using sights on the rest for accuracy sounds better to me. I don't think it would make much difference in time for the string. Technical question from the live chat, how much windage do you apply when shooting the breeze?😂

[@hrfunk]

That all depends on the velocity and direction of the breeze.

[@emmausroadjourneyman3530]

Great video as always! At one time, I was very keen on adding a red dot to my EDC. I now believe that, in the context of the typical self defense situation, it has little value for me personally.. I've spent some time "hunting for the dot" on my bullseye pistol ... which, in a self defense situation would be a non-starter. I do practice target focus at times at very close distances just in case I didn't have time to engage the sights. (here in the country we call it "point shooting" ;) I am unfamiliar with flash sight picture, I'll have to look it up!

[@emilcampeanu8533]

Excellent analysis, and logical conclusions. Training and practice is the key. Mastering point shooting is a skill that improves with practice, and works well under extreme stress ,especially at close range. It has it’s limitations as you pointed out, but I don’t remember completely missing the target when shooting in ideal conditions, that is static scenario, good light, no distraction. The trouble starts when the scenario is chaotic, people are moving fast, innocent targets are mixing with enemy targets, shooter is moving fast, screaming and shooting noise surrounding you. Most likely one will instinctively point and shoot, rather than aim. It would work well especially at close range, if one has good training and practice facilitating good muscle memory. Also, physical and mental fitness are extremely important. Probably, 7 to 10 yards would be the maximum effective range for point shooting. Red dot technology is in my opinion a good option to improve the accuracy of point shooting. On the flip side, commercial optics are fragile, require retraining and practice and add bulk to a pistol that is intended to be concealed.

[@hrfunk]

Just a quick note on the moving/dynamic encounters. I’ve used the FSP to good effect many times in both firearms simulator training and “force on force” training.

[@emilcampeanu8533]

@@hrfunkLike you pointed out numerous times , age ing creates problems and solutions need to be found. I am so glad you share your findings while exploring new technologies and techniques. It is helpful, informative and also pleasant to spend time with you either at the range or at home in your “firearms room”. Please continue the good work. Thank you 😊

[@Allenmar73]

This was a great video. Definitely as realistic style as you can practice on the range for evaluation of one's own preference. Thanks for presenting.

[@Allenmar73]

I would add the use of this size handgun was a perfect realistic ccw demonstration. All as you stated.

[@hrfunk]

You're welcome Allen. Thanks for watching.

[@UrbanDefenseSystems]

For starters, the flash sight picture in the beginning IS a form of target focus. If you're doing it correctly, you're still staring at the target, bringing up your iron sights, and when you see a blurry and unfocused FLASH of your front sight super imposed on the target, you squeeze off a round. You didn't focus on the sights. There's a difference between FOCUSING on the sights and seeing them. You ALWAYS see your sights when shooting (unless you're doing contact shots where aiming doesn't matter). All professional shooters are target focused even with their irons. What people have a hard time understanding is that there are levels to being target focused. The harder the shot, the more you pay attention to the sights, that's it. A good shooter with a good index will always have his iron sights reasonably aligned for most shots all the way up to 15 yards. So he doesn't need to pay attention to the sight alignment, he's already developed a near perfect index when he draws and presents the gun towards the target, all he needs to see (SEE, NOT FOCUS) is his blurry bright front sight on the target and he's 99% sure his sights are aligned so he can pull the trigger without having to focus on the sights. Some pros are target focused even up to 25 yards. It's only when making very far shots or very tight shots that you bring complete focus back to your irons and abandon the target focus. Now, for most shooters, even those that consider themselves "experienced gun guys", they simply don't have the skill to see much difference between the two forms of aiming references because they're never firing 0.20 splits. But if you ever pick up the pace on your splits, you'll DEFINITELY see the improvement by being target focused.

[@hrfunk]

What percentage of all firearms owners do you suppose are capable of firing accurate shots while maintaining .20 second splits?

[@UrbanDefenseSystems]

@@hrfunk Everyone if they worked on being target focused. 0.20 is the bare minimum to be considered good. Guys who really go for it are getting almost 0.10 splits.

[@infidel24]

I'm about 15 years past my prime vision age. That and an old eye injury from a fishing accident, and my vision isn't even close to where it was in my late 30's. So, like yourself, I'm in the red dot phase of life. But that's not easy either due to a bad astigmatism. But, just have to make the best of what's still there to use. These are the thing's that make getting old stink. Go Steelers

[@willwilliam217]

Thank you for your interesting comparison video and good shooting. I am near 68 years old. Prior to my cataract surgery early last year I owned a sig p320 x5 legion with a Romeo 1 pro red dot. I never was pin point accurate with the dot, always obtained much tighter groups with the irons at 12 yards and closer. Since my cataract surgery I can no longer see my front sight clearly, I need a slight safety glass prescription to obtain a clear front sight picture. I do not own the red dot anymore but without my prescription shooting glasses the dot would most likely be helpful at the present time, but I may not be able to see the dot clearly?

[@showtime2629]

I'm not able to get to the range like I used to, and the range I DO use doesn't allow rapid fire. I find in laser dry fire practice, from a distance of 10ish yards I can be fast and accurate by getting the gun up and noticing the front sight and it's relation to the rear, but without really focusing on the sights.

[@hrfunk]

That’s more or less the definition of a “flash sight picture.”

[@DanTheWolfman]

Howard, today I came out with CZ P01 vs HK p2000 Best DA/SA CCW carry Part 2 since the P01 I barrowed was actually broken throwing shots first time out. Check it out if you get a chance (I don't know if you mind me linking or not?). I know you didn't love the HK you barrowed, but I think you would like the p2000, and sometime you need to try a light LEM trigger as well.

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Dan. I'll take a look when I have a minute.

[@woodywoodham2603]

HR could you tell us what “cover vest” you like & normally use ? Thanks for all your videos…I enjoy & learn from them!

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Woody. I actually have several. The ones I wear most commonly are from Duluth Trading Company.

[@JB-uw5yh]

Very good video.. Im a flash sight picture guy, training for common encounters and it works great for me. Though with the aging eyes Ive added larger and brighter front sights. So, your video gets thought process going! Red dot? Not so sure yet? Im considering some drills similar to yours from off balance and turn and face a target scenarios. My experience with real world scenarios has been with a less than perfect shooting position. So, I train like that frequently. The red dot might not line up so well without the perfect shooting stance? Thanks

[@bobbyw9046]

Good video - Personally, I often have a hard time acquiring a red dot sight. Because of that (for me) I won't use one on any self defense gun. My feeling is it's better to practice with opened sights rather to rely on an electronic and mechanical sighting system. This is what works for me - others may believe differently. At the end of the day, your shots with standard sights were still excellent and would have been effective.

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Bobby. As I mentioned in the video, were it not for the fact the front sight is getting fuzzy for me, I wouldn't even be considering another sighting option.

[@hrfunk]

@@Allenmar73 I don't know. I'll have to let you know when I get there.

[@markbecker71]

Point shooting..😮..👉

[@ElainesDomain]

I prefer that method. Iron sights too.

[@hrfunk]

Apparently, that term has fallen out of favor.

[@sisleymichael]

I was trained in point shooting my entire career in the Army. I am 65 now and still do it. I am not sure my brain could change now. Sure, if you have time (a judgement call based on many factors) I will use the sights.

[@MrWayne1911]

Great video, and I need to re-watch a few times. What really caught my ear was you shooting a Hellcat, and your sight comments. I bought that gun just for those sights, for my sometimes bad eyes at 67. I do have various red dots, on bigger guns, but have not decided about one for the Hellcat. One question is what holsters do you recommend for the Hellcat ? Can you tell me something about your prescription shooting glasses , brand etc ... thank you, Wayne

[@hrfunk]

I have a few different holsters for the Hellcat. The ones I use most often are from Crossbreed and Desantis. Here’s a video on the shooting glasses: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZjQpZiogKinpqs

[@seanoneil277]

Thanks, hrfunk. This video made me think of the very brief time I've spent shooting irons, and why irons shooting without reader lens correction was always a headache for me. Instinctively I would target focus much as I would when throwing a baseball, or kicking a soccer ball. But putting the front sight post, resolved reasonably with the rear notch, into the picture made things messy. I know it's possible to keep training through that difficulty, and I know many who still shoot irons proficiently in their 60s and 70s. I just couldn't do it myself without the reader lens, and my normal glasses don't have the reader lens up top on the right eye. Going to RDS may have been the lazy call, fundamentals-wise. But I still prefer target focus as much as possible. As you have worked with red dot sights, have you found yourself going to a more target-focused POV versus how you've spent most of your handgun shooting life?

[@hrfunk]

Actually, try as I might, I find myself using sort of a “flash dot picture.” I want that sighting reference before I press the trigger. Not doing so seems reckless.

[@seanoneil277]

@@hrfunk Thank you. Agree completely about not being reckless. I may have confused things above -- what I consider "target focus" includes the dot/reticle being in the correct place, but the emphasis is that my eyes are on the target -- and not on the front sight post (if irons), nor on the window/frame of the RDS (if RDS). I wonder about how much training it takes to get proficient with RDS, such that the dot/reticle is where you want it 90+ % of the time at presentation. I haven't clocked my own time but I know it's got to be many hundreds of hours, and probably 65-75% of the total time is dry fire practice. I don't think I'd be as proficient if I'd stuck with irons, I think I'd be slower & less accurate across the spectrum of situations. Mostly because of the extra time it took me to resolve sights and target at the same time. My experience seems (to me) about opposite yours, in total time spent, RDS vs irons. My total time being miniscule compared to yours -- I just mean the overall time of shooting handguns seems to be mostly with irons in your case, and mostly with RDS in mine. Honestly, I think many irons shooters (outside competitors of various types) are primarily gross aim / point-shooting people, from what I have seen at the range and from what I read online. Very few have achieved your levels of marksmanship and instructor accomplishments. I think their flash sight picture is less refined than what you've earned over your lifetime of shooting. Thank you for your response, I appreciate it.

[@hrfunk]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@navchaps3449]

Another great video! Knowing the numbers is very helpful. Your point about context is even more helpful. I will be reflecting on the context of my personal most likely scenario very carefully to help me better understand what the numbers mean. How much does 0.5 seconds matter? I don't know.

[@hrfunk]

I don't think it's really possible to predict how drastic that time difference might be. There are so many variables that come into play.

[@PPISAFETY]

Howard I really enjoy this sort of video, because as you probably know, I'm a training Geek. I'd like to make a couple of points here. When I trained with Gunsite in the late 80's, my main instructor was the late Jack Furr, although the Colonel did come out to supervise. At that time, Gunsite was advocating the "flash sight picture" on a range limited basis, not for all shots, and as you noted, for defensive shooting on a non-precision basis. Back then I also went to some short term training that advocated point shooting, which we now would call "target focus", and found it to be extremely limited in application with highly variable results. When I was running my large and regular classes, I decided to study sighting methods. At that time micro red dots were not yet a thing, so I was only looking at open sights. I rather quickly found that I was a poor subject for testing myself, because of my background in competion that emphasized accuracy such as PPC and NRA Bullseye, in which all shots are sighted shots (if you want to win) I actually was much slower when trying to fire unsighted because I simply was not used to it. So what I decided to do was use volunteer students at the end of a formal range session. Most, but not all of these students were brand new to handguns and were in an introductory session to get their CCW permits. Each student had experienced a safety briefing, one hour of mandatory structured dry fire training, and then shot a series of exercises ranging from arms' length to 15 yards, with an optional exercise at 25 yards. I then asked for volunteers to stay over, and after a break, shoot a short series of exercises for me. I kept detailed notes, and actually questioned the students after firing who chose to participate. Each volunteer fired the "controlled pair" exercise five times at each distance, which for my "study" were 3 yards, 7 yards, 10 yards and 15 yards. I had them fire at an 8 inch circle on the IDPA target so there would be an objective standard. Shots inside the circle were all scored the same, and the volunteer received no points for anything outside of the circle. We called 90% hits a "pass". Each volunteer was required to use the handgun they brough with them and had just had their lesson with. so we had a mix of firearms. I kept records on approximately 750 students in the course of one year. There was a time limit in place for each drill. Late shots counted as misses. Point fire drills were shot with electrical tape over the sights, flash sight picture was forced by taping over the rear sight only, full iron sights were used for everything else. There was also an "arm's length" exercise where the pairs were shot from a pectoral muscle index retention fire position. Total shots fired were 50 rounds. Here is what I found, distilled down to what became my "training doctrine" in a way that was easily remembered. 1. Point firing, focus on the target worked great for most of the test subjects inside of 10 feet, provided that the gun was brought as close as possible to eye level. Students who tried to bring the gun to a lower position, or attempted hip shooting, did rather poorly. 2. Using a flash sight picture, in which the front sight only was superimposed on the target worked well inside of 10 yards. However, about one third of the shooters did well with the flash sight picture out to 15 yards. Post shooting questioning showed these shooters to have participated significantly in team sports requiring excellent hand/eye coordination. 3. Past 10 yards, a formal sight picture was required for 2/3 of the shooters. Past 15 yards, everyone seemed to require both front and rear sights to do well. We also found (using a different set of students) that shooters we put through sighted fire exercises first did very well on eye-level point firing, but the reverse was not true. Students who had only done point fire were severely handicapped as distances increased. After this we began to teach '10 feet, 10 yards, and more than 10 yards' when selecting a sighting method, and advocated that most practice be done on a sighted basis because it improves point firing success. I wish I still had a large base of students to repeat this with a red dot, but unfortunately I don't. I bet that would be interesting. On an unrelated note, there is a company called "Target Focus Training" that teaches unarmed self defense. It is absolutely excellent for last ditch self defense, with its sole drawback being that many of the techniques taught will severely injure an attacker and can cause permanent disability. I've used some of their techniques and they are excellent, well worth the money

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Tom, your study bears out what I’ve come to believe over the years. First, I think it’s beneficial for all shooters to lead to shoot using a traditional sight picture before moving on to the “high speed” techniques. It seems to be much easier to transition a traditionally trained shooter to other sighting techniques than to teach a point shooter or an FSP shooter to use their sights. I also agree that within about 10 feet, point shooting (target focus) USUALLY works well depending upon one’s accuracy expectations (that’s why I was firing head shots at 9 yards. Body shots would have been comparatively easy). From 7-15 yards, FSP provides a much higher likelihood of putting effective shots on target. Beyond 15 yards, ignoring the sights (or dot) seems reckless to me.

[@chadhaire1711]

You were there in the 80's? Was Chuckie Tayor still there???

[@PPISAFETY]

@@chadhaire1711 I went there in '89. Taylor was, I believe, by that time on his own doing mostly mobile on-site training and writing. I never met him. My lead instructor was Jack Furr.

[@chadhaire1711]

@@PPISAFETY I did a backgroud check on Taylor...real name Galen Drake Taylor to see if all his military medals were real and if he was really in the Rangers....we did it twice. Came back NO RECORDS OF THIS PERSON name or SS number FOUND....LOL.....so according to national archives he was a stolen valor fake and got away with it for over 40+ years....

[@BlakeHouse-j3u]

You're hitting on one of my key points , that any more is widely disdained . Aimed Fire , using Basic Marksmanship Skills fofoundation carry over to all the other techniques , but rarely the reverse . But I might as well tell people they need a car with a crank on the front .

[@PanheadJeff58]

Good stuff SSgt. Semper Fi brother.

[@rodscrivner7132]

As always a great presentation. I have a question, Do you co-witness your red dot to your irons. or do you use another sighting technic to sight in your red dot? I have seen a few different methods. Thanks!

[@hrfunk]

If the sights allow it, I like to co-witness them.

[@rodscrivner7132]

@@hrfunk Then the red dot would be sitting on top of the front sight correct? There are a number of channels that "teach" to adjust the red dot to the center of the glass, and ignore the sights altogether. I have my dots aligned as I state in my question. Thank You for your knowledge and time..

[@curtwuollet2912]

These are also in good lighting. Tf might do as good as you can do in poor light. And training might help a lot.

[@hrfunk]

Maybe. But I’ve rarely been in an environment that was so dark that I couldn’t obtain an FSP.

[@curtwuollet2912]

@@hrfunk wait a few years😉

[@michaelklim1971]

To be honest whichever version works best for you to get consistent shots is good

[@elias7940]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@HSmith-uk9hl]

Going back some months - not sure how many - I commented on one of your previous videos that I found it quickest to pick up the dot in my RD if I focused on the target and brought the sight up between the target and my eyes. I was unaware that there was a name for that method. Interestingly, what is now called "target focus" and "flash sight" techniques seem to be modern versions of techniques pioneered by Col. Rex Applegate during WW2 and called "point shooting". At one time point shooting was widely taught to police I believe, often in conjunction with the isosceles stance. While watching your excellent - as usual - video, I began to wonder if your times and results were influenced by the Masada's trigger? I don't own one but have watched many videos about them, including yours, and often the trigger is described as different. Would you have done better with a Walther or maybe a Canik sub-compact or micro-compact with their excellent triggers? Thoughts?

[@hrfunk]

I don’t think so. The Masada 9S has a different trigger system than the full-size Masada. It’s actually pretty similar to the Hell Cat.

[@justinkayz8995]

Great presentation, thanks!

[@carloparisi9945]

Hi Hrfunk, nice shooting! Have you tried stress point index by Mr Ayoob? From close range it's the fastest sighting method I ever tried and works well with windage, less with elevation. Basically, you index the barrel looking from above it and the front sight really stands out for your eyes.

[@hrfunk]

That’s similar to a flash sight picture except a get a very quick visual reference from the rear sight too.

[@jimchambers7548]

Dressing normal the way the everyday Joe dresses is the way to test. Nobody walks around dressed like they're ready for war or competition. Way more real life accuracy 👍👍

[@MightyBjorn]

Seems like flash sight picture is the way to go or at least for someone who it practice and trained at it.

[@hrfunk]

It is the way to go for me as long as I can see the sights.

[@jamesvatter5729]

They used to have us do "point shooting" at 7 yards. I initially thought it was foolish, but found it faster and only slightly less accurate.

[@hrfunk]

I guess for me, it’s the “slightly” part that I don’t care for.

[@B_R_]

What I came away with was no matter whether you've been shooting target focused or front sight focused with iron sights for years, using an optic can improve accuracy, and speed improvement would come with repetitive use of the optic. Thanks again for the demonstration.

[@bradslone2409]

I have tried using a flash sight picture and for myself i have noticed that about 5 yards is the furthest that I can actually keep the round in the upper chest, if i go further back to say 10 yards I'm all over the place on the target especially low about 4-5 inches. Any suggestions on what could be goung on and how I can practice to get better at it? I've been wanting to go to a red dot on my ccw but I've got an astigmatism and i don't see the dot clearly, it's like a blob in in the center of the window.

[@lesliewoinarowicz7018]

What do you mean by flash sight picture? Thanks

[@hrfunk]

I’ll probably have to make a video to answer that. It’s not a difficult technique, but describing it might be a challenge.

[@kdcowboy9478]

HR I was busy sawing wood making target stands during the video I had it on but was making a stand. I watched it again so with FSP you don't really align the elevation with rear sight just get the front between the rear and that's it?

[@hrfunk]

Right, you just see the front sight somewhere within the rear sight notch, and the sights superimposed on the target. The tip of the front sight should be where you want the bullet to strike. At relatively close distances, it works well for me.

[@kdcowboy9478]

@@hrfunk Wouldn't you think you would pick up the red dot quicker than the front sight post aligned with the rear? Sometimes I practice just presenting and picking up that dot over and over.

[@hrfunk]

Do you try that from concealment with a micro handgun and optic?

[@kdcowboy9478]

@@hrfunk It's a springfield armory shield plus but I'm not drawing from concealment or even a holster it's baby steps for me. You are the Jedi master I'm still in the corner with a dunce hat on. All the Best HR and thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Platoon_Guide]

What are the best type of iron sights for cops to shoot target focused on any shift? I have a dot on my main IDPA/USPSA pistol but a few other pistols w/ irons only but was trained front sight focused. Struggling now.

[@BlakeHouse-j3u]

As per current hight profile " Target Focused " doctrine being tought , the sights are moot , because you would be ignoring them on purpose . IF you are thinking of more fluid transitioning between Point and Flash Sight Picture as appropriate or possible , then either a front Tritium , or bright fluorescent paint on front sight . ( Testors Fluorescent Orange , or that they call Fluorescent Yellow, that I call Lime Green .)

[@artwebb6939]

I like flash sight picture, of course with the sights on a lot of pistols The Flash part is kind of hard to do 🤣 I really have to hand it to Springfield Armory and Ruger for the very hi-viz sights they've started putting on some of their newer pistols

[@jonnyc8867]

For years (decades?) this has been called "Point Shooting". It's how I was trained in the 1980s, in Israel, post my actual IDF service.

[@hrfunk]

For some reason, the term “target focus” is in vogue these days. Still, I agree with you. It’s really just point shooting.

[@bdmngs5884]

Hopefully in the year or so that's passed you've gotten better information on target focused shooting. It seems like the instructors didn't convey the technique clearly. That being said there's good information here on your habits that I saw. You're probably over gripping your firing hand and that's why shots are going left and low at times. Which is what everyone tends to do at some point when shooting aggressively. I'd take a headshot @.23 faster; good change you might not make your hit after. But I'm still trying to develop better habits with my shooting. As of right now, the way I think about point shooting is "aim small, miss small." I put my focus on a small spot on the target, bring my sights to that spot, and pull the trigger when the sights are good enough for the given target. The big difference is learning not to over confirm. I got it, I send it; I'm learning to Identify good enough sight picture, faster. And pull the trigger without messing up what I had. Which is really hard when I shoot faster.

[@hrfunk]

My preference is to just utilize a flash sight picture.

[@mikewallace8087]

On a one vs one , does the first to fire distract focus from the other and then gain advantage ?

[@hrfunk]

I think that would be highly dependent

[@hrfunk]

Upon the individuals involved and a lot of other factors.

[@BlakeHouse-j3u]

The Goal is to make the first Hit . Preferably a First Shot Hit .

[@chrisgabbert658]

👍😊 I’ve had a vision deal and getting old hasn’t helped.

[@MrWayne1911]

Hi one more time, did you ever do a review of the Hellcat ?

[@hrfunk]

Yes. It’s been in several videos. Here’s my original review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmW3n6tqlsapiLs

[@f51a]

HR We would call it point / shoulder

[@hrfunk]

It seems like the term “point shooting” is becoming “passé”. If you want to sound hip, you have to call it target focus.

[@happyhaunter_5546]

I practice this when I shoot my back-up carry gun, a SW 442 airweight, at about ten yards and in. It works surprisingly well; I just keep my knees, hips, and shoulders square to target and punch out. Fast and pretty hard to not get C zone or better hits with; was surprised how well it worked the first few times; I do this to simulate not having the time to get a sight picture or not having enough light to establish one only with my little snubnose revolver where I envision that could be a more likely scenario for when I carry that instead of my primary gun. Thanks Chief!

[@BlakeHouse-j3u]

It just hard to get the felons to agree to only stand square to you before mugging or carjacking you . There Are " Alternative Sighying Methods " that are very flexible about angles and orientations . But it would open a no 10 can of internet worms if I mentioned the name Jim Cirillo .

[@happyhaunter_5546]

@@BlakeHouse-j3u well sure, that's just how I practice it; can never take a non-ethical shot, but I don't expect to ever use my snubnose revolver in a real defensive situation (or hopefully ever) in any scenario that'd be further than seven yards; it's a back-up.

[@BlakeHouse-j3u]

@@happyhaunter_5546 I've shot PPC match with 50yd stage with 2.75 inch Ruger . My 2in K Frames are as accurate as average 4 inch revolvers. J Frames are * More Challenging * to get the full potential from . But in the day , I did do 90% scores on " big boy " Qual course intended for full size guns .

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍interesting video, thanks for some great content.

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@danoneill2846]

thanks

[@jamestoth1256]

HR, do you shoot with both eyes open or one eye closed?

[@hrfunk]

That depends upon what type of shooting I’m engaged in. For close, fast shooting, I keep both eyes open.

[@algoneby]

In almost any shooting contest, or exhibition shooting, missing is considered a no no. A missed shot isn't impressive. An accurate shot is impressive. In an emergency situation, any shot is probably good, as long as it is not an errant shot, which could be also a no no.

[@paulhare662]

I do know that when riding a bicycle, if you focus on a rock in the trail, you will run directly over it no matter how you try to go around it.

[@hrfunk]

Be careful not to focus on the edge of a cliff.

[@paulhare662]

@@hrfunk Riding with a friend, I pointed out a washout in the trail, he zeroed in on it, bent a wheel and went off trail into a 15 foot deep ditch. Coaching soccer, I found that hanging "targets" to the sides of the goalie helped the girls not focus on the goalie. I guess you hit what you look at.

[@ftdefiance1]

If you were a police chief again would you have the Academy teach and issue micro dot optics? Or would you teach New Technique?

[@hrfunk]

Considering the age (and eyesight) of most police recruits, I would have the academy continue to teach iron sights/flash-sight-picture.

[@wheeler71]

Thx HR good information 👍🎯 stay. Safe carry on 🔫 🇺🇲

[@davidkachel]

If I were a bad guy (one or two women in my life might say that I am), I would make sure all the shirts in my closet were red! AHA!!!

[@wnews7304]

all of this is shooting at a non moving target, could shooting at a moving target make a difference ?

[@hrfunk]

Maybe, but as I mentioned in another comment, I couldn’t get anyone to hood the targets and move around while I shot at them.

[@wnews7304]

@@hrfunk good answer

[@gchomuk]

Dose it work? I'm guessing you mean does it work.

[@hrfunk]

Slip of the keyboard.

[@Paladin1873]

I wonder what technique the Chairman used when his eyes began to age or did he refuse to let them age?

[@hrfunk]

They’re probably still 20/20.

[@JTEllis]

Excellent presentation and valid points made. As a Cooper follower, I still use iron sights. Three yards or less, up close personal bad breath distance, point, and shoot or target focus. With reference to my earlier comment on this date. This is the last of your videos I saved to watch later and until the one you downed this morning, it has been the only one I've seen. I will go to your channel and look for what I've missed as time allows. Keep up the good work.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you! Will do.

[@markhankins3023]

It looks like it worked in Allen, Texas.

[@hrfunk]

?

[@chadhaire1711]

If you are doing a mass shooting a 10 gauge loaded with #4 shot and no sights will work too.......what is your point?

[@markhankins3023]

@@hrfunkyour target has one round,,same as shooter. Not sure type of weapon or distance of shot.

[@markhankins3023]

@@hrfunkthe policeman who got mass shooter was in mall for unrelated call, however ran towards the gunfire and made outstanding shot.

[@markhankins3023]

@@chadhaire1711 I was referring to the good guy.

[@markbecker71]

There seems to be a trend to disregard public safety. They just empty their magazines,I wonder who's teaching them this.?🤠👉

[@hrfunk]

Good question.

[@carlosmorris4510]

I've seen this at the range - primarily with semi-auto shooters... It's a 'spray & pray' 🙏 mentality, in my view - perhaps subconsciously based on the fear of being in a defensive situation; playing out that fear-based scenario in real time at the range. But with revolver shooters I've noticed a difference (including with myself); more of a focus on actually concentrating to get shots on target. It's a bad habit, imo - after all we're supposed to be accountable for every shot fired (we wouldn't want to hit any innocent bystanders). No one's teaching them this; it's in the individual's mind.

[@JC-np2zs]

Thanks for the great video! It's nice to see different techniques put to the test. I think you've got the most background with Flash sight picture technique and your consistent performance with that technique shows. One of COL Applegate's books like "Bullseye's Don't Shoot Back" might be helpful for your target focused technique. COL Applegate indicates that with the proper application of his technique the average shooter quickly develops the ability to keep shots within 6-8 inches at 7 to 10 yards. You will also develop much higher speeds. Per his books, at some distance you will want to transition to using sights to keep your shots on target. Adding Bill Rogers Flash Sight Picture technique with practice on reactive targets ("Be Fast, Be accurate, Be the best", "Reactive Pistol Shooting") complements really well for quickly engaging longer distance targets. When you develop the look and feel for COL Applegate's and Bill Rogers techniques there is carry over to red dot shooting. If you know the feel of aiming your pistol without using your sights... you will never have to search for the red dot as it will always be there.

[@jholcomb4246]

Isn't that guy on the target a senator now?

[@hrfunk]

He certainly looks like that guy.

[@doranmaxwell1755]

For me with my aging eyes and in a scenario that is the most likely... that being someone entering my home in the dead of night? I settled on a SAA (1873 design) on my nightstand. it is a point shooter of the first degree and at home invasion distances? the best possible solution to needing to fire 'fast' without sights. The other solution is my 12 gauge shotgun in the corner but seriously? at point blank range in the dark? it is not a huge advantage over my 44 spl "gunfighter" SAA with 4.75" barrel.

[@JonCarter-i3k]

I can't use any optical sight quick enough for self defense. I'm definitely quicker with quality open sights, or an instinctively activated laser. A lot of consistant practice is the key. Even a single second to much, could be fatal.

[@adude7050]

Target focus is about faith, having faith in the fact your body knows what to do. This is a practice in shooting for a number of other shooting disciplines. Having faith takes practice you have to be able to let your body do what it knows best. It is difficult not to have your mind double check what your body is doing. Many people work on this aspect and never quite get their mind to let go. I myself struggle with it.

[@hrfunk]

I think I’ll opt to not struggle with it. I prefer to use a technique less mystic.

[@stantheman5163]

Nice food for thought! Not being able to find that red dot guaranteed, every time, is a game changer for me. For self-defense distances I will stick with my iron sights on a handgun.