Skill Set: Technology & Fundamentals

Good article, by Tiger Mckee

Skill Set: Technology & Fundamentals

The fundamentals are critical to doing anything successfully. Having the proper equipment makes the job easier, but this won't overcome a lack of ability. If you can't apply the fundamentals properly it won't matter what gear you have, it's not going to work out that well.

Everyone reading this probably has a friend or two that are always showing off their latest firearm or new gear. They'll use it for a while, and then end up selling or trading for a new/different/better model. They're looking for "magic" gear. I've gotten a few nice guns and some cool kit from friends like this, because there is no magic gear.

Having the right tools is important, but once you have them it's about settling down, focusing on learning the fundamentals. There is no substitute for discipline and practice, especially in the beginning. You've got to put in the time. Once you've got the fundamentals squared away and actually know what you're doing, then you might start researching for improvements.

When you decide it's time to look into "advanced" gear, research thoroughly to find out what you actually need. For example most people think tritium "night-sights" are mandatory on the firearm. But, if you don't know the principles for working in the dark they're not going to be a big asset. In fact, they could get you into trouble. Yes, night sights help you shoot in low-light conditions. They don't help you identify the target. Just because you see something and have night sights doesn't mean you need to shoot.

There's also a limit on how much technology you can actually take advantage of. For example adjustable "target" sights are good for bullseye, surgical marksmanship. They won't help with defensive work, when you're looking for combat effective hits in a minimal amount of time. Again, they could be a detriment. Target sights are usually small, finer and harder to see, especially in low-light conditions and against certain backgrounds. If you can't see the front sight it's going to be hard to shoot accurately. Your equipment must match the application.

Fighting is problem solving at high speed. It's about making hard decisions, normally in a short amount of time. Technology doesn't help you avoid trouble. It won't make a difference in deciding to present your weapon, issue verbal commands, or move in behind cover. It can't help you can make the decision of when it's necessary to shoot. All of these answers are on you.

Technology can also become a crutch. I've seen some people who shoot their pistol/rifle fairly accurately. But when asked to shoot a different firearm, with a heavier, grittier trigger or different sights their results suffer. A good marksman can hit with anything. Application of the fundamentals always creates good results.

Don't get me wrong. I like good triggers, red-dot sights and a rifle that perfectly fits my body build. At the same time I can pick up almost any thing and shoot it well. I haven't mastered the fundamentals, but I'm getting pretty good. And it's all due to practice.

Start spending some time with lots of dry practice and some live-fire range work. Focus on one weapon, and get really good at the fundamentals. These skills will serve you well the rest of your life.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy,