What to Do With Your Eyes: Intro

Most things tend to be easier when you look at what you're doing, this also applies to shooting. Whether you're moving, reloading, or actually shooting, you will do that thing better if you are looking at what you're doing. Crazy right? I'll give a general idea of what it is you need to be looking at and expand on these topics in future articles.

First things first, we are going to be target-focused shooters. This means we will have crisp, clear targets and fuzzy sights somewhere over our intended target area.

We are still aware of the sights location on the target, without focusing on our sights. This is shooting with target-focused vision.

As you can see in the above photo, the target is very clear and you are aware of your sights' location on the target without actually staring at them. Look where you want the bullets to go and they will likely go there. This becomes important when we start shooting at more than one target and moving your firearm between those targets, also known as target transitions.

The red "X" is your point of focus while transitioning between targets. You can clearly see that the pistol is not far behind my vision. Your eyes and gun should move simultaneously, just ensure your vision stays ahead of the gun.

Efficient Target Transitions summed up in four words: "Eyes first, then gun." Move your eyes to your next target and let the gun follow closely behind. Think of target transitions like moving the mouse on your computer. You don't stare at the cursor to move it where you need, you just pick a spot on your screen and move it there. This is how you will transition between targets. One of my favorite transition drills is "Designated Target."

The red "X" is your point of focus while reloading. You should not transition your focus until your magazine reaches this point in the reload.

At some point you're going to have to get more rounds in your gun and we can talk in depth about that later. For now, we're still talking about your eyes. When you initiate your reload, you will immediately transition your focus from what you're shooting at, to what you're currently doing: reloading. As seen above, you should be staring at the magwell of your gun until your magazine is partially inserted, then transition your focus back to what you need to be shooting. Efficient reloads are all about hand speed and precision, and "Burkett Reloads" are a great way to develop both of those things.

The red "X" is your point of focus while moving into a position. We'll talk further about what to do with your feet at this point in a later article.

Throughout your life, I'm sure you've learned the importance of looking where you're going. The same thing applies to shooting, it doesn't make much sense to run around with a gun in your hand and not have eyes on your intended direction or desired location. Keep looking where you're going. It will benefit in life and on the range. If you'd like to get into more technical footwork that will allow you to put rounds on target sooner, read "What to Do With Your Feet: Intro."

I hope this helps. Have a good one.

Shoot Fast, Don't Miss.