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Natural Point of Aim was last updated: 20091228 1801

Natural Point of Aim
In aiming, the rifle becomes an extension of the body. Therefore, the
shooter must adjust the body position until the rifle points naturally at the
target. To avoid using muscles to aim at a target, the shooter must shift his
entire firing position to move his natural POA to the desired POI. The shooter
reaches this point by -

- Assuming a good steady position.
- Closing both eyes and relaxing as if preparing to fire.
- Opening both eyes to see where the weapon is pointing.
- Leaving the nonfiring elbow in place and shifting the legs, torso, and
firing elbow left or right.
- Repeating the process until the weapon points naturally at the desired
POI.

If the shooter must push or pull the weapon onto target, he is not on his
natural POA regardless of how small a movement is involved. Thus, muscle
relaxation is not achieved, either.

The shooter can change the elevation of a natural POA by leaving the
elbows in place and sliding the body forward or rearward. This movement
causes the muzzle of the weapon to drop or rise, respectively. Minor
adjustments to the natural POA can be made by the right leg (right-handed
shooter). The shooter moves the lower leg in the opposite direction that he
wants the sight to go. Another consideration is to maintain a natural POA
after the weapon has been fired; therefore, proper bolt operation becomes
critical. The shooter must practice reloading while in the prone position
without removing the butt of the weapon from the firing shoulder.