I too am not fond of what some refer to as "point shooting." While taking a shot from the retention position may well be necessary and should be practiced, a retention shot is not what most instructors consider point shooting.yerasimos wrote:I obtained a copy of Jeff Cooper's To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth, and I found the first two sections (The Present and The Pistolero)useful. Interesting and useful philosophical commentary, ideas on mindset, and much more. Cooper called things as he saw them, straight up/neat, holding nothing back, uncowed by liability concerns, and it is very refreshing to read, particularly in these times. There is a lot of material toward the end that is not applicable to CCW, but it can be interesting reading. It is a book worth buying new, particularly if you do not have an prior experience with the Modern Technique or are not interested in the schools that promote it.
Cooper was never a big fan of unsighted gunfire (or point shooting), insisting upon, at minimum, a rough flash sight picture (or blitzblick, as it is sometimes called). Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the derivative Modern Technique/Gunsite crowd are even less enthusiastic about unsighted fire. However, the NRA's PPOH doctrine covers some "point-shooting", and I know there are other trainers out there that address this type of shooting.
So what is the difference between "point shooting" and a "retention shot?" Point shooting typically refers to shooting with the arms fully or almost fully extended, but looking over the sights. Bill Jordan is spinning in his grave as I type this, as he certainly would not agree with this statement. He was the master at "point shooting" and his technique is what the NRA terms "instinctive shooting" a/k/a "speed rock." I share Mr. Jordon's opinion, except that I personally practice a retention shot that is much different from a "speed rock." This is primarily because the draw stroke I use and teach (other than in the NRA PPOH Course) does not lend itself to using the "speed rock" technique.
The problem I have with what most books, including the NRA Guide to the Basis of Personal Protection Outside the Home ("PPOH") is that the point-shooting technique taught has the arms fully or near fully extended and the pistol raised almost to eye level. If I have to room to extend the gun without essentially handing it to my attacker, I'm going to use the sights. I know the theory is that I don't have time to do so, but I respectfully disagree. It takes a split second to take a flash sight picture and I cannot think of a realistic scenario where fully extending the gun does not pose a threat, but there is insufficient time to take a flash sight picture.
As I said earlier, I don't use the traditional "speed rock" or what the NRA terms "instinctive shooting" techniques, but I do believe it is the easiest to master for many if not most shooters. While it does put the gun a bit further out in front of the shooter than does my technique, it is nevertheless easier, faster and more comfortable to learn.
Here is a link to a few photos from the NRA PPOH book. I think they make it easier for folks new to tactical shooting to understand the difference between "point shooting" and a "retention shot."
Chas.
Point-Shooting v. Retention shots