Sentinel Keep
•2 min read•By Sentinel Keep
#training#marksmanship#fundamentals#drills#accuracy

Range Training Fundamentals: Building Consistent Skills

Master the fundamentals of marksmanship with proven drills and training methodologies. From stance to trigger control, build a solid foundation.

The Foundation of Good Shooting

Consistent accuracy doesn't happen by accident. It's built through deliberate practice of fundamental skills that form the foundation of all good shooting.

The Four Fundamentals

1. Stance and Grip

Your platform is everything. A stable, repeatable stance provides the foundation for consistent shots:

  • Isosceles vs. Weaver - find what works for your body
  • Consistent grip pressure (60/40 support hand dominant)
  • Natural point of aim alignment

2. Sight Alignment and Picture

Perfect sight alignment every single time:

  • Equal light gaps on both sides of the front sight
  • Front sight centered in the rear notch
  • Consistent sight picture for every shot

3. Trigger Control

The most critical fundamental:

  • Straight back trigger press using the pad of your finger
  • Follow through - hold the trigger back momentarily after the shot
  • Consistent trigger finger placement

4. Natural Respiratory Pause

Timing your shots with your natural breathing:

  • Fire during your natural respiratory pause
  • Don't hold your breath - this creates tension
  • Develop a consistent breathing pattern

Progressive Training Drills

Ball and Dummy Drill

Mix dummy rounds with live ammunition to identify and eliminate flinching. This drill will instantly show you if you're jerking the trigger or anticipating recoil.

Dot Torture

Precision shooting at small targets builds both skill and confidence. Start close and work your way back as your groups tighten.

Five-Shot Groups

Quality over quantity. Five carefully aimed shots tell you more about your skill than 50 rapid shots.

Training Philosophy

Remember: perfect practice makes perfect. Slow, deliberate training builds neural pathways that will serve you under stress. Speed comes naturally once the fundamentals are ingrained.

Start with these basics, master them completely, then build more advanced skills on this solid foundation.