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Updating The "Pie Chart" Target

Talyn

SAINT
Founding Member
In a 1962 NRA American Rifleman article written by USAF shooter Edmund Abel titled “Pistol Targets Talk”, which was sold as a reprint and included in NRA publications.


It listed errors that a right-handed bullseye shooter might make, with example targets showing where those failed shots are likely to hit. The pie chart assumes that the pistol is zeroed and correctly fired shots will hit the bullseye center.

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Abel’s original list of eight common errors were as follows:
  1. Thumbing – pushing the thumb against the frame as the trigger finger presses the trigger
  2. Heeling – pushing the muzzle up with the heel of the palm as the trigger is pressed
  3. Breaking the Wrist – pushing the muzzle down as the trigger is pressed
  4. Too Much Trigger Finger – laying the 2nd and/or 3rd section of the trigger finger against the frame, which pushes the muzzle left as the trigger is pressed
  5. Riding the Recoil – anticipating recoil by moving the pistol upward before the round fires
  6. Tightening the grip – increasing grip pressure on the pistol as the trigger is pressed
  7. Jerking the trigger – moving the muzzle low-left as the trigger is pressed, and
  8. Inconsistency – making different errors with each shot.
Our solutions-based updated pie chart looks like this:

Unlike the classic pie chart, the updated version gives simple advice for correction, if the shooter is willing to invest in a few dummy rounds.

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The drill can be shot slow or fast, on close or far targets – whatever skill you are trying to master. Try the updated chart and the live-dummy (or live-empty) drill on your next range trip or use them to help a buddy shoot better.
 
I think those are all equally useful. If your groups are tight, your sights are adjusted wrong. It doesn't matter what "flaw" you have, if it is consistent, you don't have a flaw.
 
They're all equally useful .... as in not really useful . Too many different possibilities and combinations thereof .

No substitute for close observation of the shooter , as They're shooting.
 
It seems more practical since it suggests simple drills like using dummy rounds to help correct mistakes like "thumbing" or "jerking the trigger." If you're looking to make progress, trying these tips during your next range session could really help refine your technique.
 
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