Handgun Target Shooting Example

The following information comes from The Elusive Ten by William Reichenbach. The Elusive Ten is also available to purchase in print.

In target shooting you must actually do certain things. (Paradoxically, positive inaction seems to be one of the things.) Just wishing to do these things will not do.

To show what I mean by actually doing, let us for a moment marvel at what takes place within the short time that elapses between taking aim and hitting the bullseye.

The body of the expert shows in perfect stance, with raised gun. (Illustration V.) Every muscle is relaxed, from the little toe to the trigger-finger. The facial expression is one of profound composure. Both eyes are open to target and sight. (The supreme effort of the expert is towards the achievement of this relaxed poise—through perfect coordination.)

A picture of absolute and tenseless inaction! (Illustration V.)

Now, an imperceptible caress of the trigger (being merely the thought of a motion).

A Crash! And a hole in the bullseye!

There is none of the flash and elan of sabre blades or the graceful movements which one sees in a foil exhibition.

Apparently there is a lack of the dramatic altogether.

Yet, can you conceive of anything more startling or awesome than the deadly lightning that flashes from out of that statue of studied relaxation—smashing out the center of the Elusive Ten?

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Handgun Target Shooting Example

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