The following information comes from The Elusive Ten by William Reichenbach. The Elusive Ten is also available to purchase in print.
No doubt, you have heard or read about some individual popularly known as a “born crack shot.” Disabuse your mind of the thought that any one is so fortunate. Crack shots are not born; they are made—only as a result of hard work. Some arrive easier and go farther, because of excellent temperament and physical characteristics of a type ideal for the target revolver. But that is true in all sports. The “natural” is fairly common, particularly in track. But I seriously question whether a “revolver natural” possesses very much advantage over his fellow neophytes. In fact, I assert that, barring physical impairments, any one of reasonable intelligence can be developed into a competent revolver shot—yes, into a crack shot—if he will but understand and work hard!
By work I do not so much mean endless practice, but rather constant and intelligent thought. If you start right, both mentally and physically, you cannot fail to do well. But starting right means starting at the beginning—not at the end. Before you can consider yourself competent to sight your weapon on a target and squeeze the trigger—even though the gun be empty—there is much to learn.
In the following chapters of Part I which deal with elementary fundamentals, you will note that a definite order of sequence obtains. Follow it. Do not skip about looking for hints. Again let me say, that is not the subject of this Manual. Adhere to the course with thoroughness and your gradual development on a sound basis will be assured.
Moreover, the arrangement is most logical. First, you learn how to grip your revolver. Then, how to stand. Third, how to relax—how to acquire a feeling of nonchalance which will inspire confidence. Fourth, how to start the gun from shoulder toward the target and to continue until the arm is extended and you are in a position to sight it.
(All of that—and you have not yet reached the usual thing every one does immediately upon first picking up a revolver—sighting it and snapping the trigger.)
Pause for a moment, if you will, and believe that there is much to learn, much to master before you even attempt to sight your gun.
We then take up sighting. But even now you are not ready. We must determine which is your master eye, the one you must use for your “bead.” You will be told how to sight and where to “hold” on the target.
Finally, we come to squeezing the trigger and firing the shot, with a consistent follow-through of the trigger finger as the revolver is brought back to the body, and we are made to realize that a definite breathing technique is required.
Seven distinct fundamentals you must keep uppermost in your mind until they become second nature with you. (Grip, Stance, Relaxation, Bringing the gun forward, Sighting, Squeeze and Breathing). And when they do that very thing your scores on the Standard American Slow-fire Target at 20 yards should rarely go below 80.
Still interested? Then promise yourself that you will adhere strictly to the instructions in the following chapters and that you will regularly follow the suggested practice exercise. Do these things, and you will get along.
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