Anatomy of a Marksman (Part 6) – Defensive vs Competition Pistol Shooting: Same Fundamentals, Different Priorities
The Anatomy of a Marksman: Defensive vs Competition Pistol Shooting: Same Fundamentals, Different Priorities
Part 6 of 6
This article reframes the fundamentals discussed throughout the series by examining how priorities and standards shift across defensive and competition shooting contexts.
Fundamentals Do Not Change — Standards Do
Accuracy fundamentals are universal. Application priorities vary.
New Shooter Priorities
- Safety
- Stable platform
- Visual discipline
- Trigger control
Recreational Shooting
- Consistency
- Pattern recognition
- Confidence
Defensive
- Accountability for every round
- Efficient presentation
- Acceptable sight picture based on distance
⚠️ Responsible Training Reminder
Defensive skills require lawful, instructor-led training.
Competition
- Efficiency
- Visual processing speed
- Shot calling
Defensive vs. Competition Shooting
This conceptual diagram highlights that while defensive and competition shooting share the same core fundamentals, their priorities and goals are vastly different.
- Stable platform.
- Clear sights.
- Clean trigger press.
- Disciplined follow-through.
Those principles never change.
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