CHAPTER 7

PISTOL ENGAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

The Marine must be able to quickly detect targets and employ the proper pistol engagement and firing techniques. The Marine must also be able to re-engage a target if the initial engagement is not successful.

_Note_: The procedures in this chapter are written for right-handed Marines; left-handed Marines should reverse directions as needed.

Target Detection

Target indicators reveal an enemy’s position. Most combat targets are detected by smoke, flash, dust, noise, or movement and are usually only momentarily visible. Target indicators are grouped into three general areas: movement, sound, and improper camouflage.

Movement

The Marine does not need to look directly at an object to notice movement. The eye is attracted to any movement, especially sudden movement. A slowly moving target is harder to detect than one with quick, jerky movements. Therefore, the ability to locate a moving target depends primarily on the speed of the object’s movement.

Sound

Sound (e.g., movement, rattling equipment, talking) can be used to detect an enemy position. Sound provides only a general location, making it difficult to pinpoint a target by sound alone. However, sound can alert the Marine to the presence of a target and increases the probability of locating the target through other indicators.

Improper Camouflage

The improper use of camouflage creates three target indicators: shine, outline, and contrast with the background. The closeness of a typical pistol engagement somewhat diminishes these effects, but can still affect target detection. The Marine’s ability to recognize target indicators aids in the detection of targets.

_Shine_

Shine is created from reflective objects such as metal, glass, pools of water, and the skin’s natural oils. Shine acts as a beacon in locating a target’s position.

_Outline_

The outline of camouflaged objects such as the body, head and shoulders, weapons, and gear can be recognizable.

_Contrast With the Background_

Objects contrast with a background because of differences in color, surface, and shape. The following are examples of objects contrasting with their background:

A target wearing a dark uniform would be clearly visible in an area of snow or sand.

Symmetrical shapes, such as helmets or rifle barrels, can be detected in a wooded area.

Fresh soil around a fighting hole contrasts with the otherwise unbroken ground surface.

While observing an area, the Marine notes anything that looks out of place or unusual and studies it in more detail in order to increase the chances of spotting a hidden threat.

Techniques of Fire

To successfully engage a combat target with the M9 service pistol, the Marine must employ effective techniques of fire. The Marine’s performance of these skills and the proper application of the fundamentals of marksmanship are critical to success in a combat situation.

Double and Single Action Firing

When the M9 service pistol is taken off safe, it is capable of firing in both a double and a single action mode.

_Double Action Mode_

The design of the M9 service pistol causes the first shot fired to be a double action shot.

In double action firing, two actions occur as the trigger is moved to the rear; the hammer moves to the rear, cocking the pistol, and then the hammer moves forward, firing the pistol. More pressure is required on the trigger to fire a double action shot due to the distance between the trigger and hammer and the weight of the trigger. A double action shot requires approximately 9 to 16 pounds of pressure to move the trigger rearward.

Maintaining sight alignment and sight picture are harder when firing a double action shot. Therefore, the sights will more than likely move outside the aiming area when applying trigger pressure.

_Single Action Mode_

In single action firing, the pistol is already cocked because the cycle of operation in the first double action shot leaves the hammer cocked to the rear. Therefore, the only action taking place as the trigger is moved to the rear is the hammer moving forward, firing the pistol. A single action shot requires approximately 4 to 6 pounds of pressure to move the trigger rearward. Therefore, the application of trigger control is easier when firing a single action shot.

To enable the first shot to be fired single action, the pistol’s hammer can be manually cocked with the thumb:

_Note_: The pistol must be taken off safe before it can be thumbcocked.

Use the left thumb to pull back on the hammer to cock it. This ensures that the firing grip of the right hand does not have to be broken.

Ensure that the hammer moves all the way to the rear.

Ensure the trigger finger remains straight along the receiver until the pistol is fully cocked.

Re-establish the firing grip with both hands once the pistol is cocked.

Single Action or Double Action Firing Factors

The decision to fire in a single or double action mode is made rapidly. Ultimately, the decision is based on the Marine’s abilities, but the decision is also based on time and accuracy. The pistol is fired in the double action mode when trigger control, sight picture, and stability of hold are not as critical for accuracy (i.e., close range, large targets). The pistol is fired in the single action mode when the fundamentals are more critical to accuracy (i.e., long range, small targets).

_Time_

The Marine sacrifices time to fire a single action, precision shot; but what he sacrifices in time, he gains in accuracy.

For quick engagements at close range, there may not be time to thumbcock the pistol for a single action shot. Therefore, firing the first shot in the double action mode is preferred because shots are needed on target quickly and stability of hold and sight picture are not as critical to accuracy.

When time permits and for targets at longer ranges, the pistol may be thumbcocked to place it in the single action mode to reduce the weight of the trigger and the distance the trigger must travel rearward to fire the first shot.

_Distance and Size of the Target_

The smaller the target, the more critical the application of the fundamentals in order to engage the target accurately. To accurately engage a small target (e.g., head shot, long-range target) it is better to thumbcock the pistol for a single action shot. Engagement of a smaller target requires additional precision because sight alignment and sight picture are more critical to accuracy.

Two-Shot Technique

During combat, the preferred pistol engagement technique is to rapidly fire more than one shot on a target to eliminate it as a threat. Two shots fired in rapid succession increase the trauma (i.e., shock, blood loss) on the target and increase the Marine’s chances of quickly eliminating the threat. Therefore, two shots are most often fired in rapid succession on a target at close range.

After the pistol is fired, the muzzle climbs with the recoil of the pistol. To fire two shots, the Marine must quickly recover the sights to the same area on the target while re-acquiring sight alignment and sight picture. The proper recovery automatically brings the sights back on target following recoil. A quick recovery allows more time for the Marine to align the sights and apply trigger control to fire the next shot. Recovery begins immediately after the application of the fundamentals to bring the pistol sights into alignment with the target in preparation for firing the next shot.

The amount the muzzle climbs during recoil depends on the amount of controlled muscular tension in the grip and wrists used to stabilize the pistol and create consistency in resistance to recoil. Controlled muscular tension allows the pistol sights to recover consistently back on target within a minimum amount of time. The speed of delivery of multiple shots depends on how fast the Marine can re-acquire sight alignment. Sight recovery is determined by the following:

The key to proper recovery is a stable firing position and proper grip.

If the Marine’s firing position is not stable, recoil forces him out of his firing position, requiring him to re-establish his position before he takes his next shot.

An improper grip or lack of controlled muscular tension causes the pistol to move in the Marine’s hand after the shot is fired, disrupting sight alignment and requiring the Marine to re-establish his grip.

Slow Fire Technique

Sight alignment becomes more critical the smaller the target and the greater the distance to the target. In these situations, the Marine does not engage the target with two rapidly fired shots because he has to slow down his application of the fundamentals in order to fire a precision shot(s). To engage small targets (i.e., partially exposed) and targets at longer ranges where precision is required, the Marine must employ the following slow fire technique:

Thumbcock the pistol for a single action shot.

Slow down application of the fundamentals.

Fire one well-aimed, precision shot on target.

Re-engagement Techniques

Once the Marine has quickly assessed the situation and determined that the threat still exists, he may make the decision to re-engage the target to eliminate it as a threat. Re-engagement techniques include engaging the target with a precision shot through slow fire, two shots, or offset aiming. The time, size, and distance to the target as well as the Marine’s marksmanship abilities dictate the technique used to re-engage the target.

Slow Fire Technique

If the Marine has engaged a target and the target still poses a threat, the Marine may choose to slow down his application of the fundamentals and fire a slow fire, precision shot. The placement of one well-aimed, precision shot on a designated area of the target increases the chances of eliminating the target as a threat. However, the time the Marine has to engage the target determines if he can slow down his application of the fundamentals to fire a precision shot. Firing a precision shot takes time, so the Marine will sacrifice time for accuracy.

The key to successful shot placement is the Marine’s ability to slow down his performance and focus on the application of the fundamentals of marksmanship. The Marine must determine where to place shot for maximum effectiveness. In order to make this decision, the Marine must consider distance and size of the target and time. For targets at close range and within the Marine’s marksmanship abilities, a precision shot is placed in the head to immediately eliminate the target as a threat. Sometimes, even at close ranges, the target may only be partially exposed; therefore, the Marine is presented with a small target and aims his sights on the portion of the target that is exposed. For targets at long ranges, the target is smaller and requires a precision shot. A precision shot may be placed in the body to add trauma to the target and increase the chances of eliminating the target as a threat.

Two-Shot Technique

If a target is accurately engaged, but does not go down, the Marine may re-engage the target with additional shots. Two additional, rapidly delivered shots increases the trauma and increases the Marine’s chances of eliminating the threat.

The size and distance to the target affect how quickly two shots can be delivered on the target. The speed at which two shots are fired also depends on the Marine’s marksmanship abilities and how fast he can re-acquire his front sight. However, the Marine must not compromise accuracy for speed; the key to successful target engagement is to fire only as quickly as the Marine can fire effectively.

Offset Aiming

When the Marine assesses the situation and determines his shots are not successful and not striking the target in the designated aiming area, he may employ offset aiming. Since the pistol’s sights cannot be adjusted, offset aiming is applied to adjust the aiming area and to cause rounds to strike center mass. This technique should only be applied when the Marine determines that he is applying the fundamentals of marksmanship correctly. Sight picture will change as the aiming area is adjusted.

The known strike of the round offset aiming technique requires shifting the point of aim to compensate for rounds striking off target center. To effectively engage a target using this technique, the Marine must be able to see where the rounds are striking and then aim an equal distance from the center of the aiming area opposite the observed strike of the round. For example, if the rounds are striking the target high and left of center mass, aim an equal and opposite distance low and right.

Multiple Targets

If engaging more than one target at a time, the Marine adheres to the fundamentals of marksmanship and employs the techniques of multiple target engagement. The introduction of multiple targets in a combat scenario requires additional skills that must be learned and practiced if a Marine is to be successful. To be effective in combat, the Marine must be able to detect targets through identification of target indicators (identified on page 7-1), prioritize the targets, and employ multiple target engagement techniques.

Combat Mindset

Successful engagement of multiple targets requires a somewhat different mindset from single target engagement. For example, following engagement of a single target, the Marine assesses the situation. During multiple target engagements, after the first target is engaged, he must immediately engage the next target and continue until all targets have been eliminated. Because split-second decisions must be made, the development of a combat mindset is important to success on the battlefield. A combat mindset allows the Marine to control the pace of the battle rather than react to the threat.

Mental preparedness is essential to successful engagement of multiple targets, and the required mindset must be developed until it becomes second nature to the Marine. When multiple targets appear, the Marine must prioritize the targets to establish an engagement sequence. To prioritize targets and establish an engagement sequence, the Marine must be aware of the surroundings, not focus on one target, and continuously search the terrain for additional targets.

Prioritizing Targets

Once multiple targets have been identified, they must be prioritized in terms of the threat each target presents. While the fundamentals of marksmanship must still be applied, prioritizing targets and planning the engagement are just as essential to successful multiple target engagement.

Target priority is based on factors such as proximity, threat, and opportunity. It also encompasses the Marine’s proficiency level since a Marine should not attempt to engage a target beyond his proficiency level or the pistol’s capability (e.g., a target 100 yards away). The principal method of prioritizing targets is to determine the level of threat for each target so that all targets may be engaged in succession, starting with the most threatening and ending with the least threatening.

Prioritizing targets is an ongoing process. As the engagement proceeds, new targets may appear or previously identified targets may take cover, delaying their engagement. Therefore, the Marine must remain constantly alert to changes in target threat, proximity, and the opportunity for engagement and revise target priorities accordingly.

Engaging Multiple Targets

Once targets have been prioritized, the Marine must quickly eliminate them. It is crucial to understand and practice the physical techniques for engaging multiple targets until they become second nature. When these techniques occur as automatic responses, the Marine maintains an awareness of the complete battlefield and is able to concentrate on the mental aspects of multiple target engagement.

_Engagement Methods_

The fundamentals of marksmanship are critical to the development of skills to support multiple target engagement. While responsiveness is important when engaging multiple targets, the Marine’s primary concern is to place accurate rounds on target. A balance must be struck between placing shots quickly on targets at close range and slowing down to place precision shots on targets at long range because all targets pose a threat and must be accurately engaged. To engage multiple targets—

Engage every target, move from target to target.

After all of the targets have been initially engaged, assess the effectiveness of the engagements and, if necessary, re-engage targets that still pose a threat.

If all of the targets are eliminated, search the area for new targets.

_Considerations for Field Firing Positions_

The selection and use of field firing positions are critical to engagement of multiple targets. As in any firing situation, if the situation permits, the Marine should make a quick mental review of the terrain to select a firing position that provides stability, mobility, and observation of the enemy. The firing position should also provide flexibility for engaging multiple targets. The more dispersed the multiple targets, the greater the lateral movement the position must afford to engage them.

The prone position provides the maximum stability for firing well-placed shots, but engaging multiple targets from this position may require adjustment in the position from shot to shot depending on the distance between the targets and their location. Because the arms are fully extended on the ground, the prone position can be restrictive, increasing the time it will take to recover the sights onto subsequent targets. If the Marine must make an adjustment in the prone position to engage multiple targets, he must ensure that he maintains proper arm placement. Improper arm placement may affect his stability of hold and his ability to acquire sight picture. The following identifies position adjustments:

For targets that are not widely dispersed, the Marine adjusts the position of the lower part of the body to orient the upper body toward the target without disturbing the placement of the arms. This allows the Marine to maintain stability of hold and quickly recover on subsequent targets. Moving the legs to the left orients the upper body to the right; moving the legs to the right orients the upper body to the left.

For targets that are widely dispersed, the Marine may need to adjust his entire position to orient his body in the direction of subsequent targets. Using the left hand, push the upper body off the deck just high enough to move the body in the direction of the target. Extend the right arm toward the target and keep the muzzle pointed in the direction of the target.

The kneeling and standing positions provide an increased field of view and allow maximum lateral adjustment to engage dispersed targets. The type of adjustment the Marine must make in the kneeling or standing position in order to orient his body in the direction of each target is related to the distance between the targets. It is also related to the Marine’s ability to maintain stability of hold and recover from recoil. Once the first target is engaged—

Maintain a proper shooting position, rotate the body in the direction of the target, keeping the feet in place. In the standing position, the Marine may bend slightly at the knees while rotating the body. This allows the Marine to distribute his weight forward to provide additional stability to the position and to better control the effects of recoil.

Adjust the entire position by either adjusting the placement of the feet or knee(s) in order to face in the direction of the new target if the targets are some distance apart.

Ensure that as the eyes move to a new target, the head and pistol muzzle should follow.

Moving Targets

The majority of combat targets will be moving; the enemy will move quickly from cover to cover, exposing himself for the shortest time possible. Therefore, a moving target must be engaged before it disappears. The Marine must engage a moving target with the same accuracy and precision used to engage a stationary target. Practice in the proper application of leads and the fundamentals of marksmanship enable the successful engagement of moving targets.

Types of Moving Targets

_Moving Target_

This type of target moves in a consistent manner (i.e., walking or running) and is in continuous sight as it moves across the Marine’s field of vision. However, unless the enemy is completely unaware of the Marine’s presence, this type of target is not likely to present itself.

_Stop and Go Target_

This type of target appears and disappears during its movement due to intermittent cover. It will present itself for only a short period of time before re-establishing cover. This type of target is most vulnerable to fire at the beginning and end of its movement because it begins slow and gains momentum as it leaves cover and then slows to avoid overrunning the new cover.

Leads for Moving Targets

Once the moving target has been identified it must be engaged. To engage a moving target, the Marine must aim at a point in front of the target, which is known as a lead. Lead is the distance in advance of the target that is required to strike the target when it is moving. To achieve success, determining the amount of lead to engage a moving target must be as precise as possible. When a shot is fired at a moving target, the target continues to move during the time of the bullet’s flight. For this reason, the aim must be in front of the target; otherwise, the shot will fall behind the target.

_Factors Affecting Lead_

Factors that affect the amount of lead are the target’s range, speed, and angle of movement.

_Range._ There is a time lag from the time a round is fired until the round strikes at the point of aim. This time of flight could allow a target to move out of the bullet’s path if the round were fired directly at the target. Time of flight increases as range to the target increases. Therefore, the lead must be increased in proportion to the distance to the target.

_Speed._ A greater lead is required to hit a running man than a walking man because the running man moves a greater distance during the flight of the bullet.

_Angle of Movement._ The angle of target movement also affects the amount of lead required for target engagement. The angle of movement across the Marine’s line of sight relative to the flight of the bullet determines the type (amount) of lead.

_Types of Leads_

_Full Lead._ The target moves straight across the Marine’s line of sight with only one arm and half the body visible. This target requires a full lead because it moves the greatest distance across the Marine’s line of sight during the bullet’s flight.

_Half Lead._ The target moves obliquely across the Marine’s line of sight (at about a 45-degree angle). One arm and over half of the back or chest are visible. This target requires half of a full lead because it moves half as far as a target moving directly across the Marine’s line of sight during the bullet’s flight.

_No Lead._ A target moving directly toward or away from the Marine presents a full view of both arms and the entire back or chest. No lead is required. This target is engaged in the same manner as a stationary target because it is not moving across the Marine’s line of sight.

_Point of Aim Technique_

To engage a moving target, a Marine establishes a lead using a point of aim offset aiming technique. This technique uses predetermined points of aim to sector a man-sized target vertically, halfway between center mass and the leading edge of the target (both one point of aim and two points of aim) (see fig. 7-1 on page 7-8). The same units of measure can be applied off the target for holds of additional points of aim. To use the point of aim technique to establish a lead on a man-sized moving target at various ranges, speeds, and angles of movement, the following guidelines apply. See figure 7-2 on page 7-9.

For a target moving at a distance of 15 yards away or less, no lead is required.

For a target walking directly across the Marines line of sight (full lead) between 16 and 25 yards away, hold 1 point of aim in the direction the target is moving.

For a target running directly across the Marine’s line of sight (full lead) between 16 and 25 yards away, hold 2 points of aim in the direction the target is moving.

Methods of Engagement

Moving targets, although difficult, can be engaged by the tracking or ambush method or a combination of the two. See figure 7-2 on page 7-9.

_Tracking Method_

In this method, the Marine “tracks” or follows the target with his front sight while maintaining sight alignment and a point of aim on or ahead of (leading) the target until the shot is fired. Sight picture is the aiming point in relation to the target while maintaining sight alignment (when a lead is established in moving target engagement, the sights are not entered on the target). To execute the tracking method—

Thumbcock the pistol while presenting it to the target.

Track the muzzle of the pistol through the target to the desired point of aim (lead). The point of aim may be on the target or some point in front of the target depending upon the target’s range, speed, and angle of movement.

Track and maintain focus on the front sight while applying trigger pressure and acquiring sight alignment.

Continue tracking and applying trigger pressure while acquiring sight picture. When sight picture is established, engage the target while maintaining the proper point of aim (lead).

Follow through so the lead is maintained as the bullet exits the muzzle. Continuing to track also enables a second shot to be fired on target.

_Ambush Method_

The ambush method is generally used to engage a stop and go target and when it is difficult to track the target with the pistol, such as in the prone position. With this method, the pistol is aimed at a predetermined engagement point ahead of the target and along its path, allowed to remain stationary, and fired when the target reaches the predetermined engagement point. The engagement point is based on the required point of aim (lead) to engage the target effectively. When the sights are settled, the target moves into the predetermined engagement point creating the desired sight picture. Once sight picture is established, the remaining pressure is applied on the trigger until the shot is fired. To execute the ambush method—

Look for a pattern of exposure.

Thumbcock the pistol while presenting it to a selected point of aim ahead of the target.

Apply trigger pressure while obtaining sight alignment in the aiming area.

Continue applying trigger pressure and hold sight alignment until the target moves into the predetermined engagement point and the desired sight picture is established.

Engage the target once the sight picture is acquired.

Follow through so the pistol sights are not disturbed as the bullet exits the muzzle.

[Illustration: Figure 7-1. Points of Aim.]

Applying the Fundamentals of Marksmanship

The engagement of moving targets is a perishable skill that must be practiced frequently if it is to be maintained. The Marine must practice to develop the skill to calculate the point of aim (lead) and fire the shot while maintaining the proper point of aim (lead).

To engage moving targets using the tracking method, the Marine moves the pistol smoothly and steadily as the target moves. A stable position and firm grip are necessary to steady the pistol sights while tracking.

When using the tracking method, continue tracking the target while following through with the shot process so the point of aim (lead) is maintained as the bullet exits the muzzle. Continuing to track also enables a second shot to be fired on target if necessary. Concentration should be on continuing to track while applying the fundamentals. The fundamentals must be instinctively applied, allowing concentration on tracking the target and applying point of aim (lead).

[Illustration: Figure 7-2. Moving Target Engagement Methods.]

_Aiming_

Sight alignment remains unchanged for accurate engagement of a moving target. The most common error when engaging moving targets is to focus on the target rather than focusing on the front sight. Sight picture is the point of aim in relation to the target while maintaining sight alignment. For both the ambush and tracking methods, sight picture is changed from the normal center mass picture, based on range, speed, and angle of movement of the target. It takes practice in moving target engagement to quickly establish the desired sight picture for a given point of aim (lead).

_Breath Control_

There is no difference in breath control when engaging moving targets; the breath is held to fire the shot.

_Trigger Control_

Trigger control is critical to firing shots while establishing and maintaining sight alignment and sight picture. Because the single action mode is the preferred method of engaging a moving target, the pistol is thumbcocked before trigger control is applied. The following guidelines apply:

Do not use interrupted trigger control when engaging moving targets because the point of aim (lead) is lost or has to be adjusted if the trigger is held in order to re-assume the proper sight picture.

Do not stop tracking as trigger control is applied. This causes the shot to impact behind the moving target. Trigger control should be uninterrupted while maintaining the point of aim so the trigger is pulled in one continuous, smooth motion to the rear.

Do not interrupt trigger control when the target is masked from view. This is particularly true in the ambush method for targets that appear to stop and go when moving to and from cover. Trigger control should be uninterrupted.