David C. Maughan

BREATHE, BREATHE, SQUEEZE

Don’t you hold your breath
It will make your breathing ragged
Stronger, much more rapid
Unsteady for your next shot

Trigger control. A smooth and
Fluid action. Use the ball of
Your finger and squeeze the trigger
Slowly, cleanly to the rear.

With both eyes open you will
Acquire your target more quickly
And you will remain more aware
Of your surroundings.

Listen. Be aware of the ambient
Hear what is around you
If it changes quick, sharply
You may not be alone.

Choose your location wisely
Select your field of fire
Minimum obstructions with
Maximum concealment.

What is your range to target
You must know your trajectory
The flight path of your bullet
Time of flight to target.

Where is the sun in the sky;
It will throw a shadow. It will
Change your point of aim
You must adjust for this.

Is there a cross breeze
How fast and moving what direction
You must take this into consideration
Again you must adjust for this.

The weather Hot or cold
Conditions wet or dry
It will change your point of impact
The greater range the greater change.

Know your target, face and silhouette
Primary, secondary and opportunity
No guessing here, you must know
This is your job to know.

What is your escape plan
Where is your escape route
Do you run or just lay low
Know your options, play the odds.

One final rule to live by
If forced to make a stand
“When there’s lead in the
Air there’s hope.”

Breathe, breathe, squeeze