BACK TO THE BASICS: FOLLOW THROUGH

     In previous posts I covered 6 other principles of Pistol Marksmanship.  They are as follows:

1. Stance
2. Grip
3. Sight Alignment
4. Sight Picture
5. Trigger squeeze
6. Breathing

     Today I would like to take a little bit of time and talk about Follow Through.  First what is Follow Through.  Follow Through is the act of after firing at a target that immediately after the weapon goes through the cycle of operation the firer immediately brings the weapon back down to bear on the target so it may be re-engaged if the need be.

     One might argue that A. I shot him with a 44 he aint getting up or B. My pocket cannon will do the trick.  This might be a legitimate argument to some people but historically it has proven to be negated.  I will bring to light two examples where follow through was critical.

     During a terrorist take down in the Republic of Mozambique the terrorists were wearing body armor.  The Counter Terrorism force initially upon engaging the enemy fired center mass on the targets which did not go down at that time.  A Rhodesian armed with a pistol immediately changed his tactics to doing a double tap center mass and one shot to the head.  Currently this type of drill is still utilized and referred to as "Mozambique Drill"

     I'm sure a lot of readers here saw the movie "Black Hawk Down"  about the failed raid in Somalia by US Forces.  The Somalis chew a local herb, which basically makes them stoned and unfeeling of pain.  On more than one occasion during this battle these guys would still keep advancing after being shot in the torso multiple times with 5.56mm.  Again back to the head shot.

     Some years ago I witnessed a person that was messed up out of his gord on PCP.  The guy was not the biggest but when he was under that stuff it took 4 of us to restrain him and he did break restraints, both wrists, and an ankle.  He was willing and able to keep going.  Think if I shot him center mass do you think he would have stopped?

     Here is my final scenario to follow through.  Your nervous, somebody just broke into your house, you see the guy, you shoot and miss.  It has and will happen, you have to immediately re-engage your target.  If he falls then go up to him, poke him in the eye and if he moves shoot him again.

     I have given a few examples of the importance of follow through.  I can not stress enough its importance especially in a home defense situation.