Troubleshooting Slow Target Transitions

Published on April 15, 2026
Duration: 6:44

This video addresses a listener's struggle with slow target transitions, where splits can take up to 0.5 seconds. The instructor suggests diagnosing issues by first performing dry target transitions without live fire to assess sight movement and vision. The primary culprits identified are over-confirming the sight picture and taking too long to break the shot after transition, rather than slow arm movement.

Quick Summary

To diagnose slow target transitions, perform dry fire drills focusing on sight movement. Common issues include over-confirming the sight picture on close targets and delaying the trigger press. For distances like 10 yards, transition as soon as you see the color or general sight alignment, rather than waiting for a perfectly stable sight.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Listener Question: Slow Target Transitions
  2. 00:54Three Potential Culprits for Slow Transitions
  3. 01:29Diagnosing Arm Speed: Dry Fire Transitions
  4. 02:30Likely Causes: Over-Confirmation & Trigger Delay
  5. 03:45Assessing Sight Movement and Vision
  6. 04:08Focusing on Confirmation Levels
  7. 04:48Transition Fundamentals: Draw vs. Target-to-Target
  8. 05:25Checking Work After the Shot
  9. 06:08Critique of 'Rise and Fall' Sight Theory
  10. 06:36Concluding Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common reasons for slow target transitions in shooting?

Slow target transitions are often caused by over-confirming the sight picture, waiting too long to break the shot after the transition, or inefficient movement patterns. The speed of arm movement itself is less frequently the primary issue.

How can I diagnose issues with my target transitions?

A key diagnostic step is performing dry target transitions without live fire. Focus on your sight's movement between targets, observing if it travels directly and without over-travel. This helps identify problems with your vision or arm mechanics.

Should I wait for a perfectly stable sight picture before shooting?

For close-range targets (e.g., 10 yards), waiting for a perfectly stopped sight picture is often unnecessary and slows you down. Acquiring a general sight alignment or seeing the color of the sight is sufficient to initiate a controlled trigger press.

What is 'over-confirming' in target transitions?

Over-confirming means spending too much time verifying the sight picture or dwelling on the target after the shot. This can involve waiting for the sight to be perfectly still or checking for bullet holes, which adds unnecessary delay to your transition time.

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