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Discussion » Statements » Rosie's Corner » Any SHARPSHOOTERS out there? Do you ALWAYS hit what you aim at? If not what is the percentage of accuracy that makes one a sharpshooter?
RosieG

Any SHARPSHOOTERS out there? Do you ALWAYS hit what you aim at? If not what is the percentage of accuracy that makes one a sharpshooter?

Posted - February 22, 2018
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Responses


  • 6023

    A sharpshooter is one who is highly proficient at firing firearms or other projectile weapons accurately. 
    So I guess I could qualify as a "sharpshooter" on a handgun, rifle, crossbow, air rifle, and longbow.


    Some people think the term originated with the American Civil War, and skirmishers/snipers using Sharp's rifles.  However, the term "sharp shooter", was in use in British newspapers as early as 1801. In the Edinburgh Advertiser, 23 June 1801, can be found the following quote in a piece about the North British Militia; "This Regiment has several Field Pieces, and two companies of Sharp Shooters, which are very necessary in the modern "Stile of War". The term appears even earlier, around 1781, in Continental Europe, translated from the German Scharfschütze.

    As far as accuracy, the qualification varies.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marksmanship_badges_(United_States)#U.S._Army

    This post was edited by Walt O'Reagun at February 23, 2018 2:30 AM MST
      February 22, 2018 12:28 PM MST
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  • 113301
    In prior discussions about guns Walt I have been told that hitting a running target is not easy. That just because you have a gun and know how to handle one that doesn't guarantee that you will always hit what you aim at. I'm not a gun person of course so I have no idea about how often a bullet finds its target. Now add to that the confusion and surprise that would occur in a classroom. The shooter would come in and take out the teacher first then the kids. So how did the teacher being armed help? I'm gonna ask. Thank you for your thoughtful and informative reply and Happy Friday!  :)
      February 23, 2018 2:33 AM MST
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  • 6023
    It depends on the movement, of course.
    A target coming towards or going away from you, is easier to hit than one going sideways.
    And a target moving at close range is easier to hit than one at a farther distance.

    I've read that Israel starting allowing armed teachers and volunteers in the 1970's, after terrorists targeted their schools for attacks.
    It seems to have worked for them.

    From reading about the incidents in the US ... it appears the majority of attackers kill themselves when confronted by armed resistance.  Whether that be police or civilian.  >>  Personally, that seems odd to me.  I mean, if they want to kill people, why don't they continue the attack until killed or captured - rather than kill themselves?  But whatever.  <<

    As I've said in the past ... I don't think gun control is the solution.
    Without changing society's mindset, it won't matter if you remove all firearms.
    I was bullied throughout school - from elementary to high school - and thought of a number of ways to kill my tormentors without using firearms.  I didn't, because I knew it was a temporary situation and I would never have to deal with those people after graduation.
      February 23, 2018 8:08 AM MST
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  • 46117
    Well, let's dispense with the extras.   What is the percentage of teachers who have a prayer of ever becoming a sharp-shooter?

      February 23, 2018 8:31 AM MST
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  • 6023
    Just another excuse for an "education" or "competency" day.

      February 23, 2018 9:48 AM MST
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