Natural Point of Aim
Where the relaxed body will place the shot
Imagine a rifle locked in a vice that can't move. You squeeze the trigger and round after round stack in the same hole. The only problem is, you're a foot to the right. To move your Point of Impact, you must adjust the bench that the vice is sitting on.
You are much like that bench. When you have a good, solid, position where everything is 'locked in'; the rifle will stack rounds in the same hole. You have your Natural Point of Aim!
If you need to move your Natural Point of Aim - you need to adjust the whole body (the bench). Your pivot point (varies by position) stays planted and you adjust your base until you are on target.
If you insist on using muscle to move your point of aim - you will never return to the same position after recoil.
How do you know if you have your Natural Point of Aim? Close your eyes, take a few breaths and RELAX. Exhale to the bottom of your breath and pause your breathing (still relaxed?). Open your eyes. Wherever the front sight is - that IS your Natural Point of Aim.
Not on target? Move the base and check again. Repeat this process until you open your eyes and your front sight is on target.
Dry Practice
Want to improve your ability to find your NPoA? Practice! Train your body.
Unload your rifle and put a laser bore sight in the muzzle (or chamber).
Pick a target (screws in electrical sockets work well) and get into position. Watch the laser. The only movement should be up and down with your breath cycle. At the bottom of the breath, pause your breathing. The laser should be on your target and not move. Any wobble is poor position or muscle. Make adjustments until the laser stays put.
Hold the position for 30 seconds (7 or 8 breath cycles); at the bottom of each breath, the laser should be on the target.
Pick a new target and pivot your body until you are in position and repeat the drill. Repeat this 6x.
More advanced regimen - Put time restraints on how long you take to get into position (30s, 20s, 16s, 12s).
Start standing and transition into position. Add time limits as you get better at landing in NPoA.
Work in a dry fire to ensure you aren't moving the muzzle when you actuate the trigger.
10 minutes of practice 3-4 times per week will dramatically improve your ability to find and use Natural Point of Aim.
