In the context of marksmanship, what is a common result of flinching?

Flinching is a common reflex that occurs when a shooter anticipates the recoil of the weapon, which can lead to a variety of negative outcomes in marksmanship. When a shooter flinches, they often disrupt their natural shooting mechanics, leading to an involuntary movement of the firearm. This premature movement can cause misalignment of the sights and ultimately result in decreased precision when attempting to hit a target.

The anticipation of recoil can also distract the shooter from maintaining their focus and can lead to anxiety about shooting, compounding the problem of accuracy. A steady trigger pull and proper follow-through are essential for accurate shooting, and flinching interferes with these components. As a result, shooters who experience flinching typically find that their accuracy suffers, making it a significant issue to address during training and practice.