Which is prioritized in marksmanship: sight alignment or point of aim?

In marksmanship, sight alignment is prioritized because it ensures that the shooter is looking down the sights correctly, aligning the front sight with the rear sight, and focusing on the target. Proper sight alignment is crucial for achieving accurate shots, as it creates a consistent aiming reference. When the sights are properly aligned, it reduces the potential for error in the application of the point of aim—where the shooter intends to hit the target.

While point of aim refers to the specific spot the shooter aims at on the target, without proper sight alignment, the shot can easily miss the intended target area. Essentially, sight alignment serves as the foundational skill upon which accurate shooting is built.

Both sight alignment and point of aim are important in the broader context of marksmanship, but prioritizing sight alignment allows for better overall accuracy. This is why sight alignment is considered the more critical component in executing effective marksmanship.