What does grouping refer to in marksmanship?

Grouping in marksmanship primarily refers to the practice of achieving two essential outcomes: creating tight shot groups and ensuring that these groups are consistently placed in the same location on the target. This concept is crucial for a shooter aiming to improve their accuracy and precision.

A tight shot group indicates that the shots fired are closely clustered together, demonstrating good control over the firearm and proper shooting technique. Conversely, consistently placing those shot groups in the same location showcases the shooter’s ability to effectively replicate their aim and trigger pull under similar conditions. This skill is fundamental for marksmanship, as it contributes to overall performance in both training and competitive environments.

Improvement in grouping suggests that a shooter understands how to manage their fundamentals—such as stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control—resulting in enhanced proficiency on the range or during an actual shooting scenario.