Headshots with ARs

[Vassal]

Hi All,

Please share your thoughts/experience/advise on this:

Is it wise to train one's self to aim mainly for the headshot with an AR platform at CQB ranges? Or is it better just to focus on the CNS rectangle? Would movement (of one's self and the target) be a factor? I assume visibility is the most critical factor.

I know Canadian "SWAT" focuses specifically on headshots (from what I heard from a former RCMP trainer) but they run MP5s which are easier to handle in tight spaces and have almost zero recoil in SF. I have heard Tier One SMUs do focus on the brainbox as well with their ARs, but is this a blanket rule or a choice left to the operator depending on the situation?

Thank you

[RalphK.]

CQB???...absolutely!!!

With knife in hand you're in bad way unless you shut down the melon and the body crumbles...can be anything in hand but that close there can be damage done while he bleeds out.

[NCPatrolAR]

There's a reason the bulk of shooting drills are done with the shooter aiming at the upper chest and not the head.

[Vassal]

I want to set the right expectations for my drills, basically. We all want to 'aim high' (pun intended ) and if SWAT teams are training for headshots then perhaps it is a standard that is achievable with sufficient practice... I just want to know how situational the decision should be.

[RalphK.]

10 yards in, my team is missing high

[NCPatrolAR]

10 yards in, my team is missing high

There is a time for headshots in my book, but distance isnt what dictates it. The standard for where I work is hits to high center chest as the default with moving to head shots in the event of a FTN or other needed situation.

[T2C]

Center of mass is easier to track and engage than the head on a moving target.

[CoryCop25]

I am in no way a SME on this but from the guys that I have trained with, I have been told that in a fast moving environment like room clearing, you can not focus fast enough on small objects like the head. When you enter the room, center of mass is what you are going to see no matter what. What I would suggest is getting hits on target and then put yourself in slow motion as you ask yourself.... Did I hit? Did it work? Do I need more hits? As you ask yourself those questions, you may need to shift your point of aim.

[RyanB]

I have a friend (he posts here too) who shoots people in the head because in his AO the Chechen fighters wore hard armor.

[RalphK.]

There is a time for headshots in my book, but distance isnt what dictates it. The standard for where I work is hits to high center chest as the default with moving to head shots in the event of a FTN or other needed situation.

Can't argue w/ that but in a close environment there is a natural progression to the head...the pucker factor dictates it but then again when the pucker meter is pinned some might shoot n pray