TARGET, TARGET SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IMPROVING SHOOTING SKILLS

Abstract

A target, system and method for increasing accuracy of a shooter. The target includes at least one component with linear edges. The linear edges converge creating precise points of reference. The at least one component has a first color such that when a shot is fired through the at least one component there is no visual feedback to the shooter. The target includes a contrasting background which is provided outside of the at least one component. The contrasting background has a second color which is different from the first color, such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting background there is visual feedback to the shooter. The at least one component has linear edges, the visible feedback provides the shooter with precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment to continually improve accuracy by improving the relationship between the shooter's sight, trigger pull and muzzle direction.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a target, a target system and a method of improving shooting skills which utilizes targets with linear edges.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While many types of shooting targets exist, targets used to improve shooting precision are often made of paper or a plastic coreflute, sometimes with a canvas or hessian back on the larger long range types. Many of these targets are a solid black circle on a white background. The black circle may have scoring rings. Targets of other shapes may be used but they are often designed based on a circular concept. One problem with circular targets is that the feedback the user/shooter receives does not readily translate into meaningful data which the user/shooter can use to improve their skills. Therefore, the round, bulls-eye targets currently being used do not help the shooter improve in an efficient or consistent manner. This is likely attributable to the limitations of a circular target's points of reference.

It would, therefore, be beneficial to provide targets which overcome the problems of the prior art and provide instant feedback to the user/shooter which allows the user/shooter to make meaningful adjustments to improve their skills.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to improve or perfect the shooting skills of a shooter using targets, a system and a method based on a linear concept, which is more easily perceived and understood by the shooter.

Another object of the invention provide improve or perfect shooting skills based on the linear relationship between the gun's sight and the linear edges of the targets.

Another object of the invention is to provide targets which have linear edges or planes that converge to create a more precise point of reference versus a circular or cylindrical target which has no converging planes.

An embodiment is directed to a target for increasing accuracy of a shooter. The target includes at least one component with linear edges. The linear edges converge creating precise points of reference. The at least one component has a first color such that when a shot is fired through the at least one component there is no visual feedback to the shooter. The target includes a contrasting background which is provided outside of the at least one component. The contrasting background has a second color which is different from the first color, such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting background there is visual feedback to the shooter. The at least one component has linear edges, the visible feedback provides the shooter with precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment to continually improve accuracy by improving the relationship between the shooter's sight, trigger pull and muzzle direction.

An embodiment is also directed to a system of targets which includes at least two targets which each have at least one component with linear edges. Each of the components of these targets a first color such that when a shot is fired through the at least one component there is no visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiments shown and described, the components are black, but other colors can be used. Contrasting backgrounds are provided outside of the components. The contrasting backgrounds have a second color which is different from the first color, such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting backgrounds there is visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiments shown and described, the contrasting backgrounds are white, but other colors can be used. The linear edges of the components converge creating precise points of reference. The visible feedback provides the shooter with precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment to continually improve accuracy.

An embodiment is also directed to a method of increasing accuracy of a shooter. The method includes: (i) providing a target having components with exclusively linear edges; (ii) the shooter aiming the a firearm at the target; (iii) the shooter firing a shot from the firearm at the target; (iv) providing no visible feedback if the shot hits the component; and (v) providing visible feedback if the shot misses the component. The visible feedback provides the shooter with precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a representative first shooting target of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of a representative second shooting target of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view of a representative third shooting target of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of a representative fourth shooting target of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of a representative fifth shooting target of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view of a representative sixth shooting target of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of a representative seventh shooting target of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an alternate system of delivering the shooting targets of the present invention, with linear components removably adhered to a substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such preferred embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

The targets, target system and method of improving or perfecting shooting skills described herein is based a linear concept, which is more easily perceived and understood by the user/shooter. In contrast, most known targets for improving shooting skills are designed based on a circular concept. Consequently, when someone points their weapon at a round, bulls-eye target, the feedback the user/shooter receives does not readily translate into meaningful data which the user/shooter can use. Therefore, the round, bulls-eye targets currently being used do not help the shooter improve in an efficient or consistent manner. This is likely attributable to the limitations of a circular target's points of reference.

In contrast to the known art, the targets, target system and method of improving or perfecting shooting skills described herein are based on the linear relationship between the gun's sight and the linear edges of the targets. As will be more fully described below, the edges of the targets have linear edges or planes that converge creating a more precise point of reference versus a circular or cylindrical target which has no converging planes. Consequently, the targets, target system and method of improving or perfecting shooting skills described herein provide instant feedback so that the user/shooter knows exactly where they are shooting. This enables users/shooters to make positive adjustments to continually improve accuracy by improving the relationship between their sight, trigger pull, and muzzle direction. As all of the targets in this system are linear, the shooter is able to easily place the front sight exactly in the same place each and every time. In addition, as will be more fully described, the targets provide proper and instantaneous feedback to help the shooter keep the gun, hand, and trigger-pull steady.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 7, various linear targets 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 are shown for illustrative purposes. Other linear targets may be used with departing from the scope of the invention. Each target can be used individually as desired or can be used as a part of a system. In the illustrative embodiment shown and described, the system utilizes all of the linear targets described. However, other systems may be used without departing from the scope of the invention, such as but not limited, to systems which include additional linear targets, less linear targets, or any subset of the targets shown. In the illustrative embodiment, the shooter begins with target 100 and progresses as each target is mastered through target 700. Note that the length and width of the targets and the components in each target may vary. Factors which may influence the length and width of the targets, include, but are not limited to the accuracy to be achieved, the distance the target is positioned from the shooter, as well as for many other reasons not stated herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first exemplary target 100 is shown. The “Vertical Precision” target 100 has a vertical linear component 102 on a contrasting background 104. The vertical linear component 102 has linear edges or sides. The vertical linear component 102 is colored such that when a shot is fired through the vertical linear component 102 there is no visual feedback to the shooter. The contrasting background 104 is colored such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting background 104 there is visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiment shown, the vertical linear component 102 is black and the contrasting background 104 is white, however, other colors can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

As previously stated, the length and width of the targets and the components in each target may vary. As an example, target 100 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 10.5 inches by approximately 10.5 inches, with a component 102 which measures approximately 6 inches by approximately 1 inch.

In use, the shooter aims at the vertical linear component 102. If the shot hits the vertical linear component 102, there is no feedback, as the opening/hole generated by the shot will reside in the black area (in the illustrative embodiment shown) providing no visual feedback to the shooter. If the shot misses the vertical linear component 102 (typically to the left or right of the vertical linear component 102), the shooter gets, precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment. As the opening generated by the errant shot generates an opening/hole through the contrasting background 104, the opening/hole is instantaneously visible to the shooter, providing immediate feedback that the shooter has missed the target. The objective of target 100 is to provide vertical precision, improving or perfecting the shooter's ability to keep the gun from waving from side to side as the trigger is pulled (vertical hold). This target 100 primarily provides feedback regarding shots which are offline to either the left or right of the target, thereby providing feedback to the shooter regarding the shooter's grip, trigger-pull, and muzzle. The continued use of this target 100 improves the shooter's wavering and control of the firearm in the horizontal direction (i.e. vertical hold).

Referring to FIG. 2, a second exemplary target 200 is shown. “Horizontal Precision” target 200 has a horizontal linear component 202 on a contrasting background 204. The horizontal linear component 202 has linear edges or sides. The horizontal linear component 202 is colored such that when a shot is fired through the horizontal linear component 202 there is no visual feedback to the shooter. The contrasting background 204 is colored such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting background 204 there is visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiment shown, the horizontal linear component 202 is black and the contrasting background 204 is white, however, other colors can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the horizontal linear component 202 is similar to the vertical linear component 102, with the exception that the horizontal linear component 202 is rotated ninety degrees relative to the vertical linear component 102.

As previously stated, the length and width of the targets and the components in each target may vary. As an example, target 200 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 10.5 inches by approximately 10.5 inches, with a component 202 which measures approximately 1 inch by approximately 6 inches.

In use, the shooter aims at the horizontal linear component 202. If the shot hits the horizontal linear component 202, there is no feedback, as the opening/hole generated by the shot will reside in the black area (in the illustrative embodiment shown) providing no visual feedback to the shooter. If the shot misses the horizontal linear component 202 (typically to the top or bottom of the horizontal linear component 202), the shooter gets, precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment. As the opening generated by the errant shot generates an opening/hole through the contrasting background 204, the opening/hole is instantaneously visible to the shooter, providing immediate feedback that the shooter has missed the target. The objective of target 200 is to provide horizontal precision, improving or perfecting the shooter's ability to keep the gun from moving up or down due to excess trigger pull or a short post shot follow through. This target 200 primarily provides feedback regarding shots which are offline either above or below the target, thereby providing feedback to the shooter regarding the shooter's grip, trigger-pull, and muzzle. The continued use of this target 200 improves the shooter's wavering and control of the firearm in the vertical direction, allowing the shooter to master keeping the muzzle of the gun from moving up or down as the trigger is pulled (i.e. horizontal hold).

In one illustrative sequence or system the “Horizontal Precision” target 200 is used after the shooter has mastered target 100 and control of the firearm in the horizontal direction.

Referring to FIG. 3, a third exemplary target 300 is shown. The “Calibration Precision” target 300 has a vertical linear component 301 and a horizontal linear component 302 which forms a cross component 303 on a contrasting background 104. The cross component 303, including the vertical linear component 301 and the horizontal linear component 302 have linear edges or sides. The cross component 303 is colored such that when a shot is fired through the cross component 303 there is no visual feedback to the shooter. The contrasting background 304 is colored such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting background 304 there is visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiment shown, the cross component 303 is black and the contrasting background 304 is white, however, other colors can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

As previously stated, the length and width of the targets and the components in each target may vary. As an example, target 300 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 10.5 inches by approximately 10.5 inches, with a component 301 which measures approximately 6 inches by approximately 1 inch and a component 302 which measures approximately 1 inch by approximately 6 inches.

In use, the shooter aims at the cross component 303. If the shot hits the cross component 303, there is no feedback, as the opening/hole generated by the shot will reside in the black area (in the illustrative embodiment shown) providing no visual feedback to the shooter. If the shot misses the cross component 303, the shooter gets, precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment. As the opening generated by the errant shot generates an opening/hole through the contrasting background 304, the opening/hole is instantaneously visible to the shooter, providing immediate feedback that the shooter has missed the target. The objective of target 300 is to help the shooter learn how to focus on, take out, or “erase” the middle of this target, which is the intersection of both components 301 and 302, thereby improving calibration precision. This target 300 primarily provides feedback regarding which plane the gun is being consistently pointed.

In one illustrative sequence or system the “Calibration Precision” target 300 is used after the shooter has mastered target 100, control of the firearm in the horizontal direction and target 200, and control of the firearm in the vertical direction, thereby allowing the shooter to combine both vertical and horizontal planes focusing on shooting the middle of the cross.

Referring to FIG. 4, a fourth exemplary target 400 is shown. The “Placement Precision” target 400 is a small solid box component 402 having linear edges or sides on a contrasting background 404. The solid box component 402 is colored such that when a shot is fired through the solid box component 402 there is no visual feedback to the shooter. The contrasting background 404 is colored such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting background 404 there is visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiment shown, the solid box component 402 is black and the contrasting background 404 is white, however, other colors can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

As previously stated, the length and width of the targets and the components in each target may vary. As an example, target 400 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 10.5 inches by approximately 10.5 inches, with a component 402 which measures approximately 2 inches by approximately 2 inches.

In use, the shooter aims at the solid box component 402. If the shot hits the solid box component 402, there is no feedback, as the opening/hole generated by the shot will reside in the black area (in the illustrative embodiment shown) providing no visual feedback to the shooter. If the shot misses the solid box component 402, the shooter gets, precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment. As the opening generated by the errant shot generates an opening/hole through the contrasting background 404, the opening/hole is instantaneously visible to the shooter, providing immediate feedback that the shooter has missed the target. The objective of target 400 is to place all of the rounds inside of the black box, thereby improving placement precision. This target 400 has more area for feedback than the previously described targets and is designed to teach the shooter how to shoot in tight groups.

In one illustrative sequence or system the “Placement Precision” target 400 is used after the shooter has mastered targets 100, 200 and 300. Target 400 is a more advanced target of the target system. The objective of the advanced targets of this system is to more precisely improve the shooters grip, muzzle pointing, and trigger pull while reducing the size of the desired target area.

Referring to FIG. 5, a fifth exemplary target 500 is shown. The “Draw Placement” target 500 is a box component 502 which is larger than the box component 402 of FIG. 4. The box component 502 has linear edges or sides and is surrounded by a linear solid outline component 503. The solid outline component 503 is positioned on a contrasting background 504. The solid outline component 503 has linear edges or sides. The solid outline component 503 is colored such that when a shot is fired through the solid outline component 503 there is no visual feedback to the shooter. The box component 502 and the contrasting background 504 are colored such that when a shot is fired through the box component 502 or the contrasting background 504 there is visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiment shown, the solid outline component 503 is black and box component 502 and the contrasting background 504 is white, however, other colors can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

As previously stated, the length and width of the targets and the components in each target may vary. As an example, target 500 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 10.5 inches by approximately 10.5 inches, with a component 502 which measures approximately 3 inches by approximately 3 inches and a component 503 which outside edges measure approximately 5 inches by approximately 5 inches.

In use, the shooter aims at the box component 502. In contrast to the previous targets, if the shot hits the box component 502, the shooter gets, instant feedback. As the opening generated by the shot generates an opening/hole through the contrasting box component 504, the opening/hole is instantaneously visible to the shooter, providing immediate feedback that the shooter has hit the target. Similarly, if the shot misses the box component 502 and the solid outline component 503, the shooter gets, precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment. As the opening generated by the errant shot generates an opening/hole through the contrasting background 504, the opening/hole is instantaneously visible to the shooter, providing immediate feedback that the shooter has missed the target.

If the shot hits the solid outline component 503, the opening/hole generated by the shot will reside in the black area (in the illustrative embodiment shown) providing no visual feedback to the shooter that the box has been hit. While the primary objective of this target 500 is to hit the box component 502, it is acceptable to shoot the solid outline component 503 as the shooter works towards honing their precision.

In one illustrative sequence or system the “Draw Placement” target 500 is used after the shooter has mastered targets 100, 200, 300 and 400. Target 500 is designed for use from the draw, low-ready, or surrender position to improve a shooter's draw precision so that the shooter can hit the target while moving the gun to acquire a target. Target 500 is an advanced target of the target system and is a more advanced target compared to target 400. The larger design allows the shooter to improve their skills starting from a non target acquired position. Target 500 can be used for shooting for points and is designed for competition with other shooters (however it does not have to be used in this manner).

Referring to FIG. 6, a sixth exemplary target 600 is shown. The “Re-Acquisition Precision” target 600 is two vertical linear components 602 in a row on a contrasting background 604. The vertical linear components 602 have linear edges or sides. The vertical components 602 are colored such that when a shot is fired through the vertical components 602 there is no visual feedback to the shooter. The contrasting background 604 is colored such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting background 604 there is visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiment shown, the vertical components 602 are black and the contrasting background 604 is white, however, other colors can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

As previously stated, the length and width of the targets and the components in each target may vary. As an example, target 600 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 10.5 inches by approximately 10.5 inches, with components 602 which each measures approximately 6 inches by approximately 1 inch.

In use, the shooter aims at the vertical components 602. If the shot hits one of the vertical components 602, there is no feedback, as the opening/hole generated by the shot will reside in the black area (in the illustrative embodiment shown) providing no visual feedback to the shooter. If the shot misses either of the vertical components 602, the shooter gets, precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment. As the opening generated by the errant shot generates an opening/hole through the contrasting background 604, the opening/hole is instantaneously visible to the shooter, providing immediate feedback that the shooter has missed the target. The objective of target 600 is the re-acquisition precision of multiple targets in rapid succession. This is achieved by firing multiple alternating shoots at each of the vertical components 602. Adding/limiting the time to fire the multiple shoots will further improve a shooter's grip, muzzle pointing, and trigger pull while moving.

Target 600 can also be rotated clockwise showing horizontal linear components instead of vertical linear components. This rotation increases the difficulty of the target, but further advancing the skills of the shooter.

In one illustrative sequence or system the “Re-Acquisition Precision” target 600 is used after the shooter has mastered targets 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500. Target 600 is a more advanced target of the target system. The objective of this advanced target to allow the shooter to quantify shooting accuracy under pressure(time). This is in contrast to targets 100 and 200, which are not timed and which teach the shooter to hold a weapon steady while pulling the trigger and mastering to hit a single line.

Referring to FIG. 7, a seventh exemplary target 700 is shown. The “Multiple Acquisition Precision” target 700 is three vertical linear components 702 in a row on a contrasting background 704. The vertical linear components 702 have linear edges or sides. The vertical components 702 are colored such that when a shot is fired through the vertical components 702 there is no visual feedback to the shooter. The contrasting background 704 is colored such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting background 704 there is visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiment shown, the vertical components 702 are black and the contrasting background 704 is white, however, other colors can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

As previously stated, the length and width of the targets and the components in each target may vary. As an example, target 700 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 10.5 inches by approximately 10.5 inches, with components 702 which each measures approximately 6 inches by approximately 1 inch.

In use, the shooter aims at the vertical components 702. If the shot hits one of the vertical components 702, there is no feedback, as the opening/hole generated by the shot will reside in the black area (in the illustrative embodiment shown) providing no visual feedback to the shooter. If the shot misses all of the vertical components 702, the shooter gets, precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment. As the opening generated by the errant shot generates an opening/hole through the contrasting background 704, the opening/hole is instantaneously visible to the shooter, providing immediate feedback that the shooter has missed the target. The objective of target 700 is the re-acquisition of multiple targets in rapid succession. This is achieved by firing multiple alternating shoots at each of the vertical components 702. Adding/limiting the time to fire the multiple shoots will further improve a shooter's grip, muzzle pointing, and trigger pull while moving.

Target 700 can also be rotated clockwise showing horizontal linear components instead of vertical linear components. This rotation increases the difficulty of the target, but further advancing the skills of the shooter.

In one illustrative sequence or system the “Re-Acquisition Precision” target 700 is used after the shooter has mastered targets 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600. Target 600 is a more advanced target of the target system. The objective of this advanced target to allow the shooter to quantify shooting accuracy under pressure(time). Target 700 introduces a third linear component to improve a shooter's multiple acquisition precision in moving their gun between three positions while continuing to improve a shooter's grip, muzzle pointing, and trigger pull. Target 700 teaches the shooter the same skill as target 600, but it is more advanced due to the addition of the third component.

Referring to FIG. 8, an alternate system of delivering the targets is shown. In this embodiment, linear components 802 are provided on a substrate 804. The linear components 802 may be similar in size or may be varied in size. The arrangement and orientation of the components 802 on the substrate 804 may also be varied. Each of the linear components 802 has linear edges or sides. The linear components 802 are removably adhered to the substrate 804 whereby the linear components 802 can be removed from the substrate 804 and positioned on a second substrate to create a target on the second substrate.

The linear components 802 may be made or cut from plastic, paper, or other materials which provide the structural integrity required to maintain the integrity and shape of the linear components when they are transferred from the first substrate 804 to the second substrate. The material of the linear components 802 must also allow for shots to penetrate therethrough. The substrate 804 may be plastic, paper, or other materials which provide the structural integrity required to maintain the integrity of the linear components 802 when the linear components 802 and substrate 804 are transported. The substrate 804 and the linear components 802 may be made from the same material or different materials. The linear components 802 are adhered to the substrate 804 by means of tape, adhesive, Velcro, or other types of devices which allow the linear components 802 to be removed from the substrate 804 and adhered to a second substrate.

The length and width of the substrate and the components may vary. As an example, substrate 804 may be, but is not limited to, approximately 10.5 inches by approximately 10.5 inches, with components 802 which each measures approximately 5 inches by approximately 1 inch.

In use, at least one linear component 802 is removed from the substrate 804 and positioned on a second substrate. If multiple linear components 802 are removed from the substrate and positioned on the second substrate, the multiple linear components 802 may be arranged in the any pattern desired by the user. In the embodiment shown, the linear components 802 are colored such that when a shot is fired through the linear components 802 there is no visual feedback to the shooter. The contrasting background of the second substrate is colored such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting background there is visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiment shown, the vertical linear component 802 is black and the contrasting background is white, however, other colors can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The linear components 802 may be positioned in various configurations, including, but not limited to the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 through 7. If the linear components 802 are arranged in one of the respective patterns described above, the resulting target would have the same characteristics as the respective pattern. Alternatively, if the linear components 802 are arranged in patterns not described above, the linear edges or planes of the components 802 still converge to create a more precise point of reference versus a circular or cylindrical target which has no converging planes. Consequently, regardless of the pattern of a particular target, the targets, target system and method of improving or perfecting shooting skills described herein provide instant feedback so that the user/shooter knows exactly where they are shooting, allowing users/shooters to make positive adjustments to continually improve accuracy by improving the relationship between their sight, trigger pull, and muzzle direction. As all of the targets in this system are created using linear components, the shooter is able to easily place the front sight exactly in the same place each and every time. In addition, as previously described, the targets provide proper and instantaneous feedback to help the shooter keep the gun, hand, and trigger-pull steady.

As previously described, the individual targets may be combined to create a system of targets which is used to increase the accuracy of a shooter. The system includes at least two targets which may include the targets described above or other targets which have at least one component with linear edges. Each of the components of these targets a first color such that when a shot is fired through the at least one component there is no visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiments shown and described, the components are black, but other colors can be used. Contrasting backgrounds are provided outside of the components. The contrasting backgrounds have a second color which is different from the first color, such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting backgrounds there is visual feedback to the shooter. In the embodiments shown and described, the contrasting backgrounds are white, but other colors can be used. The linear edges of the components converge creating precise points of reference. The visible feedback provides the shooter with precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment to continually improve accuracy.

The targets and system utilize a unique method of increasing accuracy of a shooter. The method includes: (i) providing a target having components with exclusively linear edges; (ii) the shooter aiming the a firearm at the target; (iii) the shooter firing a shot from the firearm at the target; (iv) providing no visible feedback if the shot hits the component; and (v) providing visible feedback if the shot misses the component. The visible feedback provides the shooter with precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments.

Claims

1. A target for increasing accuracy of a shooter, the target comprising:

at least one component with linear edges, the linear edges converge creating precise points of reference, the at least one component having a first color such that when a shot is fired through the at least one component there is no visual feedback to the shooter;

a contrasting background provided outside of the at least one component, the contrasting background having a second color which is different from the first color, such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting background there is visual feedback to the shooter;

wherein the at least one component has linear edges, the visible feedback provides the shooter with precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment to continually improve accuracy by improving the relationship between the shooter's sight, trigger pull and muzzle direction.

2. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the first color of the at least one component is black.

3. The target as recited in claim 2, wherein the second color of the contrasting background is white.

4. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one component is a vertical linear component with linear edges, the vertical linear component helps the shooter acquire vertical precision.

5. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one component is a horizontal linear component with linear edges, the horizontal linear component helps the shooter acquire horizontal precision.

6. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one component is cross component with linear edges having a vertical component and a horizontal component, the cross component helps the shooter focus on the middle of the cross component thereby improving calibration precision.

7. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one component is a solid box component with linear edges, the solid box component helps the shooter improve placement precision.

8. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one component includes a solid outline component with linear edges which surrounds a box component, the solid outline component helps the shooter improve draw precision.

9. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one component includes two vertical linear components with linear edges, the two vertical linear components helps the shooter improve re-acquisition precision of multiple targets.

10. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one component includes two horizontal linear components with linear edges, the two horizontal linear components helps the shooter improve re-acquisition precision of multiple targets.

11. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one component includes three vertical linear components with linear edges, the three vertical linear components helps the shooter improve multiple acquisition precision of multiple targets.

12. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one component includes three horizontal linear components with linear edges, the three vertical horizontal components helps the shooter improve multiple acquisition precision of multiple targets.

13. The target as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one linear component is positioned on a substrate to create the target.

14. A system of targets for increasing accuracy of a shooter, the system of target comprising:

at least two targets, the at least two targets comprising: at least one component with linear edges, the at least one component having a first color such that when a shot is fired through the at least one component there is no visual feedback to the shooter; a contrasting background provided outside of the at least one component, the contrasting background having a second color which is different from the first color, such that when a shot is fired through the contrasting background there is visual feedback to the shooter; the linear edges converge creating precise points of reference; the visible feedback provides the shooter with precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment to continually improve accuracy.

15. The target as recited in claim 14, wherein the first color of the at least one component of the at least two targets is black.

16. The target as recited in claim 14, wherein the second color of the contrasting background of the at least two targets is white.

17. A method of increasing accuracy of a shooter, the method comprising:

providing a target having components with exclusively linear edges;

aiming the a firearm at the target;

firing a shot from the firearm at the target;

providing no visible feedback if the shot hits the component;

providing visible feedback if the shot misses the component;

wherein the visible feedback provides the shooter with precise instant feedback that allows for proper adjustment.

18. The method as recited in claim 16, comprising:

removing linear components from a first substrate;

positioning the linear components on a second substrate to form the target.

19. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein if the shot misses the component, the shot penetrates a contrasting background forming an opening therein, the contrasting background is colored to be a different color from the component, wherein when the shot is fired through the contrasting background there is the visible feedback to the shooter.

20. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein if the shot hits the component, the shot penetrates the component forming an opening therein, the component is colored, wherein when the shot is fired through the component there is the no visible feedback to the shooter.