Why Do Errantly Fired Bullets, Arrows, and Similar Projectiles Often Miss or Strike Unintended Targets?

Bullet and arrow/spear/sling stone projectiles operate based on the laws of physics, just like any other real-world object, and therefore can miss their targets. The accuracy of these weapons depends on numerous factors and a thorough understanding of the elements that affect the projectile's trajectory.

Understanding the Baseline: Projectiles vs. Laser Guidance

Bullets and arrows are not akin to laser-guided weapons. They are influenced by a variety of factors such as gravity, wind, incline angles, and distance. These are forces that must be calculated and overcome by the user. A shooter must aim correctly and compensate for all these variables if the projectile is to hit its intended target. Trying to shoot without considering these factors would be akin to a 'knucklehead' action, leading to what we call 'errant firing.'

Defining 'Errantly Fired Projectiles'

The term 'errantly fired' means the projectile was fired in error or incorrectly. This typically involves mistakes such as squeezing the trigger before proper aim, releasing an arrow before it is fully drawn, or any other simple oversight that redirects the weapon's aim. An errantly fired weapon cannot hit its intended target because the preparatory steps required for the projectile's correct path were not executed.

The Flight Path of Projectiles

A projectile launched from point A will always travel in a straight line to point B, unless influenced by external factors. However, in most real-world scenarios, this straight line is merely a theoretical ideal. In practice, the trajectory may be altered due to several reasons:

Inaccurate aim: If the shooter misjudges the target or the aiming point wasn't correct, the projectile will miss. Wind resistance: Even the slightest breeze can change the direction of a projectile. Wind resistance has different effects depending on whether you are shooting up an incline versus down a decline. Gravitational pull: Gravity pulls the projectile back towards the earth, which means the shooter must account for this force over various distances. Motion of the target: If the target is moving, the projectile may miss or hit an unintended target, especially if the target deviates from its path. Ricochets: If the projectile hits an object at an angle, it may bounce off and change its trajectory, potentially striking a further unintended target.

Why They Fail to Hit Intended Targets

Whenever a projectile is 'errantly fired,' it cannot hit its intended target. The projectile's path is dependent on how the shooter interacts with the weapon and aims. An 'errantly fired' bullet, arrow, or any projectile-based weapon has not been properly aligned and aimed. Therefore, it defies logic to suggest that an errantly fired projectile can hit its intended target. This is even more apparent when you consider the inherent probability associated with any real-world action. You can't control all the variables perfectly every time, which means the projectile has a chance of missing.

In conclusion, the failure of errantly fired projectiles to hit their intended targets is due to human error and the complex interplay of external factors. Mistakes in aiming, incorrect account of environmental factors, and uncontrolled motion of both the shooter and the target contribute to the high likelihood of the projectile missing its target. Understanding these factors and improving one's marksmanship skills are key to achieving better accuracy in projectile-based weapons.