What is the shooting technique called when you estimate and maintain lead while aiming at a moving target?

The technique referred to when estimating and maintaining lead while aiming at a moving target is known as sustained lead. This method involves calculating the necessary adjustment in aim to account for the speed of the target's movement and the trajectory of the projectile. As the target moves, the shooter must keep the firearm at a certain angle in front of it, determining what is called "lead," allowing for the time it takes for the bullet to reach the target.

This technique is crucial for effective shooting at moving targets such as birds or game animals. It requires practice and an understanding of the dynamics of both the shooter and the target. The shooter must be able to judge both the distance to the target and its speed to ensure that the shot is taken at the right moment, which can often mean leading the shot and allowing for the bullet's travel time.

Other practices like swing-through involve moving the gun along with the target but are not as focused on maintaining an exact lead for the entirety of the shot as sustained lead does. Snap-shooting focuses on quick shots with minimal aiming adjustments, while sight alignment pertains to properly aligning the sights of the firearm, which is not specific to moving targets or the concept of lead.