I think most people don't really understand where the shoulder actually is in relation to the spine. I'd call it a shoulder shot. Any shot you are a few inches out on has the opportunity to go wrong. You are correct, a few inches higher and you are SOL. Likely the critter will live though. You miss by that margin on some of the other points of aim and the ending in often not so happy. It works well for me and I see it has having the widest margin of error....if error equates to the animal living or being recovered quickly that is. Not trying to convince anyone they should use it.....I just don't think my ethics should be questioned because I do....that's all.