1. A method of observing a target during operation of a gimbaled weapon system (GWS) while maintaining a weapon associated with the GWS in a non-threatening position comprising the following steps, in combination: a) providing a GWS having a sighting system, a weapon cradle, a control unit and said weapon, wherein the weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive, and wherein the weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS; b) executing an algorithm in the control unit which results in positioning the weapon in a non-hostile position using the first elevation drive; and c) moving the sighting system in elevation using a second elevation drive independent from the first elevation drive and acquiring a visual image of a target, the movement based on signals received from an operator interface located remotely from the GWS, the movement of the sighting system and acquiring the visual image of the target occurring while the weapon is maintained in the non-hostile position.