Fundamentals of Shooting a Hand Gun

Handgun shooting is a sport and recreational activity. Many factors contribute to enjoyable and effective shooting. Safety is a primary concern due to the potentially dangerous nature of firearms. Handguns are small, complex mechanical devices. Factors such as stance, grip, trigger-control and breathing are crucial to becoming an accurate shooter.

  1. Stance

    • Your stance creates a stable platform as you hold and fire your pistol. Stance is important for balance. Two styles are most popular. The "Weaver" stance involves placing your dominant foot forward. The strong shooting-arm is straight; the weaker arm is bent and supports the strong arm. The "Isoceles" stance places both feet an equal distance from the target. both arms are extended straight forward.

    Grip

    • A strong, consistent grip enhances your ability to place shots accurately and quickly. Place the pistol's grip in the web of your stronger hand; wrap your fingers around the grip with your index finger, level with the trigger guard. Pressure should be even and firm, but not too tight. Wrap your weak hand around the strong hand, with the interior of the third knuckles on your weak hand lying over the exterior of the second knuckles on your strong hand. Point both thumbs down the side of your frame, beneath the slide.

    Sighting

    • Center the front sight within the rear sight-notch when you look down the top of the barrel. The top of each sight should be flush, and the target should rest on top of the sight in your field of view. Focus on the front sight; let the rear sight and target go slightly out of focus.

    Trigger Control

    • Place your finger on the trigger while aiming at the target. If this causes your aim to shift, then finger placement is incorrect. If a right-handed shooter's aim moves to the right, too much finger is on the trigger. If it moves left, not enough finger is on the trigger. The opposite applies to left-handed shooters.

    Breathing

    • Breathing moves your entire upper body. The best way to minimize the effect that breathing will have on your shooting is to breath in as you lift your gun and take aim. Slowly breath out -- or hold your breath -- as you move your finger to the trigger and fire. Be conscious and consistent with your breathing to eliminate it as an aim-effecting variable.

    Follow Through

    • Recoil from your shot lifts the muzzle of your gun, causes your arms to bend slightly and possibly rocks you back on your heels. Proper follow-through allows your stance, grip and aim to come naturally to rest after the shot. Consistent practice results in your follow through leading you back onto the target.