How to Correct Pistol Aim by Analyzing Shot Patterns on Targets

Mastering a pistol can be challenging, especially on your first few times out on the range. Unlike a rifle, a pistol requires much more stability in the hands. A slight jerk or erratic movement can send your shot way off target, and breathing rhythm is critical for pistol accuracy. You can analyze your shot groups on the target to pinpoint where you need to improve your pistol handling skills. Sometimes this can be as simple as adjusting the sights, but can also incorporate hand placement, trigger pull, breathing, and body tension or shaking. The most common patterns for inaccuracy are above or below target groups, vertical or horizontal placement, and left or right target groups.

Instructions

    • 1

      Fire your pistol while aiming directly at the bull's-eye, then repeat until you've fired all rounds in the clip or cylinder. Remember to take your time to reset and aim in between each shot.

    • 2

      Retrieve your target and look at the groups of shots on the target. Groups are considered two or more shots less than a half-inch apart. Don't focus on every shot fired, just pay attention to the groups to note their placement. You can use a pen or marker to circle the groups.

    • 3

      Analyze the pistol groups in relation to the bull's-eye. Determine your current shooting habit by the amount of shots on a specific side of the target. The idea here is to figure out which way the group spread is heading. Is it leading left, centered above or below the target, leading right, are there groups all over the target, are all the shots landing very close together but not on target? These are all questions you should ask yourself while determining your group spread.

    • 4

      Note the round placement above or below the target. If you have a tight group of shots but just above or below the target, then you'll need to adjust the elevation of your pistol sights up or down. This can also be caused by snapping the trigger or popping the wrist. Since all pistols vary in sight adjustment, consult your owner's manual for proper sight adjustment procedures.

    • 5

      Note a vertical center placement of shots. If you have a line of shots that seem to be in dead center but have landed above, on and below the bull's-eye, then this could be caused by heavy breathing while aiming or firing, or rocking backward or forward while firing. Rocking or swaying can occur when you don't have proper footing or your shoulders are tense or weak.

    • 6

      Note a horizontal center placement. If the shots are landing to the left, on and right of the bull's-eye, in a straight line, then this could be caused by a few factors, including improper hand placement or a bad grip that doesn't quite fit your hands. This can also be caused by poor foot placemen, or by slightly rocking your body left and right.

    • 7

      Note the round placement to the left or right of the target. Depending on your dominant hand, this can be a factor. The thumb may be exerting too much pressure, bending your wrist to the left or right; a tight grip pressure can also cause this type of round placement. WIndage may also be a factor, you may need to adjust your rear sight to the right or left if you see this type of shot pattern.