Handgun Accuracy Training

Handgun accuracy training is offered at many target shooting centers throughout the U.S. Training develops the shooter's ability to shoot on the move, in low light conditions and from various positions. More than just shooting at paper targets, handgun accuracy training develops the essential skills for using a handgun safely and accurately if a situation arises.

  1. Shooting Position

    • Shooting position during handgun accuracy training is vital. The most common shooting positions include the bench rest, where you shoot from a shooting bench that offers support; the two-handed standing position, where the shooter stands with feet shoulder-width apart, facing the target with arms extended; and the single-handed position, where the shooter holds the gun in his dominant hand and stands facing either left or right.

    Grip

    • Gripping a revolver or a pistol may seem like a no-brainer, but a proper grip is necessary for accuracy. Handgun accuracy instructors start the student off with the most important of all rules: "Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot."

    Breathing

    • Breathing is an easily overlooked component of shooting. The physiological action of inhaling and exhaling impacts the sighting of a target and what happens when a handgun is discharged. Accuracy instruction should cover how to breathe, when to breathe and how to time your breathing so you don't disengage your target.

    Sighting

    • Sighting a target develops the ability to use front and rear sights on the handgun. The front sight is most important.

    Trigger Pull

    • Trigger squeeze, or trigger pull, is the moment of truth in handgun accuracy training. Once all other disciplines have been put into play, only a smooth trigger squeeze can produce the desired result. Steady pressure until the weapon discharges is essential to striking a target with accuracy.

    Follow Through

    • Follow through involves handling the gun's recoil without excessive jerking and returning the handgun sights to the pre-firing position.

    Shooting Drills

    • Shooting drills are a mainstay and are intended to develop accuracy beyond standing shooting skills. Shooting while prone, shooting with your weak hand, shooting on the move, shooting from edges, shooting from cover and many other disciplines are taught by most shooting instructors. Many of the shooting drills are from five to 25 yards or more, incorporating moving targets, low or poor light conditions and other "real world" scenarios.