Gun Shooting Tutorial

Whether you're hunting, shooting for recreation or learning to shoot for the purpose of self-defense, a sound grip and stance are essential. In order to shoot accurately, you must observe the rules of proper form. Practice and study are integral to good shooting.

  1. Grip

    • Your grip on the gun is the base for all stable and controlled shooting. Grip a pistol high up on the handle, with the web between thumb and forefinger pressed against the grip tang. Bring the support hand up to a similar high position on the other side of the gun, pointing the support thumb down the barrel toward the target. Grip the gun firmly to avoid instability during recoil. A rifle is easier to grip since you can brace the stock into your shoulder. Hold your support hand on a rifle or shotgun out along the stock, with your elbow pointed down beneath the gun. Press the stock firmly into your shoulder.

    Stance

    • For pistol shooting, square your hips and shoulders to the target, with your support-side foot slightly in front of your trigger-side foot. Shooting a rifle or shotgun, your hips and shoulders will turn about 45 degrees, parallel with your feet (support-side in front). Leaning slightly forward will help to mitigate the effects of the recoil.

    Shot

    • Use only the last third of your trigger (index) finger on the trigger, bending at the final knuckle. Pull the trigger straight back so that you don't torque the gun as you shoot. Take a deep breath, hold it and gradually pull the trigger straight back while maintaining a good line at the target with the sights until the gun goes off. The shot should take you by surprise as you squeeze off the round. Don't jerk the trigger, which will move the gun and cause inaccurate shots.