How to Buy a Target Pistol

Target shooting is a great way to get into recreational shooting. To do that you need to start with a target pistol. While you do not need everything to shoot targets with, the gun is definitely the most important part.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look at different guns to determine the reliability of each one. Some will work in any conditions, while others are pickier about how they shoot. For example, if they are damp they won't fire or if you use different ammunition every time they will not work the same. There is also the factor of how durable the pistol will be and how long a shelf life it has. Some guns will only last a few years with constant shooting. This does not make it a bad choice, but for someone looking to have their first pistol last a long time it wouldn't be the best selection.
2. Ask about the accuracy of all the pistols you are looking at. A longer barrel will be more accurate than a shorter one because the bullet travels farther down the barrel before being released toward the target.
3. Decide how short of a trigger you want your gun to have. A shorter trigger can make it easier to shoot since your finger does not have to travel far for the gun to fire. It should also not take forever to pull the trigger all the way to fire the gun. This can cause jerking of the hands and make you miss your target.
4. Find a pistol with good gun sights as these help you line up your target before shooting. This can help you score better during a target competition. The length between the front and rear sights are important as well.
5. Hold the pistol to see how the weight feels and how well the gun is balanced. A pistol that is too heavy will be hard for you to shoot. You will tire faster by holding a gun that is too heavy for you.
6. Hold the the pistol in your hand and make sure the gun grips are not too big or small for your hands. Grips that do not fit properly will make it hard to shoot well.
7. Pick a finish you prefer for your pistol. Some finshes are shiny while others are dull. A gun finish can be a matter of preference as well as necessity. For instance, you may not want your gun to be seen easily, like for a police officer.
8. Compare the price of the pistols you are thinking of purchasing. Look not only at different stores, but also different gun manufacturers. They will vary in price according to the gun's caliber, where they are made, what they are made out of, and any other options on the pistol. Two different gun shops can have vastly different prices for the exact same pistol.

Tips & Warnings

• A .22 caliber pistol is recommended for your first gun to get used to things such as the recoil and noise. However, some people actually do better with a higher caliber gun than others.
• Buy cheap ammunition to practice with.
• Don't forget to determine if you need a gun permit to own a target pistol. You must check with both federal and state law.
• You will need to have a gun case of some sort to store and transport your pistol to the shooting range.
• Always wear proper eye and hearing protection when shooting any gun.
• Do not point your pistol at anyone or anything you are not willing to shoot.