How to Get Better Using Your Pistol

Despite what one sees on television or in the movies, pointing a pistol at a target doesn't mean that the shooter is going to hit the target. In fact, without some practice, the shooter will probably miss the target, and the bullet will hit something the shooter didn't intend to shoot--such as an innocent bystander. Pistol owners should practice shooting using the following tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pistol
• Ammunition
• Eye protection
• Hearing protection

1. Try the weaver stance. If you're right handed, move your right foot back and turn slightly to the right so your right hand is fully extended and your left, which wraps around your right hand, is bent at the elbow.

2. Ensure that the butt of your pistol is not resting against the joint of your thumb. Adjust the position of your hand so the butt rests against the fleshy pad under your thumb, which can better absorb the recoil.

3. Lean forward slightly.

4. Focus on the front sight.

5. Try aiming while you're pulling the trigger. This will require that you squeeze the trigger slowly. By aiming quickly just before you fire, there's no time to let muscle tension or fatigue cause your pistol to move off the target.

6. Exhale and fire at the end of your breath just before you begin to inhale. Don't hold your breath while you aim and fire.

7. Practice often. Invest the time and money to buy ammunition and pay for range time.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use eye and ear protection and wear appropriate clothing while shooting your pistol. Nothing is more distressing than having hot brass eject from your pistol and fall down the front of a too low-cut blouse or onto your sandal-clad feet.
• Learn and follow all the safety rules of the shooting range.

Resources

• Learn more tips for better shooting on YouTube.

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