If you are heading to a range to shoot your gun for the first time, then you need to learn some proper shooting technique first.
About 43% of American households own at least one gun. Some people own guns for for sport, but every gun can be used for protection. Knowing how to shoot a firearm can be the difference between life or death.
These tips will help you develop your natural point of aim.
1. Dry Fire
By practicing with a “dry fire” exercise, you are practicing a trigger squeeze.
It’s important to know that a person squeezes the trigger to a gun, not pulls. Make sure you drop the cartridge and empty the chamber before practicing your exercises. Safety first!
Point your pistol to a spot on the wall about a half inch away. Your sights should be on the spot. Aim and squeeze the trigger.
If the sight moves, you improperly squeezed the trigger. The main reason a sight moves is because the operator pulled the trigger.
2. Proper Grip
Another reason shooters miss their target is because they are not gripping the pistol correctly.
Gripping too tight can cause you to miss the target wide. Gripping too loosely will cause the gun to move when it’s fired.
How do you find the proper grip?
Squeeze the grip of the gun as hard as possible until your hand starts to shake. While your hand is shaking, slowly relax your hand until the shaking stops. You should be able to keep the pistol steady with that grip strength.
3. Breathing
Help increase your shot by controlling your breathing. Shooting in the middle of an exhale or inhale can cause your shoot to miss the target wide.
Squeeze the trigger a second after all the air has left your lungs when you exhale. during that second you will be the most still.
4. Proper Shooting Technique Position
If you’ve ever competed in athletics or weightlifting, you know there’s a proper default stance.
When shooting handguns, keep your legs shoulder-width a part, and a small bend to your knees. Your arms should be extended away from your body but not completely straight.
5. Which Eye Do You Use?
You always aim at the target with your dominant eye. How do I know which eye is my dominant eye?
Extend your arms out and create a triangle with your thumbs and index fingers. Focus the opening on a distant object such as a clock or picture. Close your left eye.
If the object is still in the middle of your triangle opening, then you are right-eye dominant. If the object disappears, then you are left-eye dominant.
Are You Ready to Shoot?
If it is your first time holding a gun, it is always a great idea to consult with a trained professional or instructor.
These tips will help a rookie shoot more confidently and group shots better. The next time your friends join you on the gun range, you might be teaching them a few things about proper shooting technique.
