Bull’s-Eye: Pistol Shooting Tips

Just like the hit show “Top Shot,” most avid shooters aim for perfection and bull’s-eye precision. To help shooters and hunters improve their aim and accuracy, Jumping Targets offers several pistol shooting tips.

• Safety – The first and most important rule when handling guns is practicing safety. Whether it is using paper targets, pistol targets or moving targets, it is important to use ear protection. The three most common forms of ear protection include soft foam sponges, molded ear protection and outside ear covers. Some people prefer to use both foam and molded outer ear covers.
• Storage – It is necessary to store guns properly, helping avoid humidity and rust. Guns are never stored in direct sunlight and extreme temperatures are should be avoided with guns being checked monthly for rust.
• Lubrication – Pistols require lubrication with thin oil. Oil helps to attract unburned powder, which is why it is never applied to the inner workings of match firearms.
• Grips – If needed, after gun market grips are available. Make sure guns are comfortable in all conditions, including cold and hot temperatures. Cold temperatures can prevent hands from forming a solid grip, while warm temperatures can cause sweating, which make the gun grip less firm.
• Barrel – Always clean guns’ barrels after shooting, especially when using lead ammunition and then switching to copper. Dry brush the gun to remove any residue or build-up.
• Shooting – To achieve success with precision shooting skills, shooters need to practice the following:
  • Accurately identify the target.
  • Aim through the front sight.
  • Move the gun’s trigger straight to the rear.
  • Do these simultaneously to achieve the best results.

If using a laser site, this will help identify where the gun’s barrel is pointing. Center the dot within the scope and within the target. The dot may have varying brightness levels depending upon the time of day. This is normal and pertains to lighting conditions. Avoid using magnification, as this may cause confusion when looking at targets from different positions. Shooting glasses are helpful and avoid wearing patches on eyes to avoid distraction. This does not help improve aim or accuracy.

• Grip – Shooters should always grip guns in a comfortable manner, with fingers remaining off the triggers unless preparing to shoot weapons. Some people prefer placing all four fingers on the grip, while others prefer three. This is simply a matter of preference and comfort.
• Slow Fire – Slow firing gives the shooter time to embrace accuracy instead of rapid draw. Generally, slow fire defines shooting 10 rounds within 10 minutes, with shooters taking their time to refocus their sights and prepare for shots that are more accurate.

References:

http://www.bullseyepistol.com/frankhig.htm