Firearm safety is about far more than just understanding how to safely load, store, and handle your handgun. You also need to know how to shoot safely, which means having proper control of the weapon and ensuring that you hit your target. There are a few key components to handgun control, which you typically learn in firearm training courses. Here's a look at some of the things you'll learn about shooting when you take your firearm training course.
Position And Stance
One of the first things you will be taught, before you're even taught to fire the handgun, is the proper way to hold the gun and how to stand to aim correctly. The way you will stand varies based on what you're doing.
For target shooting and precision, you'll want to stand with your feet slightly apart and your body positioned at an angle to your target. Keep more weight on the balls of your feet than the heels. Keep your non-favored hand secured by holding your belt loop or placing the hand in your pocket. This is important for precision shooting because that hand can counter-balance your shooting. If left to swing free, that arm can actually cause you to shift your aim when you fire as a result of the recoil on the gun.
For sports and action shooting, you should grip the handgun with both hands, forming a triangle-like shape with your arms. Position your feet shoulder-width apart, both facing directly toward the target.
Grip
Your grip on the handgun is equally important. Remember that gripping the gun too loosely will result in the gun shifting when you fire, potentially causing you to miss your target. If you grip the gun too tightly, you may find that your hands shake due to the physical exertion, and it may be hard for you to move your finger on the trigger because of the tension. Grip the handgun tightly enough to maintain control but not so tight that it feels like you are squeezing the gun.
Sight Use
The sights on your handgun play a vital role in your ability to target your shot and control your bullet's release. You should position the gun so that you have a clear focus on the front sight. When you can clearly see the front sight, the target should be blurred slightly in your vision, as should the rear sight. Use the front sight to line up your shot, making sure that the front sight is aligned with what you want to hit.
These are some of the most important control tips to help you properly aim and fire a handgun. Talk with your local firearm training school about gun safety and shooting tips and lessons.
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