Buying your first handgun can be intimidating. There are many options – caliber, size, brand, safety features, and more.
One of the most important considerations is how well the handgun fits the shooter. This relates to trigger reach, which is the ability of the index finger to reach the trigger quickly.
Sighting
A good sharpshooter must know their gun and how to shoot it. This requires substantial dry practice and some live fire training. The best way to learn these basic skills is with a knowledgeable instructor, either at a range or in a classroom setting.
Sighting must happen sooner rather than later and should start with the handgun’s holster being pointed downward. The next step is to find the natural athletic stance and grip, then draw and present the weapon with the sights lined up on a target. Once the sight picture and alignment have been refined, prep the trigger for a shot.
Follow-through is a crucial aspect of a complete shooting fundamental and can also be the most difficult for new shooters to master. Many people count on the recoil to reestablish their sight picture, but it is essential to keep your finger on the trigger until it cycles fully, which can take up to one-thousandth of a second.
Trigger Pull
Trigger pull is one of the most common issues that new shooters face, and it can make a huge difference in shooting accuracy. The trigger pull is the force applied to the trigger that causes it to fire a cartridge. The most important thing to remember about trigger pull is that your finger must remain on the gun safe until you are ready to take a shot. This reduces the risk of accidental discharge, which can have tragic results.
While different instructors may have their methods of teaching trigger manipulation, most agree that the pad of your trigger finger should be centered on the first knuckle and pulled straight back without torque to the left or right. This method is called the natural finger placement method. Another critical point is to understand that the initial phase of trigger pull is called “take-up” and that you must smoothly increase the amount of pressure you apply until you break the shot.
Shooting
Getting new shooters to hit the target is critical for early success. Getting them to start shooting from a bench or slung/prone rifle with support like sandbags or shooting bags will get them much farther down the learning curve than if they were to try and start off shooting standing up/offhand.
For a new shooter, the most important thing is to always have safety in mind, especially when handling a firearm. Only point it at things you are willing to destroy and only pull the trigger when ready to fire.
When choosing handguns for sale NC, considering size is essential. A smaller pistol is easier to carry concealed and may be preferred by those looking to defend themselves from an active assailant. Once a person finds the right gun, they should take a fundamentals class to learn basic handling skills and techniques from an experienced professional. Then, they can practice their new skills regularly to keep them sharp.
Reloading
Reloading your ammunition saves you money and gives you control over the consistency of your ammunition. This skill is also a necessity for handgun competition shooting.
Pistols are semi-automatic firearms that shoot from detachable magazines. The two basic types are single-stack and double-stack magazines. Single-stack magazines are thin and hold one cartridge per row, while double-stack magazines are thicker and carry several cartridges per row.
When reloading, the reloader uses a set of dies that reduce a spent case to its original dimensions (before expansion), knock out the primer, flare the case mouth for bullet seating, and crimp the bullet in place. Reloading dies come in various configurations to fit different pistols, but a beginner can start with a Lee full-length die set.
When handling a loaded weapon, always treat it as if it were unloaded. Never point a gun at anyone, even as a joke. This is dangerous and could result in injury or death.
