Shooting tips for a novice?

[DeadWhiteGoose]

I'm new to handgun shooting for the most part and wondered if there are any basic tips that can help improve your accuracy that a new shooter might not know. Thank you

 

[H Richard]

There are numerous tips that will improve your accuracy. My first recommendation is to find a class by an NRA Cert. Instructor for at least Basic Marksmanship. It will be an introduction to handguns and their handling. My next recommendation would be to attend a shooting club and watch various match's in what you find interesting. There are so many different types of competition it can be confusing to a new shooter. The "Bullseye" type competition is an old school type competition and builds the foundation of all shooting sports. If you can shoot well in Bullseye, you will find it easier to transition to any other type of shooting competition.

Depending on where you live, and what gun clubs are available may limit your availability to the different types of competition. Actually joining a club and trying some competition is the next step, and you will find lots of help in the clubs. Any club I have been affiliated with the members are always eager to help out a newer shooter.

There are lots of publications available to help you but most are usually competition specific. Remember keep it simple and be prepared to spend more money on ammunition then of guns at the beginning of your quest.

You can contact the NRA for the location of an instructor in your area.

 

[sipowicz]

Keep one of these in your bag...

Some good tips too...

Handgun Shooting Tips

 

[LTC]

You might consider some of the following; Join a local club, many offer firearms instruction for novice as well as expearenced shooters.
Look to the NRA for basic firearms training.

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY. Did I mention SAFETY? Consider every firearm loaded unless it is dismantled into it's individual parts. Never point a firearm at any person or thing you don't want to kill or destroy. Keep your finger off the trigrer until you sights are on your intended target. Keep your firearm unloaded until you are prepared to use it.

In recent memory several people have been wounded or killed while they were demonstrating how to safely handle a firearm.

Accuracy comes with practice. Have someone knowledgeable on the subject give you direction and then practice, practice, practice.

Good luck and enjoy.

LTC

 

[xopher88x]

What helped me the most when I was starting out (and I'm still essentially a beginner) was learning how to properly grip the gun. Get professional help if you have to. I did, and it's worth it. Getting my grip right was one of those ah-ha moments. Suddenly it all started to make sense. I also watch this video from time to time.

YouTube - ‪Todd Jarrett on pistol shooting.‬‏

Yeah, he's different from most of us (and makes it look very easy), and I know I'll probably never shoot this well, but if I can glean some small percentage of he's trying to tell me in this short video, I figure it may make me a better shooter.

 

[m1gunner]

Get some basic instruction.

Then practice, practice, practice.

I shot tens of thosands of rounds during my formative years. 99% of those shots were with an air-gun. The principles do carry over to centerfire guns. I shot so much, I would recover my fired BBs, clean them and re-use them.

Consistency leads to accuracy, but you will need some coaching to get you started and keep you on track.

 

[anglaispierre]

Keep one of these in your bag...

Some good tips too...

Handgun Shooting Tips

I though I was on the wrong forum when I read instructions like tightening fingers, jerking, tightening grip while pulling, anticipating recoil.

 

[growr]

Implement ALL of the above ASAP and you will be in good shape. I have been an instructor for well over 20 years and wholeheartedly encourage you to find a Basic Pistol class as your FIRST step so that you are not having to re-learn a bad habit. Get it right the first time and away you go!
Randy

 

[anglaispierre]

I was told to focus on the front sight rather than the target, and try to resist the temptation to blink in anticipation of the bang.

 

[jrd1976]

Select a handgun that fits you, in a caliber you can handle. The grip must feel good in your hand. If the one you have does not feel right, find an aftermarket grip that does. Check the balance. If the gun is front heavy, you may want to consider a shorter barrel.

Use both hands.

A 22 rimfire revolver is always a good start. I never train a new shooter with a semi-automatic. (remember SAFETY FIRST).

Your tag line was 686-6 Plus Pro, which is 357 magnum, a real powerhouse.

Begin with 38 spl target loads. Real target wadcutters, not the higher velocity stuff labeled by the manufacturer as target. After you develop the fundamentals, move up to regular 38 Special loads.

Handgun shooting requires use of upper body and arm muscles. Rest when you get tired.

 

[dcxplant]

What LTC said.

Number one: A firearm is ALWAYS LOADED until you clear and check it yourself. When receiving a firearm always ask that it be cleared before you receive it if offered without clearing. It is not impolite to ask.

You can search the NRA website for NRA training events, and I see you are from Rancho Cordova, so here are some places to start.

NRA
Welcome to Cordova Shooting Center.com
Sacramento Valley Shooting Center


Be safe and have fun!

 

[kewpie]

There are numerous tips that will improve your accuracy. My first recommendation is to find a class by an NRA Cert. Instructor for at least Basic Marksmanship. It will be an introduction to handguns and their handling. My next recommendation would be to attend a shooting club and watch various match's in what you find interesting. There are so many different types of competition it can be confusing to a new shooter. The "Bullseye" type competition is an old school type competition and builds the foundation of all shooting sports. If you can shoot well in Bullseye, you will find it easier to transition to any other type of shooting competition.

Depending on where you live, and what gun clubs are available may limit your availability to the different types of competition. Actually joining a club and trying some competition is the next step, and you will find lots of help in the clubs. Any club I have been affiliated with the members are always eager to help out a newer shooter.

There are lots of publications available to help you but most are usually competition specific. Remember keep it simple and be prepared to spend more money on ammunition then of guns at the beginning of your quest.

You can contact the NRA for the location of an instructor in your area.

Excellent - Excellent

Everyone who has just begun with firearms or even those who have carried as LEO's but been away from it for a while can learn something from a good instructor. Some of the old-timers who run the NRA-sanctioned classes are no-holds-barred about correcting a 'younger' 60 year old ex-LEO about things he took for granted but 'lost track of.'

(And any gun's muzzle is like the head of a deadly snake)

 

[jkmo]

If you are talking a revolver (from your tag) shoot me an email at [email protected]. I've taught many people to shoot a revolver (over the years). Instructor with a Master rating in competition.

 

[mrerick]

Take a NRA Basic Pistol class!

The best way to get started is really to take one of the NRA Basic Pistol classes.

They are taught nationwide, fun to attend and usually quite reasonably priced, and you'll pick up some practical tips and experience along the way.

You can find a class near you on this website:

NRAInstructors.org - Portal for NRA certified Instructors, NRA Education and Training

Marc

 

[2fingers]

Watch the front sight and squeeze the trigger! Practice x4

 

[John Eilertson]

I'm no professional instructor, but I think you ought to start with a small caliber (read .22 LR) and slowly work your way up to the harder hitting stuff. And, practice as much as you can. Proper practice, that is, which you can/should learn from an instructor. Absolutely no point in practicing it the wrong way! And, when you do get to the centerfires, learn to reload. It'll make all that practice SO MUCH cheaper. Because practice does indeed make (nearly) perfect. Good luck!

 

[DeadWhiteGoose]

Thanks for all of the advice it's super helpful. I've already had a private instruction from my neighbor who is a certified NRA instructor and I plan on having some more lessons. We were firing his Kimber Ultra Raptor .45 and by the end of the day I was hitting center target no problem. My last range trip was mainly a sight calibration session but now I'm ready to get out there and practice! I plan on shooting a lot of .38's to get a good feel for my gun but I also bought the gun as a .357 and will be mixing them in periodically once I'm comfortable. I want to be good at shooting the magnum loads since that's what is be using for self defense. I'm happy to get so much help from you guys, this forum has been a huge help in general. Oh and by the way, I joined the NRA to do my part. Thanks