Tips For Better Revolver Shooting

[Steve_Revo_]

There has been some great advice in this thread... The only thing I could add is that shooting a revolver well boils down to trigger control and sight picture... The Wall Drill can be a huge help with this.

Hold the gun so it is maybe 1" away from a blank wall and dry fire the gun.. focus 100% on the sights and keep at it until the sights do not move when you pull the trigger....

Here is a link to a great video from the king of the revolver, Jerry Miculek.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEHNZFTfSD8[/ame]

 

[matteekay]

(6) Let your thumb relax however it wants to relax. It should apply no pressure to the gun. If it does, you will push your shots to the left or right, depending on how much you unconsciously balance this and how your subconscious mind decides to do it.

This is the one I always struggle with. Brian Enos recommends the same thing, but I have no control if I don't apply at least some pressure with my thumbs (mostly the strong hand one). Maybe because I have small hands?

Other ICORE shooters have recommended the two-handed, white-knuckled death grip. I guess it works for them (they were both very good shooters) but I lost so much mobility in my trigger finger that it was a disaster for me.

I think it's fair to say that not every technique works for every person.

 

[Wise_A]

As in, you get leftward push from the trigger (presuming you're a righty)? Or just all the time, like the gun wants to roll on your hand when you squeeze it?

#1 is trigger finger placement. #2 is the placement of the backstrap on the palm, or placement of the lower three finger across the frontstrap.

On combat-type S&W grips, my strong thumb sort of curls over the top of the grip, and my support thumb points a little forward. I've got small palms but fairly long fingers. Some J-frames are a little tough to get a grip on, my fingers bunch up too much.

I tried tight grips, but never had much success with either autos or sixguns (even my 629). Most of it's in the wrist and forearm anyway, I think. How tight you can go is a matter of hand strength. The more you develop, the more pressure you can apply without losing fine control. But so long as you can grab the muzzle and and yank it all around without feeling the gun shift in your hand, you're fine.

 

[Narragansett]

I did not read all of this, but are you shooting right handed with a left dominant eye? That is a problem in and of itself. just a thought

 

[PapaSmitty]

I did not read all of this, but are you shooting right handed with a left dominant eye? That is a problem in and of itself. just a thought

Hi, no I'm right eye dominant and shoot with both eyes open focusing on the front sight. I've had excellent results doing this with pistols, shotguns, etc. Revolvers.....not so much.

 

[PapaSmitty]

There has been some great advice in this thread... The only thing I could add is that shooting a revolver well boils down to trigger control and sight picture... The Wall Drill can be a huge help with this.

Hold the gun so it is maybe 1" away from a blank wall and dry fire the gun.. focus 100% on the sights and keep at it until the sights do not move when you pull the trigger....

Here is a link to a great video from the king of the revolver, Jerry Miculek.

How to shoot a Revolver with world record shooter, Jerry Miculek! (handgun grip & stance) - YouTube

WOW! Absolutely awesome video! Thanks!

 

[lrrifleman]

@Pappy,

Yes, you want to develop your skills with 38 Special ammo, preferably wadcutters.

You need to be careful with your laser drill. The laser and sight line may not intersect until they are 15 to 20 yards or more from the handgun. At about 5-7 yards, laser pin point will be about an inch or so below the sight line.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

Lots of good tricks given here.If I may add my 2cents:

A)Shooting an auto is very different than a revolver and most of that difference lies in the different grip angle and contour.So,what you experience is perfectly normal.

B)I'd say at this point and since you can do well with an auto which means that you know the basics of the drill,I'd say that one very important thing you might be missing is a grip that fits your hand.Just like I wouldn't or couldn't walk a mile wearing boots that don't fit me,the same applies for shooting with grips that won't fit.Go out and don't be afraid to ask fellow shooters to try some grips before investing in a good pair.

C)Considering point B),you probably will not find a good set of grips that will let you shoot top scores in both single and double action(position and pressure of the hands are different).At best you'll find a compromise.But still,a good compromise is better than most standard grips supplied by manufacturers.

Good shooting!
Qc

 

[AzShooter]

Get a good action job. Jerry makes a great video if you want to do it yourself.

Next, practice double action without staging the trigger. You want to come through in one steady motion without disturbing the sights. Advantage of the revolver is that you can dry fire it to no end without any harm. Make sure you are still aiming at the target when the gun goes off. That's probably the biggest problem most shooters have.

Start at 5 yards and practice until you are satisfied with your groups then move back to 10, 15 and 25 yards.

My favorite activity is the Steel Challenge Shooting Association Matches. My goal is to shoot each 5 shot string with only 5 shots. It's very difficult to do but can be done. ICORE is my next favorite. You've got to put them all in the 8 inch center and a majority in the 4 inch X ring.

Dry fire will help. I put about 400 rounds a week through my revolver in practice and about another 200 in matches. Keep up the good work and you will get there.