How To Shoot a Handgun... 


Asking how to shoot a handgun is a lot like asking how to make a great martini* ....everybody has an opinion. However, I ran across a short, decent article that breaks down the components of getting lead where you want it downrange. 

That said, though, you can get the most of your handgun's intrinsic accuracy by simply performing marksmanship basics correctly. If the gun is aimed at the target, and the trigger is pressed and the shot released without moving the gun, then the bullet will strike the mark. That simple. We need a few building blocks to construct this perfect shot, however. Let's build the structure brick by brick. 

This student demonstrates a strong Weaver stance at an LFI class. Feet are in proper pyramidal base, upper body is forward, and he is firmly grasping his .40 caliber Walther P99.

I teach my students a five-point "pre-flight check list" to go through before they fire the shot. As with any structure, you start from the bottom up. Those points are: 1) Strong stance. 2) High hand grasp. 3) Hard grip. 4) Front sight. 5) Smooth rearward roll of the trigger.


Good points to work on. Clearly the article was meant to scratch the surface. Want more info?  A book I recommend to my students is The Modern Day Gunslinger by Don Mann. It lays out various handling techniques, training and the mind set needed to present a weapon.

*Perfect Martini. Mix three parts vodka with one part vermouth.  Shake well and throw it away. Drink rum...