Firearms are useful tools for self-defense and outdoor sports, like shooting competitions and hunting. Many people enjoy collecting shotguns, rifles, and pistols and outfitting their favorites with various accessories. Depending on the item, these can improve safety, accuracy, and handling comfort. The following guide outlines some accessories to consider adding to your handgun.

What Kinds of Accessories Can You Add to a Handgun?

1. Iron Sights

Most handguns come standard with the familiar post-and-notch sight apparatus. The point of the feature is to position the firearm so the post at the tip of the muzzle lines up with the notch at the grip's end. Iron sight upgrades improve accuracy by making a gun easier to aim. Some updates feature a dot on the post and on either side of the notch to help with horizontal and vertical adjustment. You can also add glow-in-the-dark paint or fiber optics to make sighting simpler.

2. Laser Sights

Barrel-mounted laser pointer sights place a red dot precisely on the target you're pointing at. This makes accurate aiming intuitive and target acquisition quick—even in low light. The feature helps retarget after discharge for accurate follow-up shots. Achieve the greatest accuracy by having a qualified dealer or gunsmith mount the device instead of attempting to do it yourself.

3. Grip Tape

The grips of most pistols are rough and ridged to give the user a better grasp. However, rain, mud, sweat, or gun lubrication can make it difficult to hold onto the firearm, especially during recoil. Textured tape addresses this problem by providing a no-slip grip, regardless of extenuating conditions. Many users also apply it to the slide to make chambering a round easier.

4. Weapon-Mounted Flashlights 

Weapon mounted lights (WMLs) are ideal for defensive firearms. The devices splash white light on whatever you're aiming at, dramatically improving target identification. They also provide backlighting to your iron grip to improve shot accuracy. WMLs allow you to keep both hands on the gun instead of fiddling with a flashlight in your free hand, which can also improve aim.

Stop by Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL, for high-quality, affordable handgun accessories. This facility is a one-stop solution for gun sales, training, and practice. They offer CCW classes and also host shooting competitions at their two, six-lane, full-service, indoor shooting ranges. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping each customer learn about gun handling and safety. Learn more about their services online, or call (618) 281-6393 to inquire about accessory prices or sign up for firearms training.