Even the most seasoned shooters can struggle with accuracy. If you’re a beginner with a pistol, it’s important to master firearms training fundamentals and revisit them frequently to solidify your skills. The following tips will help you fix common shooting errors and improve your aim.

A Guide to Enhancing Your Accuracy With a Pistol

1. Practice Dry Firing

Most firearms training beginners want to start out with live rounds, but “dry firing”—practicing with no ammunition—can help you perfect your form. Dry firing allows you to get acquainted with the feel of your pistol and develop muscle memory that will carry on to live-fire exercises.

A major benefit of this method is being able to practice at the shooting range and at home. However, you should always treat your gun as if it’s loaded.

2. Check the Sight Alignment

Sight alignment can be a challenge for first-timers. It’s instinctive to shut one eye or over-focus on the target, but this can throw off your aim. Keep your focus on the front sight and line it up with the rear sight, so the two are level. If your sight is properly aligned, your shots should hit their target. Otherwise, you’ll need to adjust your aim to compensate. Add a laser sight during dry firing practice for extra aim assistance.

3. Watch Your Trigger Finger

If you’re having problems with accuracy, trigger control is a likely culprit. Rather than pulling the trigger back, which can push your gun off-target, squeeze it slowly and deliberately. Use the center of the pad between your fingertip and first knuckle joint to apply a more consistent pressure.

4. Breathe Evenly

Never underestimate the importance of breathing. While you may think holding your breath will improve your precision, you’ll likely end up rushing your shot to take another breath. A lack of oxygen can also blur your vision. Breathe normally and time your shot for the end of an exhale.

5. Reset Properly

You might be tempted to let go of the trigger as soon as you fire, but this can jerk the gun, throwing off your next shot. Follow-through is important. Pull the trigger all the way back until after the shot breaks. Release pressure and allow it to reset on its own without moving your finger away.

The reset is a shorter distance than the trigger’s original position, and practicing follow-through provides the benefit of less finger movement. This will help you take steadier and more accurate shots.

Sign up for firearms training courses at Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range in Monroe County, IL. This gun retailer and indoor shooting range welcomes beginners and shooting aficionados alike. They offer training, cleaning and repairs, pistol leagues and shooting competitions, and an impressive selection of weapons for purchase. Their knowledgeable staff will teach you the ins and outs of gun ownership and safety so you can shoot confidently. For more information about upcoming classes, visit their website or call (618) 281-6393.