Being good with a gun can potentially be a lifesaver, especially if you or a loved one find yourselves in a self-defense situation. But becoming an expert shot takes time, practice, and proper instruction. Whether you're a beginner or you've been handling firearms for years, there are always ways to sharpen your skills and become even better.
Here are two tips to help you shoot like a pro.
Get familiar With Your Gun
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to get completely comfortable with your firearm before using it in any type of self-defense situation. Spend time handling it, taking it apart, and putting it back together again until you can do so quickly and easily.
There are three basic types of firearms –– handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Handguns are the most popular type of self-defense weapon and include revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. These weapons are relatively easy to carry and conceal. They also allow for quick and accurate shots at close range.
Rifles are long guns that are designed to be fired from the shoulder. They have a more extended range and more accuracy than handguns, but are also more difficult to carry and conceal. You also have to worry about the recoil or the kickback when the gun is fired.
Shotguns are also long guns designed to be fired from the shoulder. But unlike rifles, they fire a spread of pellets instead of a single bullet. This makes them less accurate than rifles, but the spread of pellets makes them more effective at close range.
All these guns have different parts and operate differently, so it's important that you get to know your gun inside and out before using it for self-defense. A good firearms training course will teach you everything you need to know about your gun, including how to properly care for it, clean it, and store it.
Most of all, you'll understand how you use your gun when you actually need it, keeping in mind all the handling techniques involved.
Don't Forget About Your Non-Shooting Hand
Your non-shooting hand is just as important as your shooting hand when operating a firearm. In fact, in some cases, it may be even more important.
Your non-shooting hand should be used to support the gun and help control recoil. You can do this by wrapping your hand around the grip or holding onto the magazine. This will help you keep the gun steady when you're firing it.
You should also use your non-shooting hand to operate any safety features on the gun. For example, if you're carrying a revolver, you'll need to use your non-shooting hand to cock the hammer back before you can fire it. And finally, your non-shooting hand can be used to help aim the gun. By placing your hand under the barrel, you can create a rest for the gun and make it easier to take aim.
So don't forget about your non-shooting hand the next time you head to the range. A little practice will help you get a feel for how to use it best to support your shooting hand.
Head out to a local range such as Salomon Firearms Training to practice your shooting.
