Posted: 10/10/2011 4:55:45 AM EDT
I'm pretty much a beginner pistol shooter and really have never had any instruction on technique or form concerning pistol shooting. I have shot pistols since I was a kid but just like backyard stuff. But now I want to actually get serious about tuning my skills from "I bet I can hit that can at 20 yards", to being able to go to the range and actually knowing how to really shoot a gun. Is there any videos or classes that is good for teaching a beginner fundamentals? Obviously I have found videos on youtube but since I don't really know too much about technique I have no idea who is right or wrong or if the people have any clue what they are talking about. I just want to get my fundamentals down and build on top of that. Any suggestions or pointers is MUCH appreciated.
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Name : NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course
Short Description : Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for owning and operating a pistol safely. NRA link |
I took the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course many years ago as MI was talking about getting a shall issue CCW law with the thought that it would cover the class requirements for getting a MI CCW. It did not. I'm sure the class differs slightly from instructor to instructor. However, I don't think it will get someone very far towards being a better shooter. The class I took was heavy on gun safety and light on technique. Not a bad thing mind you, but not a class where a lot of shooting advancement will be made.
If you are the sort that can coach yourself there is a lot of good info on Bullseye pistol. You don't have to get all caught up in the competition aspects of bullseye pistol. Bullseye pistol is all about giving you a good foundation by mastering the basics. |
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Whenever I train a new shooter, these are the fundamentals I teach-
1. Proper grip. I prefer the thumbs forward grip like this. 2. Good stance. This video shows a good stance and grip 3. Trigger control. Most guns have a trigger pull that is heavier than the gun. What this means is that you need to slow down enough to squeeze the trigger without upsetting the sight picture. Once you learn to control the gun, you can squeeze the trigger faster. Start off slow with the target close and as you improve your groups, move it further out or increase your speed. |
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Quoted:
Whenever I train a new shooter, these are the fundamentals I teach- 1. Proper grip. I prefer the thumbs forward grip like this. 2. Good stance. This video shows a good stance and grip 3. Trigger control. Most guns have a trigger pull that is heavier than the gun. What this means is that you need to slow down enough to squeeze the trigger without upsetting the sight picture. Once you learn to control the gun, you can squeeze the trigger faster. Start off slow with the target close and as you improve your groups, move it further out or increase your speed. To practice point 3, spend a lot of time dry firing your gun. Spend more time dry firing than live firing. It doesn't take long. 15 minutes a day is plenty. |
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Watching a video or looking at pictures will only get you so far. You really need to find a reputable instructor in your area. You need someone else to watch you and make suggestions for improvement. I'd start by posting in the Indiana "Hometown" section that you're looking for a good instructor. Personally, I'd rely more on people suggesting instructors than any instructor that posts to advertise themself.
There is a big difference between training and practice. If you practice the wrong way all you are doing is ingraining bad habits. |
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Quoted:
To practice point 3, spend a lot of time dry firing your gun. Spend more time dry firing than live firing. It doesn't take long. 15 minutes a day is plenty. While dry firing is it necessary to use a snap cap or not? if its a modern day, centerfire, snap caps should not be necessary; if it is (as per manf. ), then i would not own it 
primarily, rimfires (some are ok w/ it), old-er firearms, arguablly 1911s, need em |
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A note on stance:
I started competitive target shooting at 14 and was ok to good at it. Shot for many years until I went to college. i.e. I learned target stances. Fast-forward 20 yrs and I get interested in defensive / tactical shooting. I buy books and videos and almost all are purporting Isosceles as the best stance (as shown in above videos). I need to unlearn target and I practice and practice - I'm ok. Then I take a 4-day at Front Sight where they teach Weaver. I go in with an open mind and do everything their way. WOW - what difference in my accuracy, speed, etc. It was night and day better. Maybe it was just the fact that Weaver feels comfortable to me where Iso always felt strained. The point being, everybody is built different. Different length arms, torso size, etc. What works for one may not be the best for another. Try different stances until you find YOUR stance. |