There is more to gun ownership than passing the background checks at the time of sale, or acquiring a concealed carry permit. There is a great deal of responsibility that comes with it. One of those responsibilities is having a good aim and grouping. In the event you need to draw your gun in self defense it id important not to hurt those around you. Remember, bullets can still pass through walls and hurt those on the other side. This is one of the many reasons why we advocate regular practice and encourage you to work on your grouping skills. Shooting Range Industries will cover some basic exercises and techniques you can practice the next time you are on the range.

Analysis of Pistol Shot Grouping Patterns

First establish where your current grouping skills are. Start at a distance of about 8 yards, which is standard for the concealed carrying permit firing exam. Then take aim and fire three rounds. Measure how far a part each round is from one to the other. The professional shooters can have all rounds in a tight group no bigger then a silver dollar. If you don’t have a grouping nearly that tight don’t sweat it, most people that own a gun don’t. A tight grouping takes a lot of practice and time on the range.

Tips for Proper Pistol Shooting Fundamentals & Techniques

Now let’s review some of the basic principles that are a foundation for good firing techniques and better grouping.
1. Grip Control or Posture probably should be considered as the first step. At this point double check that the grip of the pistol is tight in your hand with no bend in the wrist. The weight of the gun should be relativity balanced.
2. You must have Sight Picture. Is the rear and front sight aligned? Meaning the front sight should be lined directly in the middle of the rear sights, and the top of both front and rear sights are in a prefect straight line.
3. Next basic step is Sight Alignment. With proper sight picture, align the sight with the center of your target.
4. Breathing is an important principle when shooting. Time each shoot at the point of an exhale. They say this is the time your body is the most still and will give you better aim.
5. Many people overlook or misunderstand the concept of Trigger Control. Don’t wrap your trigger finger too deep around the trigger. When you squeeze the trigger you pull the gun inward ruining everything up to that moment. Instead use the pad of your trigger finger and pull your finger straight back.
6. Body Structure or Positions is very important as well. Position your body to retain sight alignment, and better aim the follow-up rounds. Due to the recoil of the first round fired you can lose your aim. You will often hear the same three body positions used in training. Isosceles, Weaver and Modified Weaver. These three stances are the best for re-engaging a target after the first round was fired. They greatly improve control.

Improving Pistol Marksmanship; Tips for How to Shoot Tighter Groups

Now that you have the foundation, try firing three rounds and see where your grouping is now. If some of your shots are still off, here are a few tips. If your shots went more laterally or off to the side it could be trigger control issues, or that your grip or posture needs correction. If the round went up or down from the original targeting then check your breathing as well as the grip. If you find your shots are all over the place, then move the target a little bit closer and take your time in-between rounds. Try timing it with your breath.