Improve Your Shooting Accuracy

Geneseo, IL –(Ammoland.com)- One of the most important aspects of firing accuracy is the trigger pull. Your ability to perfect this area of shooting will improve your performance faster than any other skill.

Consider the following tips for bettering your trigger pull technique.

1. The right grip If your firearm is too large, your hand can’t exert the proper force to pull the trigger.Similarly, if you grip the firearm in the wrong way, you’re not using your arm and hand muscles to their full potential.Make sure your firearm is well suited to your grip.
2. Isolate the trigger finger Your index finger is used for the express purpose of pulling the trigger.When I am ready to shoot, I concentrate on only moving my trigger finger.In other words, isolate the trigger finger’s movement from the rest of your hand so as to not interrupt the sight picture.
3. Practice dry fire “Dry Firing” is an excellent way to practice and perfect your trigger pull away from the range. Without the recoil and noise resulting from live fire, you can observe any movement of the gun.  It’s easy and convenient and saves on expensive ammo.Though dry fire is not a replacement for live fire, I do it regularly. Without having to worry about recoil, you can focus on your grip and perfect how you pull the trigger. Regardless of whether ammo is being used, remember to always follow the firearm safety rules.
4. Don’t flinch Firing a gun is loud and your body is expecting the recoil.Due to this, many shooters develop what can be described as a “flinch”. It’s important not to anticipate and prematurely react to this sound and recoil. Doing so can cause problems with accuracy. Mentally remind yourself to stay in the same position, gripping firmly and aiming all the way “through” the firing of a shot.Practice maintaining control of the gun at all times, not just up until the instant a round is fired.Remember, if the gun is in your hand you are controlling it whether you are actively shooting or not.
5. Focus Focus is more than just the physical act of seeing with your eyes. Shooting accurately is as mental as it is physical.Concentrate on feeling things like the trigger pull and grip pressure. Don’t just “look at the front sight”. Focus on the target and sights along with the feel and movement of your trigger finger.Several things happen at once to fire an accurate shot, but with practice you should become more proficient.Once you have a basic understanding of the techniques involved, practice and discipline will be what allows you to shoot your best.
6. Go slow Jerking your trigger finger back quickly while in the learning phases destroys your accuracy.Only the most advanced and skilled shooters are able to do this and maintain an even unmoving grip on the gun. Save that for later as you progress.Pull the trigger evenly so that you do not interrupt sight alignment. Think smooth and steady.

Reprinted with permission from AmmoLand.com.