Chapter 9: Basic Shooting
Skills
Handgun Shooting (continued)
Sight Alignment
- Sight alignment, which is important in rifle
shooting, is even more important in pistol shooting because
of the
shorter distance between the sights. Typically, handgun
sights consist of a square rear notch sight and a heavy
square front blade sight. This arrangement is easy to align.
- Most
handguns are initially sighted-in at 50 feet.
Aiming
- At the shooting range, many handgunners use a sight
picture that places the bull's-eye on the top of the
front sight, rather than placing it in the sights over the
center
of the target. However, hunters should hold the alignment
directly over the vital area.
- Scopes with long eye relief
have become popular with handgunners and offer exact sighting
for hunters. Scopes may take longer
to align on a target than open sights, but they're
usually more accurate.
Use eye and ear protection. Assume a stable position. Grip
the handgun with both hands. Do not cross the thumb of the
supporting hand behind the slide of a semi-automatic.
Shooting
The pistol shooting fundamentals of breath control, trigger
squeeze, and follow through are almost identical to
those
in rifle shooting. Some important differences to remember
include:
- The first joint of the finger should take up trigger
pressure, not the tip as is often done with rifles.
- When
a revolver is fired, powder flashing at the front of
the cylinder can cause burns. Be sure to keep fingers
away from the front of the trigger area.
- The slide and hammer of a semi-automatic handgun can deliver a bruising blow when held too close to the body. All handguns should be fired at arm's length.
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