Shooting a pistol can be challenging for a first-timer. You must aim your target the right way, and not doing so can be frustrating. But first of all, before you aim that pistol, make sure you only get training from the accredited professionals.

Beginners can take some time to learn how to aim properly. That’s why it’s advisable to have a professional to guide you on what to do.

Here’s a step by step guide to properly aim a pistol

  1. Practice the Right Shooting Stance

Just as playing a sport like a golf or boxing, there’s always a desired stance appropriate for each game so you can be a good player. The same point applies to aiming a pistol. The stance is the main foundation on learning to aim the pistol the right way.

You need to be stable and comfortable on your stance to help you aim better. Being wobbly, especially when you’re feeling nervous since it’s your first time, can get you out of the game. Eventually, with lots of practice, you’ll find a comfortable stance that you can work with.

The three types of stances are Modified Weaver or Chapman, Weaver and Isosceles. Those are the different stances that have specific foot variations and arm positions. You can pick one from the three that fits you the most.

  1. Exert a Good Handgun Grip

Gripping the gun well needs a good amount of strength. It has the same importance as having and maintaining the proper stance. Aiming to shoot can be hard if you can’t control your pistol.

Maintaining a tight grip on the pistol can reduce the movement of your non-trigger fingers, which can help you to aim better and accurately. When holding the gun, exert some effort to web the gun between your fingers and thumb as high as possible on the grip. This will prevent you from getting a tendency to slide your hand from the gun back and forth.

Always position your forearm in line with the gun to get more recoil. Since that piece of metal from the gun can make your fingers move back and forth.

  1. Handgun Grip for the Other Hand

Of course, when shooting, you don’t only use one hand but two. To position your other hand, whether it’s left or right, make sure that it fills up to the other hand to maximize a full grip. You can check whether or not you’re doing an exact 45-degree angle between your left hand and the handgun slide.

The thumb should be positioned where you’re most comfortable. This is your preference, so it’s all up to you. Both thumbs need to be pointing up the air leading towards the target.

Try doing a trial practice and check how comfortable you are with this kind of grip and then work your way towards finding the perfect grip.

  1. Get an Accurate Sight Picture

Most experts advise focusing on the front sight at all times. But sometimes it can be hard with just having one eye open while aiming at the target. However, most professionals highly recommend that both eyes should be open while aiming.

It makes aiming so much easier and faster since your eyes won’t suffer from fatigue. You will also develop a more sense of awareness and will aim better. You’ll have to learn and figure which of your eyes are dominant.

  1. Pull the Trigger Properly

Finally, this is the most important part of aiming. Firing the trigger can be hard for beginners. Professionals mostly advise that the best way to pull the trigger is by doing it slowly until you hear a shot. Do not yank on the trigger, or else it will jerk and will send the shot way off.

Slower shots have a better chance of aiming the target correctly. If you’re having a hard time pulling the trigger, it’s normal. You’ll get used to it as time passes by.

As to how you position your trigger finger, it’s all up to you. You’ll find your position where you’re comfortable doing it over time. Just take note, though, that when pulling the trigger, do not move the rest of your fingers except the first two joints of your trigger finger.

  1. Control your Breathing

When aiming a pistol, never hold your breath. Understandably, it can get really nerve-wracking but never hold that inhale and exhale. Holding your breath for a long time more often can affect your health in a bad way.

  1. Take Your Time When Resetting the Trigger

Do not immediately take your finger off the trigger after shooting each shot while looking at the target. Just relax and take your time. The hole will always be there. The moment you quickly lift your finger off the trigger, you’re making it harder to aim your next shot. You’re going to need to pull the first part of the trigger over again if you keep doing this.

To properly reset the trigger, hold it at the end of the shot then only release it until the point it resets. You can feel when it clicks. So when you fire again, you’ll start at the reset point and not from the beginning of the trigger pull.