3 Ways to Fire a Weapon with Accuracy

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3 Ways to Fire a Weapon with Accuracy
3 Ways to Fire a Weapon with Accuracy

Video: 3 Ways to Fire a Weapon with Accuracy

Video: 3 Ways to Fire a Weapon with Accuracy
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Learning to shoot accurately is part of the fundamentals of handling firearms. A weapon is a tool, and like any other tool, it takes practice to master it. Whether you are a hunter, a sharpshooter or have been issued a license for self-defense only, it is essential that you learn to fire a weapon with precision. Although there are many different types of weapons, there are some basic skills you should develop so that your shots are always accurate.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Shooting Correctly with a Pistol

Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 1
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 1

Step 1. Choose a comfortable position

Accurately firing a pistol starts with your feet. There are three basic positions you can choose from based on your comfort, your natural shooting posture, and your preferences. In the isosceles posture, you should spread your feet roughly shoulder-width apart. In the Weaver stance, the shooter's weight is unevenly distributed: the dominant foot must be behind the body, while the front foot must be pointed at the target. Halfway between the isosceles and the Weaver, there is the tactical stance, in which the feet should be shoulder-width apart, with the dominant foot just slightly behind the front.

  • At all three bases, the shooter must place the weapon directly in front of the body.
  • Each posture has advantages and disadvantages. It is recommended that beginners try all three to find out which ones feel more stable.
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 2
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 2

Step 2. Hold the gun securely

Always use both hands to shoot a pistol. Your dominant hand should be on top of the handle and your trigger finger should be extended against the side of the gun. The non-dominant hand should be slightly lower, with the fingers wrapped around the handle. Never place your non-dominant hand under the pistol. Otherwise, you will not be able to eject the empty cartridge if you need to refill quickly.

  • The skin between the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand should line up with your wrist to absorb the impact of the kick.
  • Hold the pistol firmly, but be careful not to push it too hard. If your wrist starts to turn whitish, it's because you need to loosen your grip a little.
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 3
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 3

Step 3. Center the target

Most pistols come with a front opening, called a sighting mallet, and a rear opening, called the sights. The aiming mallet is on the tip of the weapon's body, sticking up. When raising the pistol, focus your gaze on the sighting mallet and center it on the target.

  • In closed spaces, centering the target is often enough to hit it precisely.
  • Centering the target is essential to shooting accurately. In a combat situation, a well-centered aiming mallet can be the difference between life and death.
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 4
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 4

Step 4. Zero the crosshair

If the target is more than a few meters away, you will need to zero the crosshairs in addition to centering the target. To zero the sight, position the weapon so that the sight mallet is centered between the two sight marks on the back of the pistol. When the two openings are lined up, the sight is zeroed, which means the weapon is completely level, not leaning to either side.

  • The club and the sights must be at the same height. That is, none should appear taller than the other from your perspective.
  • After centering the target and zeroing the crosshair, you will see the blurred target behind the crosshair, which in turn should be between the two crosshair markings.
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 5
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 5

Step 5. Learn to handle kickback

After pulling the trigger, the firing pin will strike the cartridge fuze, igniting the powder and firing the bullet. Activation causes a contained explosion that goes towards the opening of the barrel and pushes the weapon backwards. This counterforce when we fire a weapon is called recoil. To withstand the kick without becoming destabilized, you must have both a good grip and correct stance. To resolve the issues caused by kickback, regain alignment and quickly zero the aim once you fire.

Weapon design, caliber and ammunition type can affect kick intensity

Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 6
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 6

Step 6. Wait for the shot to hit the target

Never holster the weapon or move to a new target immediately after a shot. Stay focused on the target even after releasing the projectile. That way, you won't risk moving the pistol before the bullet leaves the barrel and accidentally changes trajectory.

  • From a distance, it only takes a little movement to change the trajectory of a projectile.
  • Wait a second before changing targets or lowering the weapon.

Method 2 of 3: Correctly Firing a Long Gun

Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 7
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 7

Step 1. Center the target and zero the sight with the iron sight

The iron sights of the rifles function identically to the set of mallets and sights of the pistols. The front should be centered on the target and fit, from your point of view, between the two markings on the rear opening so that the weapon is straight and level.

  • Unlike pistol openings, the two parts of the iron sight are usually adjustable, which increases firing accuracy.
  • Zero the crosshairs to make sure the rifle is aimed exactly where you want it.
  • Target centering and sight alignment are also essential when firing shotguns.
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 8
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 8

Step 2. Locate the target with a telescopic sight

The rifle's telescopic sights, or scopes, make targets larger, making it easier to aim at a specific point. A telescopic sight can dramatically increase the accuracy of a long-range shot, as long as the target is well centered and you keep the fundamentals of shooting practice in mind. To center the target on a telescopic sight, center the crosshair of the sight where you want to hit. The circle you look through at the end of the crosshair should also be centered according to your perspective.

  • You can find telescopic sights of varying degrees based on how far you want to shoot.
  • The higher the target range, the more difficult it is to center the target.
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 9
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 9

Step 3. Adjust staff elevation for greater accuracy

To change the elevation of a rifle scope, simply turn the vertical adjustment. Although there are different bezel brands, the vertical adjustment is usually at the top of the piece. Rotate it to the right for the projectile to hit the target at a higher point, or to the left for a lower shot.

  • If you're firing from a distance greater than the range the weapon is zeroed for, you'll need to increase the scope's elevation to compensate for the projectile's drop on its way to the target.
  • Rotating the adjustment shifts the projectile's impact location on the vertical axis (up and down).
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 10
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 10

Step 4. Change the side adjustment based on the environment

Side adjustment is usually on the right side of the scope and shifts the projectile's impact point on the horizontal axis (left to right). On windy days, it is essential that you calibrate the side adjustment to compensate for the pressure the wind will put on the projectile on its way to the target. Turning the side adjustment to the right causes the projectile to tend to the right, and turning it to the left sends the projectile to the left side.

  • Depending on the rifle, ammunition, scope and its distance from the target, the movement of the projectile by turning the lateral adjustment may vary.
  • Observe the area between you and the target and see if there is any sign of strong wind. Turn the side adjustment to the wind.
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 11
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 11

Step 5. Support the weapon correctly

The stock of the rifle must always rest against your shoulder. Place your dominant hand on the gun hilt or stock, in a position that is easy to reach for the trigger. Use your other hand to support the rifle. Whenever possible, use a bipod, sandbag, or other stable object to support the weapon and prevent it from moving. If you're shooting standing up, use a tight-fitting bandolier to keep the weapon on your shoulder at all times.

  • Any movement of the gun barrel can cause you to miss the target if it is at a long distance.
  • Try to support the weapon on your bones, not your muscles. Whenever possible, take the shot sitting or lying down, with your elbows on your knees or on the floor to avoid the agitation produced by muscle fatigue.
  • The guidelines for firing rifles also apply to shotguns.

Method 3 of 3: Following the Basics of Shooting Practice

Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 12
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 12

Step 1. Squeeze the trigger correctly

Despite the expression “pull the trigger”, you should never pull the trigger of a rifle or pistol. The correct thing is to squeeze it slowly, making constant pressure. Pulling the trigger can change the direction of the weapon slightly, which may be difficult to notice when firing, but will be evident when the projectile does not hit the target. Mentally count to three or five as you pull the trigger and hold it in place for a second before releasing it.

  • Pulling the trigger hard can cause the gun to wobble. Squeezing it in a controlled way allows you to keep the target in your sights.
  • Pretend you are trying to close your fist around the gun handle to squeeze the trigger correctly.
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 13
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 13

Step 2. Control your breathing

When we breathe, our lungs fill with air and then empty. This move can also affect your aim. To avoid problems, always try to trigger the natural pause between exhalation and inhalation. Squeeze the trigger just as you finish exhaling. Do not inhale again until the projectile leaves the barrel.

  • When you breathe, the gun moves. While this movement is difficult to notice, it can have a big impact on shooting accuracy.
  • Keeping your cool and breathing in a controlled manner is essential to taking accurate shots. Instead of holding your breath at the moment of shooting, practice shooting in the natural pause between breathing movements.
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 14
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 14

Step 3. Start from your natural aim

When you first raise the weapon and look through the scope, it will likely not be centered on the target. This starting point is your natural aim, where your body wants to aim the weapon. Don't try to fight that instinct. Instead, move around until you find a position where your body wants to aim for the target. Fighting the natural aim will only tire you out and make it even harder to shoot accurately.

  • If your natural aim tends to the left of the target, lower the weapon and move your feet so that your entire body is slightly turned to the right. Only then raise the weapon again.
  • Finding your natural aim and centering it on the target will make it much easier to shoot with precision.
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 15
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 15

Step 4. Learn the safety rules in handling firearms

There are four basic rules you must follow whenever you are around firearms. The rules are designed to protect both the shooter and others around the shooter. They are taught and applied at all shooting ranges, as well as in police and military training, and are suitable for any type of firearm. The rules are as follows:

  • Always act as if the gun is loaded.
  • Only point your gun at things you want to shoot.
  • Keep your finger extended and off the trigger until you fire.
  • Keep the gun locked until it's time to fire.
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 16
Shoot a Gun Accurately Step 16

Step 5. Always wear the proper protective equipment

Whenever shooting, it is essential that you protect your eyes and ears correctly. The goggles will prevent the bullet capsules from reaching your eyes, in addition to protecting them in case of a weapon malfunction. Ear protectors, on the other hand, will prevent the noise of the shots from rupturing your eardrums or causing damage to your hearing.

  • Look for safety goggles suitable for shooting or anti-shrapnel.
  • You can find both internal and external ear protectors. Either of the two models will do.

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