When it comes to the time required to become a “proficient” handgun shooter, you first must decide what “proficient” means to you. It takes a lot longer to be ready to compete in shooting competitions than it does to have a minimal level of comfort with your weapon so you’ll be capable of defending yourself or others in dangerous situations. No matter what your proficiency goal is or how long it takes to achieve your preferred level of shooting skill, two components are essential: training and practice. The firearms safety education professionals from Online Texas LTC, a premier provider of online LTC and concealed carry classes, explain what it will take to become proficient at shooting your handgun.
Start with High-Quality Training
The most important thing to do before you even start shooting your gun is to learn how to handle, carry, and shoot it properly. The best way to do this is by taking one or more courses from a professional firearms educator. In these courses, you’ll learn everything you need to know, even if you’ve never used a gun before. These courses typically offer information about various types of handguns as well as their basic components, including safeties, magazines, and sights. This also includes learning how to clean your handgun and check to ensure all its parts are properly adjusted and functioning as they should be.
A training course offered by a professional will teach you how to get comfortable with using your handgun. This will include instruction in how to position yourself when you shoot, how to grip your gun, how to keep your eyes open and focused, and how to hold your gun when you’re shooting.
A trainer will also help you increase your accuracy by showing you how to prepare for what happens when you shoot your gun. He or she will instruct you in how to perform an effective follow-through (what you do immediately after you fire your handgun), which involves:
• Holding your gun steady after you shoot
• Sustaining your position after you shoot
• Not being fearful of the recoil
You’ll also learn to shoot more accurately by being focused when you shoot your handgun. Remember to stay relaxed and calm as you shoot, and when you pull the trigger, squeeze it firmly, but don’t press it harder than necessary to fire.
Keep Practicing
As with every other type of skill, it takes a lot of practice to become proficient at shooting a handgun. When you’re practicing your shooting skills, focus on using the proper technique you learned in class so you don’t start to develop bad habits. As you get more comfortable using your handgun, you’ll improve your accuracy. You’ll need to be patient with yourself and make sure to note your improvements as you go along.
Try to go to the range on a regular basis or find other safe and convenient ways to practice. A reasonable suggestion is to practice at least once a month, but if you practice more often, such as every week, you’ll become more proficient in less time. With dedication and practice, you’ll be able to shoot your handgun with your desired level of proficiency.
Dry firing, which involves pulling the trigger of the gun without any ammunition, is also an excellent way to practice proper shooting techniques and skills without having to go to the range and spend money on ammunition. When done in conjunction with the proper shooting techniques taught, dry firing at home can significantly increase your shooting abilities for the next time you’re at the range. Of course, make sure to follow all safety protocols before attempting to dry fire your gun.
Practicing your shooting skills is a big part of making sure you know how to use your gun safely. If you own a firearm, it’s essential to get high-quality training so you know how to handle, store, and shoot your gun safely. Online Texas LTC is dedicated to providing the finest firearms training available. Whether you simply need to learn how to handle a gun and shoot safely or you want to take a Texas license to carry online course, reach out to the experienced pros at Online Texas LTC. Give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
