10 Tips to Stop Shooting Low with Your Handgun

Published on February 24, 2024
Duration: 70:14

John G. Johnson, a firearms instructor from Cape Coral, Florida, provides 10 essential tips to help shooters stop firing low with their handguns. The advice covers fundamental techniques including proper grip, trigger control, stance, sight alignment, sight picture, breathing, follow-through, and understanding trigger reset. He emphasizes that most shooting inaccuracies stem from the shooter's technique rather than the firearm itself, advocating for consistent practice and analysis of shot placement to achieve better accuracy.

Quick Summary

To stop shooting low with your handgun, focus on fundamental techniques: ensure a proper 'two thumbs forward' grip, press the trigger smoothly without jerking, maintain a stable stance, achieve level sight alignment, and practice consistent follow-through. Analyzing your shots and seeking qualified instruction are key to improving accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 01:16Introduction with John G. Johnson
  2. 07:3510 Tips to Stop Shooting Low
  3. 08:42Tip 1: Proper Grip
  4. 12:05Tip 2: Proper Trigger Control
  5. 16:12Tip 3: Proper Stance
  6. 18:49Tip 4: Sight Alignment
  7. 21:44Tip 5: Sight Picture
  8. 25:04Trigger Placement and Impact
  9. 29:23Tip 6: Breathing Techniques
  10. 30:06Tip 7: Follow Through
  11. 34:08Understanding Trigger Reset
  12. 41:06Dry Firing Drills (Penny Drill)
  13. 44:45Tip 10: Practice Practice Practice
  14. 50:15Recommended Videos: Aiming & Line Drill
  15. 53:46Conclusion and Recap
  16. 55:45Viewer Comments and Q&A
  17. 69:11Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common reasons for shooting low with a handgun?

Shooting low with a handgun is often due to improper grip, such as thumb pressing, which pulls the firearm left. It can also stem from jerking the trigger, poor sight alignment where the front sight is too low, or failing to follow through on the shot. Anticipating recoil and lifting the head prematurely also contribute.

How can I improve my handgun grip to prevent shooting low?

Focus on the 'two thumbs forward' grip, placing your strong hand high on the backstrap and using your support hand to fill the grip. Ensure your strong hand's thumb isn't inadvertently pressing into the firearm, which can cause shots to drift left and low.

What is the proper way to press the trigger for better accuracy?

Instead of pulling the trigger, press it smoothly and gradually using the center pad of your index finger. Visualize pouring sand onto a scale rather than dropping a weight. This controlled pressure helps maintain a stable sight picture and prevents unintentional movement of the firearm.

Why is proper sight alignment crucial for avoiding low shots?

Proper sight alignment means the top of your front sight is perfectly level with the top of your rear sight. If the front sight is angled down, your shots will naturally impact low. Maintaining this level plane is fundamental for accurate aiming.

How does follow-through affect handgun accuracy?

Follow-through is essential because it means maintaining your sight picture and trigger control even after the shot breaks. Failing to follow through, often by lifting your head to see the impact, disrupts the firearm's stability and can cause subsequent shots to be inaccurate.

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