Why You Keep Missing With Your Handgun (Workshop)

This workshop focuses on common handgun accuracy issues, emphasizing fundamental techniques. Instructor John G. Johnson explains that most misses stem from a missing element in the shooter's system, such as poor trigger press, grip, stance, or sight alignment/picture. He details how to achieve a solid grip, an athletic stance, and a proper trigger press, highlighting the importance of front sight focus and a level pistol for consistent accuracy.

Quick Summary

Most handgun misses stem from a faulty trigger press, poor grip, incorrect stance, or improper sight alignment. A good trigger press is smooth and straight back, not pulled or jerked. A solid grip, like the two-thumbs-forward method, controls recoil. An athletic stance provides stability, and focusing on the front sight with 'equal height and equal light' is key for accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Handgun Accuracy Workshop
  2. 01:46Why You Miss at the Range
  3. 02:03Firearm Safety Rules
  4. 02:41Agenda: Accuracy System Breakdown
  5. 03:03The HDS Community and Accuracy Starvation
  6. 04:21What is the HDS (Handgun Training System)?
  7. 07:18Meet John G. Johnson, Firearms Instructor
  8. 08:40How Most Shooters Learn (and Why It Fails)
  9. 10:16The Importance of Firearms Training Lessons
  10. 11:36Top Reasons Why Shooters Miss
  11. 12:01Reason 1: Bad Trigger Press
  12. 12:35Reason 2: Cutting the Shot
  13. 12:57Reason 3: Bad Grip
  14. 13:27Reason 4: Lack of a System
  15. 14:19The Biggest Problem: Lack of Confidence
  16. 15:30Key Elements for Accuracy: Sight Alignment
  17. 16:57Sight Picture and Front Sight Focus
  18. 17:30The Golf Ball/Golf Tee Effect (6:00 Hold)
  19. 18:56The Critical Role of the Trigger Press
  20. 20:47Achieving a Positive and Solid Grip
  21. 23:27Grip Technique for Women (Press-Pull Method)
  22. 24:31Developing a Positive Stance
  23. 25:30How Stance and Trigger Press Affect Accuracy
  24. 26:33The Real Reason Most People Miss
  25. 27:16The Challenge: Lack of Know-How and Systems
  26. 28:23Identifying What's Missing in Your Accuracy System
  27. 28:40Topics Covered: Sight, Trigger, Grip, Stance
  28. 29:00Conclusion and Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main reasons people miss when shooting a handgun?

The primary reasons for missing with a handgun include a bad trigger press (pulling or jerking), cutting the shot (pistol moving during trigger engagement), a poor grip that destabilizes the firearm, and a lack of a structured shooting system or plan.

How can I improve my handgun grip for better accuracy?

Achieve a solid grip by using a two-thumbs-forward technique, ensuring your support hand clamps harder than your dominant hand. Lock your wrists out by squeezing your hands together, which helps control recoil and muzzle flip, allowing for a more stable platform.

What is the correct sight alignment and sight picture for handgun shooting?

For sight alignment, aim for 'equal height and equal light' between the front and rear sights. For sight picture, focus on the front sight being crystal clear while the rear sight and target are slightly blurred. The '6:00 hold' is a common technique where the front sight is placed at the bottom of the target.

Why is a proper trigger press so important for handgun accuracy?

A proper trigger press is critical because any manipulation, like pulling or jerking, disturbs the front sight and causes the shot to miss the intended point of aim. The goal is a smooth, straight rearward press that doesn't move the firearm.

What is the best stance for shooting a handgun accurately?

An athletic stance is best for handgun accuracy. This involves standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight forward, and nose slightly over toes. Avoid locking your knees and ensure the firearm is aligned with your dominant eye.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Firearms Training By John G. Johnson

View all →