Gun Training for Women: 5 Tips for Learning How to Shoot a Handgun

More women are participating in shooting sports than ever before. This once male-dominated arena is now blossoming with new female shooters, and often times they are outperforming the guys. This new demographic is excelling in everything from trap shooting to pistols. Plus, this recent development has begun to inspire more women to participate in shooting sports, as well as thousands more who are choosing concealed carry pistols for self-defense.

Whether you grew up around guns or you are a complete newbie to the sport, entering the gun world can be a little intimidating. When you’re ready to get started, here are five great tips to learn how to shoot a handgun, many of which will translate for rifles and shotguns as well. With practice, you might discover a new versatile skill that can used as self-defense or become a new hobby.

Take A Class

If you are new to shooting, it can be a little overwhelming at first. There are so many different types of guns that you may be trying to figure out which ones are best for beginners. Before you make any big decisions, enroll in training classes.

Luckily, there are hundreds of different classes that are designed to slowly introduce a newbie to the sport. The NRA, local ranges, gun stores, and other clubs offer beginner classes that focus solely on new shooters. Plus, the NRA designed a women’s program that is taught only by women for women.

These classes are one of the best stepping stones to learning how to use a firearm. Not only will you receive great instruction, but you will be able to ask any questions that you might have. This will help you feel more confident practicing your skills at the shooting range.

Keep in mind that Lead Dust Contamination at a Firing Range can be prevented with simple safety measures!

 

Choosing the Right Caliber

Maybe the only pistol you have fired is your dad’s 45 or some higher caliber pistol. If that was your first experience with a firearm, then it may have tainted your perspective. For most new shooters, it is best to start with a smaller caliber. It helps you to get accustomed to the recoil as well as the noise and other startling factors.

One of the most common self-defense rounds is the 9mm, but even that may be an aggressive start for some shooters. A subcompact 9mm pistol can be harder to grip, and the recoil is greater than a full-size pistol. For beginners, a good self-defense round is the 380 auto.

The 380 is becoming increasingly popular, especially with those who choose to conceal and carry. They are usually smaller pistols, which makes them easier to wear with an inside the waistband holster. No matter what you choose for your firearm, it is important to start with a smaller gun so you can learn the fundamentals of shooting before you progress to larger calibers.

Learn your Firearm

The first time you pick up your pistol shouldn’t be at the range. Instead, take time to learn the intricate details of it. First, make sure that the pistol is unloaded, and then you can handle it to learn where the safety, magazine release, sights and other important features are located. While this is covered in classes, many pistols are different, and the features can vary.

Another good thing that you can do is take the pistol apart. That can help you discover how it works, which will make you feel more comfortable handling it. Also, all guns will come with a manual, so it is important to review it thoroughly to learn about your new firearm.

One last thing that you should do is practice dry firing and reloading the gun.  Before you do this, it is important that you make sure the gun is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.  Only after you confirmed that it isn’t loaded, you can practice with it. However, it is best to not dry-fire excessively since it can wear out the firing pin, which can lead to dulling and misfires.

When shooting a pistol you need to consider these shooting tips which include how to best hold the gun, your trigger finger and then actually
pulling the trigger

Join a Club or Gun Range

The only way to get better at shooting is to practice as much as possible. When you join a gun range, you can have unlimited access, and this will help to cut down on expenses while you master a new skill.

Another thing that you can do is join an all-women’s club. Check out the national club, a Girl and a Gun, to find a community near you. This is one of the best ways to not only boost your confidence but to improve your overall skill with a gun. Plus, you’ll meet new friends who share your passion for firearms.

Have Fun

Learning how to shoot should be a fun and rewarding experience. If it’s intimidating or scary, then you might be taking the wrong approach. Once you master all of the necessary safety precautions, hit the range to practice.

You will only get more confident over time. Nobody was born an expert shot, but if you take the time to improve your skills and confidence, you’ll fall in love with this exciting sport.