When you’re talking about the link between accuracy, you’re talking about more than just that first round. Accuracy takes a reliable weapon, the right knowledge and the muscle memory to put both together for the practical application of shooting a target. When you want to improve accuracy, start by understanding where your shooting skills need further development.
If you’re planning on going for a smaller gun because you think it means it’s easier to handle, you might be in for a rude awakening. If recoil is a concern, look for a pistol with a full-size frame or revolver.
Adding better sights is a great way to improve accuracy. Red dot and reflex sights give you faster target acquisition and a bright aiming point for precision shooting. A different stock on a long gun or a brace for your pistol might make a big difference in helping to improve your stability while shooting. These can give you more leverage for better weapon control and help redistribute the recoil properly to improve accuracy for subsequent rounds.
Foundational skills are so important that while frequently taught to beginners, the best marksmen and shooters in the world will still take the time to fine-tune them to keep them at the peak of their abilities.
A low, wide stance improves your ability to absorb the shock of recoil while in tactical or dynamic target shooting situations. Keep your feet at least shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Dry firing a weapon is safe for most modern center-fire handguns and long guns, and it’s a cheap way to get in some trigger reps. Make sure your gun is unloaded and that the area is safe, without someone wandering through.
The number one human error in any miss is flinching. Pulling the trigger may seem like a simple process, but it’s a vital yet complex part of each shot. Slapping the trigger can push a bullet off its mark. Gently squeeze it with the pad of your fingertip and then hold it back once the firing pin falls. Keep your head down and your eyes looking through the scope.
Practice shooting from the fork or a tree or across your knees and practice it often. Practice turns average shooters into good ones and good shooters into experts. The real secret to putting a bullet in the bull’s eye every time is simply knowing when to not pull the trigger.
As you improve accuracy, you’re better focused on your sight picture, the larger environment you’re operating in and you have more familiarity with using your gun.