Learning to shoot is an exceptionally rewarding hobby, whether you plan to go on country
weekends with a rifle or shotgun or aim to compete in target shooting contests, there is a lot of scope to test yourself and improve your skills.
When you start to learn to shoot seriously, soon after you acquire your firearms certificate, the first step to getting better is to practice a lot. Learn how the weapon feels, how to zero the sight and how to hold it to minimise recoil as much as possible.
If you are struggling with misaligned shots, it may be worth investing in a pair of target shooting glasses designed around your eyes’ needs in order to avoid unintentional distortion or warping that can get you off track.
It is also essential to focus on your stance and your grip. Place your dominant hand in control of the trigger whilst your other hand provides support. Lean forward slightly in your stance to manage the recoil of the gun better.
As well as this, try not to squeeze the trigger too aggressively. Apply even pressure and be consistent with how you shoot to avoid twisting the gun in one direction or another.
If you are missing your target in consistent ways, examine what you might be doing with your shots. If you are shooting too low, you might be too cautious in guarding against recoil, whilst shots to the side could be an issue with grip or shooting glasses.
Finally, develop breath control techniques. Breathing can affect your accuracy, especially if your heart rate increases, so practice keeping your breath steady and holding your breath right as you squeeze the trigger to minimise the movements you make.
Focus on your follow-through, as you can still affect the accuracy of your shot even after you have pulled the trigger. Avoid flinching at the recoil or immediately jerking the gun.
