Improving Handgun Shooting Accuracy: Overcoming Inherent Flinching Reflexes

Are you consistently finding that your handgun shots are going low and left, despite your best efforts? Many shooters, especially right-handed individuals, encounter this issue due to a fundamental misunderstanding of the shooting process. This article delves deep into the reasons behind your struggles and provides practical, effective solutions to help you shoot more accurately.

Understanding the Problem

Assuming your handgun's sights are reasonably well-adjusted, the reason your shots consistently go low and left is often due to poor shooting technique rather than external issues. This common mistake is often a result of improper aiming, a flinch reflex, and an overemphasis on hitting the target 'now' rather than considering the projectile's trajectory. With over 60 years of teaching experience, I can assure you that many naturally or intuitively correct motions in handgun shooting are actually detrimental to accuracy.

The Flinch Reflex

When you attempt to shoot 'now,' you often trigger your flinch reflex. This reflexive movement leads to significant misdirection, often resulting in shots being low and left for right-handed shooters. Your goal should not be to shoot 'now,' but rather to focus on the sight picture and trigger pressure progression until the sights jump vertically after the shot is fired.

Proper Aiming Method: Focusing on Sight Picture

Initially, point your gun at the target and focus on the sight picture, not the target itself. The key is to minimize the ebb and flow of the sight picture while gradually applying pressure to the trigger. The sight picture will always move, and this movement is less detrimental to accuracy than most shooters believe. The projectile will follow the line of sight at the exact moment it exits the barrel, so keeping the sight picture as steady as possible is vital.

Practical Steps to Overcome Inherent Flinching

First, you need to practice controlling the sight picture while gradually applying trigger pressure. This is akin to the challenging task of patting your head and rubbing your belly simultaneously. Gradually increase the trigger pressure until the sights jump vertically due to the recoil of the shot. This technique, often described as 'aiming small, missing small,' involves 'surprising' your brain as the gun fires.

Case Study: Expert Shooting Techniques

Consider the example of Winchester exhibition shooter Rainero Testa, who set a world record by firing 17 shots in 2.08 seconds. His success demonstrates that it's possible to apply immediate, significant trigger pressure without a flinch. To learn from his technique, you must focus on maintaining the sight picture as steady as possible and only applying trigger pressure when the sights jump vertically.

Critiquing Sub-Master Shooting

Adequate but sub-Master shooting, such as the example provided, shows the importance of patience and consistency. The shooter used a Ruger MK III 22/45 model with a reflex sight, and while the focus was on the 'X' ring, the actual hit points varied. Distracting oneself from the visualization of the shot and focusing on the sight picture can significantly improve accuracy. Tight grouping of shots in the '9' ring suggests mismanaged trigger control, indicating the need to avoid premature shots.

Flinch Control Techniques

Beyond just focusing on the sight picture, there are additional techniques to control flinching. For example, using a supported standing stance with trigger control exercises can minimize flinching at short distances. Random loading with live and dummy cartridges can also help identify flinching. A projection laser, placed below the target, should reveal vertical jumps in the laser dot upon trigger pull, indicating successful flinch control.

In conclusion, improving your handgun shooting accuracy is a matter of understanding common pitfalls and adopting the proper techniques. Focusing on the sight picture, controlling trigger pressure, and minimizing the flinch reflex are critical steps in achieving better results. If you're skeptical, don't hesitate to try these methods; your shooting will undoubtedly improve as a result.