Mastering the Handgun: Fundamentals That Never Go Out of Style

From the Bench: A gunsmith's perspective on handgun marksmanship

By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company

Originally published June 17, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025

After years of working on handguns and watching countless shooters at the range, I've learned that handgun marksmanship is both an art and a science. While I'm always learning new aspects of this craft, some fundamentals remain constant. Let me share what I've observed and learned about mastering the most challenging firearm to shoot accurately.

The Handgun Challenge: Why It's the Hardest to Master

Handguns present unique challenges that make them the most difficult firearms to master.

Geometric disadvantages:

• Short sight radius: The distance between front and rear sights is minimal compared to rifles

• Acute angles: Small movements at the grip translate to large movements at the target

• Magnified errors: Every tiny tremor, grip inconsistency, or sight misalignment is amplified dramatically

Physical demands:

• Unsupported shooting: Unlike rifles, handguns typically lack external support

• Grip strength requirements: Consistent grip pressure affects accuracy significantly

• Stance and balance: Your entire body becomes the shooting platform

This isn't meant to discourage anyone – it's simply acknowledging reality so we can approach handgun shooting with the respect and patience it deserves.

Realistic Range Expectations

The 50-Yard Reality

Most shooters should consider handguns effective to 50 yards maximum. This isn't a limitation of the firearm – it's a practical acknowledgment of human capabilities and safety considerations.

Why 50 yards makes sense:

• Safety margins: Allows for shooter error without dangerous misses

• Practical applications: Most defensive and hunting scenarios occur within this range

• Skill development: Mastering accuracy at 50 yards builds excellent fundamentals

Extended Range: The Exception, Not the Rule

With extensive training and practice, some shooters can effectively engage targets at 100-200 yards with handguns. However:

• This requires hundreds of hours of dedicated practice

• Specialized equipment (longer barrels, precision sights) often helps

• Perfect conditions (no wind, stable shooting position) are usually necessary

• It's a specialized skill, not a practical expectation for most shooters

At Blue Coat Arms Company, we occasionally work on long-range handgun setups, but we always emphasize that mastering fundamentals at closer ranges comes first.

The Mental Game: 95% of Success

The Psychological Reality

Handgun shooting is overwhelmingly mental. Your mindset determines your success more than any equipment upgrade or technique adjustment.

Common mental traps:

• Over-analysis paralysis: Thinking too much about mechanics during shooting

• Perfectionism pressure: Expecting immediate expert-level performance

• Equipment blame: Assuming gear is the problem when fundamentals need work

• Comparison anxiety: Measuring yourself against experienced shooters

Building Mental Resilience

Accept the learning curve: Every expert was once a beginner. Progress takes time.

Focus on process, not results: Concentrate on executing proper technique rather than group size.

Embrace mistakes as data: Each shot teaches you something about your technique.

Equipment Fundamentals: You Can't Hit What You Can't See

Sight Systems Matter

Your handgun's sights are the interface between your eye and the target. Poor sights make accurate shooting nearly impossible.

Quality sight characteristics:

• Clear, crisp sight picture: Well-defined front and rear sight alignment

• Appropriate sight height: Proper regulation for your ammunition

• Durable construction: Sights that maintain zero through use

• Good contrast: Easy to see in various lighting conditions

When to upgrade: If you're fighting your sights to get a clear picture, it's time for an upgrade. At Blue Coat Arms Company, we regularly install improved sight systems that dramatically improve shooters' accuracy.

Finding Quality Instruction

Choosing the Right Instructor

Not all instructors are created equal. Look for someone who:

Focuses on your development: Rather than showcasing their own skills

Teaches fundamentals systematically: Building skills in logical progression

Adapts to your learning style: Recognizing that everyone learns differently Emphasizes safety consistently: Making safe gun handling automatic

Red flags to avoid:

• Instructors who spend more time talking about their achievements than teaching

• Anyone who dismisses questions or makes you feel foolish for asking

• Instructors who rush through fundamentals to get to "advanced" techniques

Time Tested Fundamentals

This method, which I've seen work consistently over the years, breaks handgun shooting into manageable components:

Step 1: Acquire the Target

Get your sights on target as quickly as possible

• Don't overthink the initial sight alignment

• Speed comes with practice – focus on getting there efficiently

• Trust your natural pointing ability

Step 2: Maintain Sight Alignment

Keep those sights on target

• This is where most shooters struggle

• Small, constant corrections are better than large adjustments

• Accept that perfect stillness is impossible – manage the movement

Step 3: Execute the Shot

Pull the trigger when everything aligns

• Don't wait for the "perfect" moment – it doesn't exist

• Execute when your sight picture is "good enough"

• Consistency matters more than perfection

Step 4: Follow Through

Watch for bullet impact – don't move until you see it

This is crucial for several reasons:

• Establishes proper follow-through: Prevents premature movement

• Reduces flinching: You're too focused on impact to anticipate recoil

• Provides immediate feedback: You see exactly where your shot went

• Builds confidence: Connecting sight picture to impact point

The fundamental truth: The bullet will always go where the sights are pointed when the trigger breaks. If you miss, either the sights weren't aligned properly, or they moved during trigger pull.

Trigger Control: The Make-or-Break Fundamental

Proper Finger Placement

Use only the pad of your index finger:

• Not the joint: This creates inconsistent pressure angles

• Not the tip: Insufficient contact area for smooth control

• The same spot every time: Consistency is everything

Finger isolation:

• No contact with trigger guard: This influences shot placement

• No contact with frame: Prevents consistent trigger pull

• Only the trigger finger moves: All other fingers maintain grip pressure

The Straight-Back Pull

Smooth, straight rearward pressure:

• No side pressure: Pushes shots left or right

• Consistent speed: Not too fast, not too slow

• Complete follow-through: Don't release immediately after the shot

Practice technique: Dry fire practice (with proper safety precautions) builds muscle memory for proper trigger control.

The Golden Rule: Sight Picture Discipline

When to Pull the Trigger

Only pull the trigger when your sight picture is correct. This simple rule transforms shooting performance:

Benefits of sight picture discipline:

• Slows you down appropriately: Prevents rushed, inaccurate shots

• Builds patience: Essential for precision shooting

• Conserves ammunition: No more "throwing shots away"

• Develops consistency: Every shot becomes intentional

Practical application: If your sights drift off target during trigger pull, stop, reset, and start over. This builds the discipline necessary for accurate shooting.

Modern Updates and Considerations

Equipment Evolution

Since 2019, several developments have enhanced handgun shooting:

Improved sight technology: Red dot sights have become more reliable and affordable

Better training aids: Laser training systems and shot-calling apps provide immediate feedback

Enhanced ammunition: More consistent factory ammunition improves accuracy potential

Training Resources

Online resources: Quality video instruction is more accessible than ever

Dry fire systems: Modern training aids make home practice safer and more effective

Competition opportunities: Local matches provide structured practice environments

Common Mistakes I See at the Shop

Working on handguns daily, I notice patterns in what causes accuracy problems:

Equipment Issues

1. Loose sights: Accuracy is impossible with wobbly sights

2. Poor triggers: Heavy, gritty triggers make precision difficult

3. Grip problems: Worn or improperly sized grips affect control

Shooter Issues

1. Inconsistent grip: Changes from shot to shot

2. Trigger finger placement: Using different parts of the finger

3. Rushing shots: Not waiting for proper sight picture

Building Your Skills: A Practical Approach

Start Close, Build Fundamentals

Begin at 7 yards: Master the basics before extending range

Focus on groups, not scores: Consistency matters more than perfect shots

Dry fire regularly: Most improvement happens without live ammunition

Progressive Training

Week 1-2: Establish proper grip and stance

Week 3-4: Focus on sight alignment and trigger control

Week 5-6: Work on calling your shots (predicting impact point)

Week 7-8: Begin extending range gradually

Practice with Purpose

Every range session should have specific goals:

• Technique focus: Work on one fundamental at a time

• Measurement: Track progress with targets and notes

• Analysis: Identify patterns in your shooting

The Blue Coat Arms Company Perspective

Equipment Maintenance Matters

Regular maintenance affects accuracy:

• Clean firearms shoot better: Fouling affects precision

• Proper lubrication: Reduces mechanical variations

• Sight maintenance: Keeps your aiming system reliable

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider professional services when:

• Accuracy plateaus: Despite consistent practice

• Equipment issues: Mechanical problems affecting performance

• Sight installation: Proper sight setup requires precision tools

Final Thoughts: The Journey Continues

Handgun marksmanship is a lifelong journey. Even after years of gunsmithing and shooting, I'm still learning new aspects of this challenging discipline. The fundamentals outlined here provide the foundation, but personal practice and experience build the skills.

Remember: Every expert was once a beginner. Focus on consistent practice of proper fundamentals, and improvement will follow naturally.

No matter your era, we got your six – whether you're shooting a modern striker-fired pistol or a classic revolver, these fundamentals apply across all handgun platforms.

Need help with handgun accuracy issues? Blue Coat Arms Company offers sight installation, trigger work, and accuracy troubleshooting services. Contact us at 217-416-5962 or BlueCoatArms@gmail.com to discuss how we can help improve your handgun's performance