Follow through

**Nick72** · May 18th, 2013, 01:27 PM

I hope this is the right place to post this if not please tell me and I'll be more than happy to repost it in the correct location. I'm a Newbie to handouts. I was in the Navy but had very few opportunities to actually use a hand. I went to the range today and found that I was Sighting the target, Squeezing the trigger, and the proper stance. The problem I Am have is follow through. Once I Squeeze the trigger it seems like my recoil is distracted me. Can anyone suggest a good technique that I can better concentrate on my follow through with? Thank you in advance for your help, Nicholas.

**BestDefense=StrongOffense** · May 18th, 2013, 01:34 PM

Without seeing firsthand, I'd say range time will be your biggest help.

**Pilot321** · May 18th, 2013, 01:55 PM

Get some snap caps (dummy rounds) and practice dry firing at home and concentrating in keeping the front sight lined up with your target. Point the pistol in a safe direction (I like a spot on the ground) and dry fire using the snap cap.

When you get to the range, have someone mix in snap caps randomly with live rounds, say one or two per mag. You'll be surprised at what you see. Many dip the pistol in anticipation of recoil, which was a habit of mine when I first started shooting.

**marinakorp** · May 18th, 2013, 02:41 PM

Along with the snap caps and having someone else load a mag or two for you with them randomly inserted.

Slow down.

Press the trigger slowly... Let it surprise you when it goes bang.

Get this down pat... Then go slightly faster. When you start "messing up" again back off till you are where you want to be. Stay at that speed for a bit... Then go faster again.

Your speed will pick up.

**39flathead** · May 18th, 2013, 04:30 PM

What caliber are you shooting?
What kind of hearing protection are you using.
What make of handgun and how are you holding it?

I know some will say it does not matter, but for some people, starting off with a .44Mag or .45ACP creates plenty of flinching problems.

If you are shooting a mouse gun in 9mm or .380 and the flip is the problem, find a full sized gun and try it.

Without more info, all you are going to get is general advice that may or may not help.

**Nick72** · May 18th, 2013, 08:16 PM

I am firing a M&P 9mm and a Beretta
M1A 9mm. Not a lot of recoil. When I shoot I normally out of military habit do groupings of 8 per clip. Also I take my time in between shot. I have recognized I do have a dipping problem.

**Nick72** · May 18th, 2013, 10:06 PM

How do snaps work when you
Actually fired your Pistol? As for hearing protection, I am using the rages and soft ear plugs too. I need to go out and buy Eyes and Ears. Any recommendations?

**Pilot321** · May 19th, 2013, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by Nick72

How do snaps work when you
Actually fired your Pistol?

The randomly placed snap cap won't ignite, so you will be able to see your anticipation of the round going off, but it doesn't, so whatever you are doing is easily observed. Clear the snap cap, and continue shooting until you encounter the next one, and try to correct the flinching, dipping or whatever else you are doing.

**ATBackpackin** · May 19th, 2013, 09:27 AM

Welcome to the forum. Dry firing is extremely helpful and cheap. It sounds like you are anticipating the recoil. That will always make you hit off target. Have someone put a snap cap or two into your magazine, that way you do not know which rounds are hot. The below target will help show what you are doing. Remember a steady, fluid squeeze of the trigger.

Also when you squeeze the trigger, hold it back after the gun fires and count to one. Then release the trigger and prepare for your next shot. Sometimes when you release the trigger immediately you also move the gun.

Feel free to print and use as a target.

Shawn

ETA: I do not know what part of Montgomery County you are in, but if you are anywhere around Phoenixville I would be happy to work with you sometime. Feel free to PM me.