freehand handgun shooting

[oflyons5720]

I am planning on getting back into shooting on a regular basis after about a 20 year lapse. The range I am going to in Easton PA is having a month long competition for .22 NRA 50 foot target. It's supposed to be a "freehand" shoot, which to me simply means no artificial or bench rest, but I was told it means only one handed. No Weaver or triangle stance. ?? Is this the NRA rules for that particular target? There is big difference in grouping for me.

[Hawk]

Sounds like a NRA Bulls-Eye shoot. If so, it's shot one handed.

Link: http://www.bullseyepistol.com/bullseye.htm


Most guys/gals use a "bladed" stance to shoot Bulls-eye.



It's a real challenge to shoot bulls-eye (one hand) compared to combat shooting using 2 hands. My groups were all over the place in the beginning.

[Grey Bearded One]

NRA Conventional Pistol is where you stand up on your hind legs like a man and hold your pistol with just one hand. Each course of fire has very generous time limits .

Go, ask questions, learn, have fun, don't worry about the score.

[wrangler1120]

I've found shooting my .38 that one handed fire was better. When I am trying to shoot bullseyes this is how I've been shooting.

[oflyons5720]

Thanks for the replies. For me two handed good groups, one hand not so good. I guess practice will be the word for me.

[Brick]

oflyons5720

Your best bet for easy reference is www.bullseyepistol.com they have all the information you'll ever need. In fact it might even be too much information all at once. But even at that I suggest you read the Army Marksmanship Unit Pistol Marksmanship Training Guide available on that site.

Since you're just getting started learn and understand the basics of obtaining your natural grip (which gives you your natural sight alignment) and your natural stance. Then work on the rest.

[PhilB]

I shoot 50 ft. indoor bullseye during the winter. It can be a humbling experience if you shoot with guys that are good. Just the same, you will learn a lot about yourself and your gun, and it will definitely make you a better marksman.

The link cited above is an excellent description of what to expect. Don't bother trying to get good scores with a mediocre gun. Don't get discouraged if at first you don't succeed, either.

--Phil

[saleen322]

Another plus is when you shoot conventional for a while is that later when you shoot with two-hands, you will think the gun is in a vice you will be that steady. Good luck.

[Grey Bearded One]

BTW, the correct term is "offhand" shooting, meaning unsupported.

[CraigInPa]

22 one handed? Hah! That's nothing.

Join us at the cowboy competition with a single action 45LC in each hand, firing left gun, right gun, cock left with thumb, left gun, cock right with thumb, right gun, etc... on a number of steel targets in a particular pattern. Oh, and complete your string of 10 shots from the pistols with 10 lever rifle and 4 shot gun shots in 20-30 seconds start to finish.