Shot accuracy is learned. It starts with a few fundamental practices that help the shooter improve. While many might claim that one’s shots are off due to the gun or ammo, the shooter is more than likely at fault.

Being able to look at how your bullets hit paper is very impactful. When doing shot groupings, it’s best to start small and work up. The first three shots matter more than any of the remaining ones for concealed carriers. If the target is missed within the first three shots, something is wrong and needs to be addressed immediately.

Steps to Diagnose

Group 1 3 Shots, Sight Alignment, Sight Picture, Trigger Control

Group 2 6 Shots, Breathing, Trigger Control

Group 3 9-12 Shots, Breathing, Trigger Control, Sight Picture Vs. Sight Alignment

Sight Alignment vs. Sight Picture

What goes wrong at 25 ft will go wrong and longer distances. If the shots are relatively tight but off from the center, check your sight alignment.

If the shots make a perfect triangle but are wider than two inches apart, this may be attributable to sight picture, breathing, or even posture.

Trigger Control

Typically, when a trigger is pulled, it will be in a straight backward motion. Any movement to the left or right will influence the trajectory of the bullet. A shot grouping of three may reflect poor trigger control if the shots are sporadic and all over the place. Bring the target back to 15 ft to diagnose the problem better. As suggested, it’s better to see it on paper. If that doesn’t correct the issue, support your elbows on a table and try another shot group of three rounds.

Determine a Breathing Cycle Pattern

After a shot group is determined in a three-round grouping, advance to Shot Group 2 – 6 rounds of continuous fire. This change will help you see the effects of your breathing. You can hold your breath (or empty your lungs) for three rounds but not for 6 rounds. You will eventually see the effects of your breathing.

Preferred Breathing Technique: Exhale. At natural rest, take three shots. Inhale. Exhale. At natural rest, take three more shots.

Alternate Breathing Technique: Inhale, take three shots. Exhale, take three shots. There will be a natural correction to the shot grouping that occurs when you do this.

Posture

The Weaver stance takes your dominant leg and sliding it back a foot’s length from the non-dominant. It was thought that this position handles recoil better and is easier to align. However, most competitive shooters use a front-side align stance. This stance positions the feet shoulder-width apart and aligned center to the body. The body faces the target, the pistol is drawn and brought up to alignment with the eye.

There is no shame in adapting your strategies to improve your shot groupings. Assess each suggestion and see the differences it might have upon your performance.