Special Section: Covering the Basics of Shooting

by
posted on May 18, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2011518121454-basics_f.jpg

Many readers are well-versed in advanced handgun topics such as reloading, ballistics data, point-shooting for self-defense or hitting long-range targets. But even seasoned shooters can use a refresher class on the basics of gun ownership and marksmanship. So whether you’re new to shooting or are the mentor to a future marksman, refer to this special section on the Covering the Basics, which includes:

Handgun Shooting StanceChoosing a Handgun Shooting Stance: Modified Weaver and Isoceles aren't the latest holster companies to hit the market, they're the two most important fundamental shooting stances every handgun shooter should learn. Using an interactive photo gallery, Associate Online Shooting Editor and NRA-Certified Pistol Instructor Paul Rackley takes you through the basics of each and helps you choose the stance that may save your life.

Handgun Buying GuideHandgun Buying Guide: Having put it considerable time in front of and behind the gun counter, contributor B. Gil Hormanis uniquely qualified to give first-time and veteran handgun buyers advice on handgun purchasing. From how and where to find that must-have diamond in the rough to when to walk away, read the handgun buying guide to learn the smart tactics a shopper can use to get the most bang for his or her buck.

How to Clean a HandgunHow to Clean a Handgun: Cleanliness is what keeps a handgun functioning, but shooters who aren't trained to clean their handguns may not know the preventative steps to take or the proper solvents to use. Follow along with contributer B. Gil Horman as he takes a tour of how to clean a handgun.

How to Shoot the SquareHow to Shoot the Square: As riflescopes become more and more precise, Dave Campbell wants to make sure you can put that precision to good use. In learning how to "shoot the square," with just a few rounds of ammo, you can turn your un-zeroed looking glass into a highly accurate machine, eking out every possible bit of accuracy.

Latest

FN “Moroccan” Mauser, semi-automatic LRB M14SA
FN “Moroccan” Mauser, semi-automatic LRB M14SA

Scout The Trail To A General Purpose Rifle

The search for a universal longarm—one suitable for both hunting and defensive scenarios—is a trek that involves a bit of doubling back.

Trijicon Releases Green-Dot RMR

For the first time, the Trijicon RMR will now be available with a green aiming dot, providing some benefits to shooters with astigmatism and red-green color blindness.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 15, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Firearm Industry Companies Consolidate, Others Close Doors In 2025

This year has already seen some big changes in the firearm industry. They don’t quite reach the tectonic shift in 2020, when legendary firms owned by Remington Outdoor were auctioned off, but there have still been some notable shifts within the industry in 2025.

Preview: Uni-Loader

The easy-to-use Uni-Loader can save high-volume shooters a lot of time and finger pain.

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.