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

Guns Of Shanghai F
Guns Of Shanghai F

The Guns of Shanghai 1937: A Prelude to WWII's Brutal Urban Combat

Often overlooked by Western military historians, the Battle of Shanghai in 1937 was an early sign of the brutal urban combat that would characterize much of World War II. An incredible array of arms was used in the fighting.

New For 2026: Vortex Strike Eagle 1-10X 24 mm FFP LPVO Riflescope

Previously offered in 1-6X and 1-8X variants, new for 2026, Vortex is introducing the Strike Eagle 1-10X 24 mm FFP riflescope.

Gun of the Week: Ruger RXM

On the surface, the RXM appears to be similar to the Glock G19-inspired selection of striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols on the market, but a closer look reveals that there's much more to this modular design.

Rifleman Q&A: How Frequently Should You Clean?

AN NRA member and his brother have identical rifles. One brother cleans every time he shoots. The other cleans every 100 rounds. Which barrel will last longer?

The Armed Citizen® March 20, 2026

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

NRA Launches New Official App

The National Rifle Association proudly unveiled its new official NRA App today, marking a significant milestone in enhancing member engagement and delivering convenient access to essential NRA resources on the go.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.