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

M2 .50-caliber machine gun
M2 .50-caliber machine gun

The Short Life of America’s Anti-Tank Rifles

At the dawn of mechanized warfare, the U.S. Military contended with the reality that infantrymen would need an effective arm to defeat tanks. Their idea? Bring more gun.

Springfield Armory's XD Mod.4 OSP: Anything But Basic

For nearly 25 years, Springfield Armory has offered its affordable and reliable XD series of handguns, and for 2026, that design has now entered its fourth generation with the Mod.4 OSP.

The Armed Citizen® March 23, 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.

Suppressor Sales Reach Unprecedented Levels

According to 4473 Cloud, a service provider to federal firearms licensees, more than 1.5 million Form 4s for suppressor transfers have been filed so far this year.

First Look: Shooters Global SG Pulse Pro

The Shooters Global SG Pulse Pro is an impressive all-in-one gadget, offering you a timer, DOPE cards, a level and a stability tracker in one aluminum, water-resistant body with multiple mounting options.

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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.