Basic Pistol Marksmanship

So, you have a handgun. You received it as a family heirloom, or bought it for home defense, or have it just because. You have shot it a couple of times, maybe a box or two of ammo, and put it away somewhere safe until it is needed. Now is the time to become proficient in it's use. If you have a firearm in your house, you have the responsibility to become proficient in it's safe and effective use, and there is no time like the present to get started.

The best way to get started in becoming proficient in handling a firearm, is to take a class applicable to your firearm. Many ranges have firearms instructors and scheduled courses. Basic classes are usually a day or two over a weekend, and are affordable (often costing less than your firearm). Finding an instructor is not hard, finding a quality instructor may take a bit of investigation. Ask around at your local firing range, local internet forums, or inquire at a gun shop.

What... you don't have the money, or the time to take a course? Or, maybe you would like to get a couple of the basics down before spending your hard earned dollars on a course.

First, know and practice the Four Rules of Firearms Safety.

When you have the Four Rules down pat, GlobalSecurity.org (basically just a link site) has a copy of FM 3-23.35, Pistol Marksmanship Training online and available for you to use. This is an Army Field Manual and contains a lot of good information on basic pistol craft. There is stuff in it that folks will argue over, but all in all it is a very good starting point. Print it out, take it to the range with you, and you will be on your way to becoming proficient with your handgun.