Revolvers have a revolving cylinder for holding the ammunition. The ammunition is loaded into the cylinder, then the cylinder swings into the revolver and it is ready to fire. After a bullet is fired, the cylinder rotates and lines up the next cartridge in line with the firing pin. Most revolvers can be fired in a double action mode which is pulling the trigger which rotates the hammer until it falls and fires the cartridge. Additionally, the hammer can be pulled back into position before the trigger is pulled, this results in a much lighter trigger pull and improves accuracy. In order to retrieve the spent cartridges, the cylinder is rotated outwards allowing the empty ammunitions to be removed. [2] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms U. S. federal law enforcement agency dealing with crimes related to firearms and alcohol and tobacco products Go to source A semi-automatic pistol advances each cartridge into the chamber from the magazine. It then ejects the empty cartridge after it has been fired. The slide on the top of the gun is used to advance the first shell into the chamber, and can be locked in the back position with a button or pin on the side. The removable magazine is removed and loaded separately.

You probably don’t need a . 357 Magnum to try out target shooting at the gun range. Avoid buying an overly large high-caliber gun if you’re interested in getting started, and instead get a small-caliber reliable gun, like a . 22. Talk to dealers and others experienced with firearms for recommendations.

Wear safety goggles even if you already wear glasses. Safety goggles are designed to protect you in a way your glasses won’t.

Be careful of all safety consideration while at the range. It is not only important to practice good gun safety, you must be aware of what those around you are doing. Many beginners struggle pulling the slide back with a semi-automatic with just their thumb and forefinger, especially if the handgun has a strong spring or your hands are sweaty. If you need to use the palm of your hand (or your whole hand) to pull back the slide, turn your body sideways to the weapon and keep it pointed downrange.

With a revolver, release the cylinder and rotate it to the side. All the chambers should be empty. In a semi-automatic pistol, remove the magazine from the gun and pull the slide back to look into the chamber to make sure there isn’t a cartridge in the firing chamber. If there is, racking the slide should eject it. Keep the slide in the back position while you practice holding the gun to be sure it’s unloaded and to get used to keeping your thumb out of the way of the slide’s action.

NEVER point any gun at anyone even if it is unloaded, and even as a joke. Pointing a gun at someone is a crime in some states and the stupidest thing you can ever do. There will be times you believe it to be unloaded when it is. Practice holding the gun at the range with the gun unloaded.

You are really gripping the gun only with the middle and ring fingers, the “pinky” is resting on the gun but is not used to grip; neither is the thumb used to grip the gun. The grip should be firm but not tight. If you’re gripping it so tightly that the gun shakes, you will not be able to accurate control it.

Some shooting matches are done one-handed (off hand). In those events, the stance is more “open” with the gun arm and the body in almost a straight line to as much as about 90-degrees, the dominant foot toward the target. A firm grip on the gun is more important since you are not using the other hand for support. Never aim the gun sideways or with a bent wrist like in the movies. This is extremely dangerous and unsteady!

It is most common to aim by using your dominant eye and closing the other. For other events where depth perception is important, practice aiming with both eyes open. You will need to learn to ignore the picture from your non dominant eye while still seeing the depth.

If the pistol is a semi-automatic, you’ll need to load a round into the chamber by pulling back the slide and releasing it.

Follow-through action improves accuracy and reduces shot variation, just as follow-through does for a golfer or a tennis player.

Go to a gun range as frequently as you’re able to so you can keep practicing and improving your shooting skills.