Hey Big Daddy,

There are 3 secrets to firing a semi-automatic pistol (applies to revolvers also):

1) Use a 2 handed grip with both thumbs either crossed or placed side by side. The best way to do this is by holding the pistol in 1 hand(R) and setting it down into the palm of the other hand(L). Bring the fingers of the Left hand up and have the 2 thumbs cross or lay side by side just below the slide.

2) Lower the weapon towards the target and LOCK your elbows. When you fire the weapon, the recoil should force it straight up, in an arc that ends at or over your head,,depending on the power of the round vs. the size of your wrists and arms.

3) Use only the very tip of your index finger on the trigger. The more of your finger that protrudes past the trigger, the more pull to the side that you will exert as you squeeze the trigger inward.

Other notes:
1) Always fire in "double tap" mode - Fire once and then immediately aim again at the center mass of the target and squeeze off a 2nd round, as quickly as you can,,,,accurately.

2) If you fire, using these 3 rules AND avoid jerking the trigger, you can easily achieve a "Sharpshooter" qualification.

3) If you are "jerking" the trigger, find someone who knows how to run you through a "ball and blank drill",,,This will break you from "jerking" and will make the firing of the weapon more of a "surprise" when it goes off.

4) The Golden Rules: Never pull a weapon unless you ARE going to use it; Always "double tap" when you fire; Don't worry about a "fast draw", worry about deploying the weapon smoothly with a proper grip upon the weapon and making the first shot count, because you may never get another shot off otherwise.

5) Don't take my opinion on these points alone, ask a Gunner's Mate or a Range Officer, or a Police Officer about this and see what they tell you. Ask Old Bald Guy and see what he thinks.