When learning to shoot, first learn to shoot.

Seems like a simple enough concept but one that is often overlooked. Firearms trainers and their training programs are not all created equally. Many will thrust a .45 or a 9mm into the hands of a eager new shooter and let them blast away in the range with encouraging words like “you missed: too high: way off - aim lower!” and this is when the target is only 7 to 25 feet away. Why does this happen? One, the trainer was taught the same way and figures if he or she stuck it out and “got it” you can too. Second, the trainee (you) missed a vital step in the teaching process: learning to shoot.

Before starting you should have a good knowledge of the following.

1. Understand the dynamics of a firearm and the firing of a bullet.
2. Understand the different types of pistols available – semi-automatic and revolver.
3. Be fully versed in consistent safe handling of a firearm and ammunition.

Shooting a pistol is a skill. And shooting a pistol accurately takes steps. Start with a .22 caliber pistol – for example, a Ruger or whatever type the range or gun store rents in that caliber.

Learn how it works –it’s not rocket science but it is the application of science. With a patient skilled teacher, set up a target at 7 feet and learn how to hold you pistol with the correct two handed grip with thumbs overlapping.

Now you need to know how to aim. At the back of the firearm is a V, usually with a dot on either side. These are called the “rear sites” and at the front you have a single sight or dot. Line up the front dot by slowly raising the barrel so that it lays between the two dot in the V and the front dot is pointing at the area of the target you want to hit. Squeeze the trigger – there’s no hurry. Don’t anticipate recoil or your grip with tense up and you’ll miss the target. Just let the gun fire.

The noise and recoil from a .22 cal round is minimal. And, chances are, you’ve hit the target close or exactly where you aimed at. Do it again. And again. Shoot 50 rounds until your consistently hitting the target where your want to. As your aim improves move the target out to 25 feet and start again. Remembering the three keys to good shooting – practice, practice, practice! Keep this up until you can shoot accurately every time. I’d recommend shooting 200 - 300 rounds a week for 10 weeks so that you develop good shooting habits. If you’re having problems with aim, ask one of the pros at the range to help you – it may be your grip or the gun’s sites are out of alignment. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Now you’re ready to find the firearm that you like. Using the same steps above rent the next size of firearm. A .32, a 9mm, .357, 38, .40, .45. Try them all and you’ll see what suits you. Remember also that guns come in different sizes, sub-compact, compact, medium and large, and finding the size that suits your hand size is crucial to finding your comfort level. The smaller the frame the more your are going to feel the recoil. If you plan of carrying a pistol for self defense, a small weapon is preferable as it fits snuggly inside your waist, pocket or bag. And I recommend a small weapon with a small caliber round like a .22 or .32. Stopping an assailant is a matter of hitting him or her accurately and you can only do that with a weapon and round that you are used to and comfortable with. I was taught the triple tap system – two shots to the heart and one to the head. I try to get all three in the head. That way there’s no doubt that your attacker is going down.

One final word. The Israeli Mossad arms its agents with .22 caliber pistols. What they lack in ammunition size they make up for in more accurate shooting – because of low recoil -  and by firing more shots. A shot in the head with a .22 will make the target just as dead as a shot in the head with a .45.

I don’t like .22 caliber rounds for a semi-automatic defense weapon for one reason. .22 is rim-fire ammunition and it can – as you find out when practicing – misfire, leaving your weapon momentarily useless. If firing a semi-automatic you now have to clear the round out of the breech and load a new one. In the heat of the moment this could cost you your life.

If however you are using a .22 cal revolver you don’t this problem. In the event of a misfire, you just squeeze the trigger another time to turn the cylinder and to fire a fresh round.

Center-fire ammunition for pistols start at .25 cal. And for me, center-fire is where the semi-autos prove their reliability.

The firearms that works for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. Find the one that you’re comfortable with.