Whether you’ve never fired a gun before or you’ve served in the military, you are bound to face using a firearm in the future. Remember that learning how to handle gun recoil can mean the difference between surviving and getting shot.
While preparing to handle it appropriately might look different depending on what kind of scenario you’re in, the best thing to do is to prepare your body to withstand the shock.
Keep on reading this article for all the information you need to know about handling a gun recoil and keep shooting straight.
Two Types of Gun Recoil
In firearms, the term recoil refers to the backward momentum of the gun after the discharge. This momentum is a result of the law of conservation, and the momentum is transferred from the propelling gasses to the gun and the shooter. There are two kinds of recoil:
1. Free Recoil
Free recoil is typically found in smaller guns, such as pistols. The advantage of free recoil is that it allows firing the gun quickly and accurately, without the need to worry about the gun’s position. The disadvantage of free recoil is that it can be difficult to control the gun, and the gun may move erratically after firing.
2. Felt Recoil
It is the recoil that is felt by the shooter and is a result of the gun’s mass and the ammunition’s expansion. It is because of the momentum of the bullet or shot, as well as the propellant gases escaping from the barrel.
Kinds of Recoil Patterns
To properly handle gun recoil, you must first understand the different types of recoil patterns. Once you know the pattern, you can use the proper technique to control the gun and avoid injury. Common patterns of recoil are the following:
a. Linear Recoil
Linear recoil is when the gun moves straight back, in a line with the barrel. This is the most basic pattern of recoil and is the easiest to deal with. Simply put, you just need to push the gun back into place after each shot.
b. Curved Recoil
It is a type of recoil pattern that is created by machining a series of small, shallow curves into the back of the gun’s receiver. These curves help to disperse the recoil energy over a larger area, which helps to reduce felt recoil and makes the gun more comfortable to shoot. It also offers the advantage of a more forgiving point of impact.
c. Radial Recoil
Radial recoil patterns are often seen in pistols and revolvers. In a radial recoil pattern, the bullet is pushed back in a circular pattern around the center of the gun. This can create a “pinwheel” effect, with the muzzle of the gun appearing to spin around.
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Three Main Ways to Hold a Gun
It is important to learn how to hold a gun correctly to avoid injury. There are three main ways to hold a gun to properly manage recoil. Experiment with each grip and find the one that works best for you.
1. Cup and Saucer Grip
To grip the handgun using the cup and saucer grip, place your strong hand over the gun so that your thumb is on the same side as the cylinder or slide. Then, use your weak hand to cup the strong hand from underneath. The thumb of the weak hand should not be wrapped around the fingers of the strong hand, as this can cause the gun to fire unexpectedly.
2. Thumb-Over-Barrel Grip
The thumb-over-barrel grip is the most common grip used when shooting a handgun. This grip provides good stability and control over the gun and is often used by experienced shooters.
The hand is wrapped around the gun so that the thumb rests over the top of the barrel. The thumb should be pointing down the barrel, not wrapped around the grip. The remaining fingers grip the gun securely.
3. Wrist-Lock Grip
The web of your strong hand should be high on the back strap of the gun, and your trigger finger should be along the frame above the trigger, not on the trigger. Your other fingers should be curled around the front strap. You should point the gun in a safe direction and your finger should be off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
The Impact of Gun Recoil on Your Shooting
While the impact of the gun can certainly add to the sensation of recoil, the vast majority of recoil is generated by the force of the bullet leaving the barrel. This is why a gun with a heavy bullet will have less recoil than a lighter gun firing the same caliber bullet.
It can cause the gun to move around in your hand, making it harder to aim. It can also cause you to flinch when you pull the trigger, which can ruin your shot. If you are shooting a lot, the recoil can also wear you out and make you less accurate.
How to Handle Gun Recoil for Straighter Shooting?
Many shooters never think about recoil until they start having trouble with their accuracy. The first step to better recoil management is understanding what causes gun recoil and how it affects your shooting. The amount of gun recoil is determined by the type of gun, the size of the bullet, and the amount of gunpowder in the cartridge.
To shoot more straight, you need to learn how to better manage gun recoil. The first step is to practice with a gun that has little or no recoil. This will help you get a feel for how the gun moves when fired.
Once you are comfortable with the gun, you can begin to add recoil-reducing accessories, such as upgrading your muzzle brake or adding weight to the gun. You can also try different techniques for gripping the gun and holding it against your shoulder.
How to Improve Your Shooting With Proper Recoil Management?
One of the most important aspects of marksmanship is learning how to properly manage gun recoil. When someone first begins shooting, they are often surprised at how much force is on their arms and shoulders with each shot. If not managed correctly, this recoil can cause the shooter to flinch or jerk the gun, leading to missed shots.
There are a few things you can do to help manage recoil. First, make sure you have a firm grip on the gun. A good grip will help absorb some of the force and prevent the gun from moving around in your hand.
Then, practice your stance and learn how to distribute the force evenly through your body. This will help you stay balanced and keep the gun from knocking you off-kilter.
Lastly, it is important to be aware of your breath control. Exhaling as you pull the trigger can help you stay relaxed and absorb the recoil. With a little practice, you will be surprised at how easy it is to manage recoil and improve your shooting.
Effects of Improper Handling of Gun Recoil
If not handled correctly, gun recoil can cause bruised shoulders and in other parts of your upper body, skin abrasions, and even broken bones. It is therefore important to be aware of the possible effects of improper handling of gun recoil before firing a gun. When firing a gun, it is important to hold the gun correctly to avoid injury.
To avoid these injuries, it is important to hold the gun correctly and to use proper safety equipment. Wearing gloves and eye protection when firing a gun will help to protect you from the possible effects of recoil.
The Benefits of Learning to Manage a Recoil
For novices, learning to manage recoil can help foster a greater sense of confidence when handling firearms. For the experienced marksman, managing recoil can help to improve shot placement and accuracy. Regardless of experience level, managing recoil is an essential skill for any marksman looking to improve their shooting abilities.
When you can control the recoil of your gun, you can put more focus on your shot and make sure that it is hitting the target that you are aiming for. Managing recoil can also help you become a more efficient shooter overall, as you will be able to better control your shots and make faster follow-up shots.
Give Your Target a Perfect Hit!
With perseverance and understanding, you can learn how to handle gun recoil. Constant and proper practice is the key to success in controlling gun recoil. There is no substitute for time on the range with your firearm.
This article offers helpful tips and drills to get the most out of your time range. Follow the advice given above and you will be on your way to becoming a more confident and accurate shooter.
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