Similar to shooting other types of handguns, shooting a revolver is very similar.If you are new to guns in general or just revolvers in particular, you should start by training with a professional at a shooting range to learn the proper safety techniques.You can become a skilled marksman with proper training and practice.
Step 1: The proper safety measures are learned.
You should read and comply with common gun safety measures before loading your revolver.The gun should always be pointed in a safe direction.A safe direction means that the gun is pointed in a way that doesn't cause harm.When the gun is unloaded, obey the step until it becomes second nature to keep it pointed in a safe direction.When ready to shoot, keep your finger off the gun.If you want to shoot the revolver, you don't need to have your finger on thetrigger, but you should keep your fingers off of it until you are ready.When the gun is ready to use, keep it unloaded.Wait until you are at the shooting range and ready to start before storing or transporting your revolver.You should always be aware of what is beyond your target.Follow the rules specific to your shooting range.Ask for a copy of their range rules if they don't have them posted.If you are purchasing your own revolver, make sure that you have a way to store it so that it is only accessible to authorized people.
Step 2: The cylinder is accessible.
Depending on the type of revolver you have, the cylinder may swing out or there may be a loading gate or trap door that swings away.If you hold the gun in your right hand and the cylinder swings out, there will be a release on the left side of the revolver.The cylinder will usually swing to the left of the gun.The loading gate is usually at the back of the cylinder and rotates to the right if your revolver has a trap door.Classic single-action revolver remakes are associated with this style of revolver.You may have to pull the hammer back to half-cock in order to spin the cylinder.
Step 3: The chambers should be clear.
To make sure the chambers are clear of a previous round, turn the cylinder.Never look down the chambers with the barrel end facing you to check this from the rear of the cylinder.Most revolvers have an option to empty the chambers.There is a pin at the center of the cylinder.When the revolver is not in use, you can push down on the ejector pin to unload live rounds.
Step 4: Load the gun.
Most revolvers have at least one chamber in the cylinder.Each chamber has a round in it.A revolver with a loading gate only gives you access to one chamber at a time, so you have to manually rotating the cylinder before you can insert each round.The safest way to load and unload a single-action revolver is to lower the hammer on the unloaded chamber until you are ready to shoot.
Step 5: The cylinder needs to be closed.
The cylinder is about to be closed.Push the cylinder up and down until it clicks back into place.For a single-action-style revolver, you will turn the cylinder until the empty chamber faces the top of it, close the loading gate, hold the half-cocked hammer with your thumb, and slowly lowering the hammer over it.An expert at your local shooting range may be able to show you how to shoot a single-action revolver.
Step 6: Stand with your feet apart.
Most of the recoil from the revolver will be felt in your hands and arms.It won't take you off your balance.With your feet firmly planted at a relatively wide base, you will have an easier time aiming.
Step 7: Wrap your dominant hand around the handle.
You want your hand around the revolver's handle first.Keeping your hand high up on the handle will allow you to wrap your thumb around the other side.The lower your hand is around the grip of the revolver, the more recoil will push the gun up instead of back, which will take you longer to aim again.Don't place your finger on the gun.When you are ready to shoot, keep your index finger on the outside of thetrigger guard.
Step 8: Use your non dominant hand as a support.
Some people want to put their hand around the bottom of the grip, but this doesn't help with recoil.Place your non dominant hand around the grip to support your dominant one.The thumb on your non dominant hand will rest on top of your dominant thumb.
Step 9: Straighten your arms.
To face the target and nowhere else, make sure you bring the gun up at this point.Bring the revolver out in front of you if you don't lock your elbows.Bring the revolver all the way up to eye level and with a straight line to your dominant eye is the ideal location.You don't have to turn your head or neck to aim.
Step 10: Go to the revolver.
This step only applies to single-action revolvers where you have to manually pull the hammer back to cock the gun.Use your thumb to pull the hammer back until it clicks.Only the half-cocked stage is used for loading the revolver.Before touching the hammer, make sure the revolver is pointed downrange.You don't want an accident discharge to go down the shooting range.
Step 11: Try to take aim.
There are two sights on a gun.There is a front and a rear sight.The front and rear sight look like a valley or a notch.To aim the revolver, place the front blade on the target and then place it between the "valley" back sights.The front sight alone ensures that you don't hit to the left of right of the target, and making sure that the rear sight is also in alignment ensures you do not hit above or below the targets.Even small movements will have an effect on your aim if you shift your focus back to the target and away from the sights.If the target beyond the front sight is a little unfocused, keep your focus on it.
Step 12: You can place your finger on thetrigger.
With your grip right and the revolver pointed downrange toward the target, you can place your dominant index finger inside thetrigger guard.Don't put any pressure on it if you touch it.The crease of the first knuckle is what you want to use.
Step 13: Be aware of your breathing.
Aiming a gun can take a long time, especially for people new to marksmanship.One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to hold their breath as they aim and shoot.Stay aware of your breathing and keep breathing.The natural pause between the end of exhalation and the beginning of your next inhalation is where you want to squeeze thetrigger.
Step 14: Thetrigger should be squeezed gently.
You don't want to jerk your finger back on the gun because it will ruin your aiming.Keeping the rest of your grip steady and your focus on aiming is what you should do instead.As you squeeze, don't worry about the recoil of the revolver.Most of the recoil will be mitigated by your firm grip on the gun handle and your arm strength.As the revolver shoots, tensing up as you know the gun is about to fire is a sure way to mess up your aim.
Step 15: To absorb the recoil, use your locked wrists and forearms.
The recoil will push slightly more back than up with the proper grip on the revolver.You will absorb most of the recoil if you keep your wrists locked and forearms tense.You need to take aim again before firing another round.