Smith & Wesson has received the Guns & Ammo 2024 Handgun of the Year Award for the Bodyguard 2.0 pistol. This .380 ACP ultra-compact, single-stack pistol has a $449.00 MSRP and can be purchased for $399.00 with both 10-rd and 12-rd magazines.
The Bodyguard 2.0 has received positive reviews because it has excellent ergonomics, is very easy to carry, and has a good trigger. Guns & Ammo notes: “After a thorough evaluation of accuracy, dependability, and durability, the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 was a [single] vote short of a unanimous decision. Available with and without a thumb safety, its dimensions, ergonomics, low felt recoil, texture, and functional slide design make the Bodyguard 2.0 the most shootable new pistol for the broadest range of shooters.”
Looking at the reviews, most testers praised the new Bodyguard 2.0 for its modest recoil, good trigger, and good ergonomics. Described as a “micro-compact”, the Bodyguard 2.0 is indeed very small. As you can see in the image below, the Bodyguard 2.0 is about the size of a man’s hand with fingers extended. This photo is from a very comprehensive Ammoland.com test review by Mike Hardesty. If you are thinking of getting this pistol, definitely read that 9/10/24 Hardesty Review.
S&W explains: “The Bodyguard 2.0 leverages superior ergonomics, and an enhanced trigger to elevate performance. We’ve been able to accomplish this while still keeping the handgun small enough for deep concealment. We have meticulously engineered every component to enhance ergonomics while preserving performance in a lightweight profile, making it ideal for everyday carry.” — Kyle Tengwall, VP of Marketing.
Hickok45 Test of New S&W Bodyguard 2.0 .380 ACP
S&W Product Description:
SUPERIOR ERGONOMICS
The Bodyguard 2.0 perfectly bridges the ability to comfortably carry but maintain a high level of performance when it comes to shooting. Our ergonomic grip feels great in the hand, the stippling allows the shooter to maintain control and mitigate recoil, and the grip angle lends for a natural point of aim when coming up on target.
AGGRESSIVE SLIDE DESIGN
More serrations give the user multiple points of traction letting them grab and rack effectively in high-stress scenarios.
IMPROVED TRIGGER
Migrating to a striker-fired system and having the flat-face design makes the trigger on the Bodyguard 2.0 light and crisp. Consistent feedback allows for repeatable shots and the flat design aids in finger placement leading to more accurate shooting.
Ace shooter Julie Golob reviews the Bodyguard 2.0 pistol on her JulieGolob.com website. She tests the gun and provides size comparisons with other “micro-compact” pistols. Julie notes that: “The Bodyguard 2.0 has an overall height of 4 inches, a width just under 1 inch, and weighs in at 9.8 oz. unloaded.”
We’ve found a dozen great discount/rebate programs. These specials can save you big bucks on rifles, pistols, shotguns, ammo, or bullets. Some of these rebates are worth $100 or more. For example you can Save $200 on a Beretta A400 Shotgun, save $150 on a Franchi Rifle, or Save $125 on an FN509 Pistol. Note: most of these promos are good through the end of December 2024, but some expire at the end of October 2024 — so check the dates.
Here’s a good deal if you need .22 LR rimfire ammunition. Right now through Thursday 10/24/24 at noon CST, you can get $5.00 flat-rate ground shipping on rimfire ammunition. This shipping special from Creedmoor Sports could easily save you $25 or more on a large ammo order. Creedmoor Sports has a large selection of .22 LR ammo, with many varieties from ELEY, Lapua, SK, RWS and more. We like the affordable SK ammo for NRL22 competition, SK for 3P practice work, and the premier ELEY and Lapua varieties for rimfire benchrest.
Remember this offer ends in two days a 12:00 pm noon CST on October 24th. Save while you can.
Here are some of the dozens of high-quality rimfire ammo types available right now at Creedmoor Sports:
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Palmetto SA — Radical Firearms RF-15 AR, $399.99
⏺ Get complete AR-platform rifle for the price of an upper — $399.99
Yes you can get a modern 5.56 AR-platform rifle for under $400.00. Right now Palmetto State Armory is offering the Radical Firearms RF-15 Rifle for just $399.99. This comes complete with 15″ M-Lok handguard. Along with the all-black version, this RF-15 is also available with FDE (tan) stock, or OD Green stock for the same $399.99 price. NOTE: We do recommend getting a PSA drop-in trigger for this rifle which is chambered for 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem.
⏺ Great price on press and complete reloading system
Natchez is offering Hornady’s L-N-L Classic Single Stage Press Reloading Kit for $339.99, a $154.00 discount. This kit includes a nice press, manual powder dispenser, electronic scale, priming tool, powder trickler, chamfer/debur tool, case lube, shell block and more. As a special bonus, Natchez is including the powered Hornady Case Prep Duo Chamfer tool, a $49 value by itself.
3. EuroOptic — Vortex Optics 12% Site Wide Sale
⏺ Save 12% on Vortex scopes, spotting scopes, LRFs and more
If you’re in the market for a new scope, spotter, and/or other optics, check out the Vortex sale at EuroOptic.com. For a limited time, save 12% on most Vortex products when you use promo code VTX12. There is a wide selection of scopes available for both hunting and competition use, with FFP and SFP models. Vortex also makes very popular (and durable) spotting scopes, binoculars, and rangefinders.
4. Midsouth — Hornady V-Max Bullets on Sale, $105.99/500
⏺ Excellent bullets for varmint rifles and ARs, just $21.20 per 100
Here’s a great bullet deal for AR shooters and varmint hunters with .22-caliber cartridges. At Midsouth now you can get 500-ct packs of 50gr or 55gr Hornady V-Max tipped bullets for just $105.99. And get the bigger V-Max 60-grainers for just four bucks more — $109.99. These bullets work great on prairie dogs and other small critters. V-Max bullets are also good for sporting AR15s shooting steel and paper targets.
5. Palmetto SA — Taurus G2C 9mm Pistol, $229.99
⏺ With rebate get a good 9mm carry pistol for just $204.99
If you need a good, reliable carry pistol, but have a limited budget, consider the Taurus G2C 9mm pistol, on sale at Palmetto State Armory for just $229.99. The G2C features an accessory rail, adjustable rear sight, textured grip, and smooth edges for comfort. The double-stack magazine holds 12 rounds. NOTE: This G2C pistol qualifies for a $25 Taurus Rebate right now. That lowers your net price to just $204.99 — a steal.
6. Amazon — Caldwell AR-500 Steel Targets, starting at $14.99
⏺ Great deals on durable AR500 steel targets — watch video below right
Caldwell’s bright, easy-to-see steel targets come in multiple shapes and sizes for competition, training, and recreational use. Made of AR-500 grade hardened steel, these bright yellow targets can withstand thousands of rounds. Rated up to a 3000 fps impact velocity and a 3500 ft-lb impact energy, these targets come in seven styles and sizes with three hanging solutions. These bright yellow Caldwell AR500 Steel Targets (#ad) are on sale now on Amazon, starting at just $14.99 for the 5″ Gong Target.
7. Natchez, Norma TAC-22 Ammo, $3.59/50ct Box
⏺ Very good .22 LR ammo at extremely low price — GREAT VALUE
If you want quality .22 LR ammo at a very low price, grab some Norma TAC-22. Natchez now has Norma Tac-22 for just $3.59 for 50 rounds. This is a true bargain, yet the TAC-22 is good enough for NRL22 matches as well as fun target shooting. We’ve shot this Norma ammo and been very satisfied. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better .22 LR ammo at this price. Don’t delay ordering — at this price, we expect this TAC-22 ammo will sell out soon. The $3.59 for 50 rds price which works out to just seven cents per round.
8. Amazon — Earmuffs Plus Safety Glasses Combo, $22.49
⏺ Good deal on Muffs/safety eyewear combo
Here’s a good set of NRR 28-rated earmuffs plus Z87.1-approved, wrap-around shooting glasses. This combo offers great protection for the price. The muffs come in multiple color combos: Yellow/Black (as shown), Gray/Black, Blue/Black, Pink/Black, and Purple/Black. Get the muffs and one set of safety eyewear for just $22.49 on sale (#ad). Or, for $8.00 more you can get a $30.99 kit with TWO sets of safety glasses, one tinted and one clear.
⏺ Sophisticated wind speed meter at a super-affordable price
Knowing wind speed is critical to making accurate ballistic adjustments both on the line or in the field. If you need a reliable yet affordable wind speed meter, consider the BTMETER BT-100 Handheld Anemometer (#ad). The BT-100’s multi-function capabilities include Wind Speed, Wind Temperature, and Wind Chill factor. The BT-100 portable wind speed gauge can accurately measure wind velocity in 5 units: m/s, km/h, ft/min, knots, mph. The unit also records air temperatures in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit.
10. TargetSports USA — Self-Inking Stamp for Targets, $5.99
⏺ Handy tool to stamp your own 2″ bullseyes on target
Are you tired of buying targets or wasting expensive printer ink just to shoot holes in paper? Consider this Self-Inking Target Stamp. With an easy-to-fill ink reservoir, you can stamp a grid of multiple targets or add 2″ red bullseyes to a printed target. NOTE: This target stamp is listed at 51mm, so it makes bulls 2 inches in diameter.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
Millions of Americans now exercise their Constitutional right to “keep and bear arms”, specifically to carry a pistol for personal protection and home defense. In response to the rapid growth of the CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) market, numerous gun-makers have introduced compact handguns specifically designed for concealed carry. These “Carry Guns” tend to be smaller, lighter, with smoother, rounded edges on slide and frame. Today, many modern carry guns are also “Optics Ready”, meaning they have slides that can accept smaller red dot sights. And some companies are now selling handguns with the optics pre-installed.
For today’s Saturday video showcase, we feature six videos covering a wide range of popular semi-automatic carry guns. You’ll see offerings from Beretta, Glock, HK, Kahr, Kimber, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Taurus, Walther and more. In addition, we’ve included a video that covers the pros and cons of installing optics on carry pistols. Finally, as a bonus, we’ve included a video that highlights five handguns that you may want to avoid, as they have not lived up to expectations.
Top Ten Best Carry Pistols for the Money
Here the Honest Outlaw Channel reviews ten semi-auto pistols. The host states these are the “10 best pistols for the money,” adding that “these handguns are reliable, accurate, durable, light weight, and cost less than most alternatives.” This video was released in December 2022, so it covers the latest generation of modern carry pistols.
Five Favorite Carry Pistols — Colion Noir’s Top Handguns
Colion Noir is a very popular gun reviewer and Second Amendment advocate. In this video, which has over 1.1 million views, Colion covers the five guns he personally carries. Why five? Colion states: “When it comes to my concealed carry guns, I practice tactical polyamory. Essentially, I don’t just carry one gun. I have a rotation of guns I carry based on what I’m wearing that day, where I’m going, and what I’m doing. I put a lot of thought into my carry rotation, which changes based on my needs. Sometimes a gun that’s better at handling the job comes out, and I’ll carry it once I’m comfortable with its reliability. That said, there are five guns I consistently carry[.]”
Five Top Choices among CCW & EDC (Everyday Carry) Handguns
The host notes: “We are going over the five best CCW firearms that I reviewed this year and ranking them from 1 to 5. We are going to save the best for the last. Some of the criteria for ranking these firearms isn’t only based on performance. We are ranking based on performance, price, reliability, and comfort.”
Ten Modern Micro-Pistols for Concealed Carry
The reviewer states: “It’s 2023 and the world of firearms keeps evolving. One of the hottest trends in the firearms industry right now is micro pistols — small, compact handguns that are perfect for concealed carry or as backup guns. If you’re looking for the best micro pistols in 2023, you’ve come to the right place. This video reviews the latest and greatest micro pistols on the market, discussing their features, performance, and why they’re making waves in the gun community.”
Kimber’s R7 Mako pistol won a coveted Golden Bullseye Award from NRA’s Shooting Illustrated magazine, taking the trophy for the magazine’s “2022 Handgun of the Year” category. The R7 Mako is very compact, with good ergonomics, yet it offers 12-rd (11+1) capacity (and 13+1 with extended magazine). The R7 Mako showed outstanding accuracy when tested indoors (see video at 15:25 time-mark).
The R7 Mako is offered Optics Ready for $599.00 MSRP or with Crimson Trace Red Dot Optic installed for $799.00 MSRP. SEE Shooting Illustrated Review.
New Heckler & Koch CC9 Double-Stack Micro-Compact
Heckler & Koch (HK) has released its new CC9 micro-compact, striker-fired 9x19mm pistol. With great accuracy, ergonomics, and reliability, the HK CC9 should be a top choice among micro-compact pistols. Designed and produced in the USA, this is the smallest double-stack carry pistol HK has ever built. The CC9 features a modular grip with swappable backstraps. With a “Safe Take Down Feature” for disassembly, there is no need to pull the trigger during field-striping, making the CC9 safer than a Glock. The slide is optics-ready and there is a short Picatinny rail on the front of the polymer frame for mounting accessories. The micro-compact CC9 is 6.03″ long and 0.99″ wide. The barrel is 3.32″ long and the CC9 weighs 18.4 ounces without magazine. MSRP is currently $699.00.
Optics on Carry Pistols — Factors to Consider
Red Dot sights are becoming more popular than ever. Many pistols today are “Optics Ready”, and some handguns can now be purchased with optics already installed. There are both strengths and weaknesses having optics on CCW handguns. In this video, Massad Ayoob outlines the pros and cons of Red Dots on carry pistols. Along with covering the factors to consider, Ayoob provides advice on red dot zeroing, defoggers, and more.
BONUS: Five Handguns to Avoid
When shopping for a handgun, it’s helpful to know which models to avoid, because of poor reliability or other shortcomings. This Honest Outlaw video reveals five handguns that are not the best choices for concealed carry: Smith & Wesson CSX, SCCY CPX-2, Remington RP-9, Kahr CW 380, and Taurus PT 22.
Heckler & Koch (HK) has released its new CC9 micro-compact, striker-fired 9x19mm pistol. With great accuracy, ergonomics, and reliability, the HK CC9 should be a top choice among micro-compact pistols. Designed and produced in the USA, this is the smallest double-stack carry pistol HK has ever built. The CC9 features a modular grip with swappable backstraps. With a “Safe Take Down Feature” for disassembly, there is no need to pull the trigger during field-striping, making the CC9 safer than a Glock. The slide is optics-ready and there is a short Picatinny rail on the front of the polymer frame for mounting accessories. The micro-compact CC9 is 6.03″ long and 0.99″ wide. The barrel is 3.32″ long and the CC9 weighs 18.4 ounces without magazine. MSRP is currently $699.00.
Compact and Concealable:
As the smallest double-stack pistol HK has ever produced, the CC9 should be a good choice for for concealed carry. Chambered in 9mm Luger (9x19mm), the CC9 comes equipped with both 10-round and 12-round magazines for flexibility in concealment. The CC9’s slim and relatively lightweight design (18.4 ounces without mag) features ambidextrous controls including slide-stop and magazine release. The edges of the slide are rounded for easier carry and smooth holstering.
Military-Grade Testing:
The CC9 is held to the same standards as full-size duty pistols and tested to NATO Army Armaments Group AC/225 standards. The CC9 was subjected to a battery of tests including extreme temperatures, dust, sand, mud and being dropped to simulate real world conditions. The CC9 had over 750 thousand rounds fired during development and testing. The CC9 is built to perform flawlessly in the most demanding conditions.
HK claims the CC9 delivers exceptional accuracy and control. The chassis system is rated for full +P 9mm ammo. The CC9 features a modular grip with interchangeable backstraps to fit various hand sizes. Boasting good ergonomics, the CC9 offers a full 4-finger grip and the same length of pull as the full-sized VP9 pistol. The trigger is smooth and consistent (better than a Glock in our opinion) and recoil is very manageable. Watch the embedded videos to see the new CC9 in action. The optics-ready CC9 features a tritium front sight, and a blacked-out, serrated rear sight for quick target acquisition.
Safety is integral to the CC9’s design. The pistol is equipped with multiple safety features, including a trigger safety, passive firing pin safety, Out-of-Battery safety and Safe Take Down Feature. The magazine must also be removed before the take-down lever can be rotated. Additionally, the CC9 includes a visual/tactile loaded chamber indicator built-in to the extractor.
Designed for modern concealed carry, the CC9 is compatible with a wide range of accessories, including lights and lasers, with its integrated Picatinny-style accessory rail. Optics can be mounted directly to the slide featuring a RMSc / 407k footprint compatible with most modern micro-dots.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Great Hunt Sale, Save up to 50%
⏺ Save on hunting rifles, ammo, camo, packs, optics and more
Right now Sportsman’s Warehouse is running its annual Great Hunt Sale with major savings on a huge selection of products for hunters. You can save on rifles, optics, rangefinders, tripods, hunting clothing, backpacks, muffs, and quality ammo. If you need a good hunting rifle, check out the Weatherby Vanguard for $499.99, a $50 savings off the regular price. The Vanguard has a nice 2-stage trigger and is backed by Weatherby’s 3-shot 1 MOA accuracy guarantee. Choose among many popular chamberings including: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm-08, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, and .30-06 Springfield.
2. EuroOptic — Fall 2024 Hunting Season Sale (Optics, Rifles)
⏺ Major savings on quality scopes, binocs, rangefinders, and accessories
EuroOptic.com is running a major Fall Hunting Products Sale. Among the many super deals are a 3-12x56mm Vortex illuminated reticle scope for just $239.99 ($180 off plus add’l 12% off with code VTX12), and a SIG Sauer combo package with 3-10x42mm scope and KILO2800 Laser Rangefinder. Get both items for just $399.99, a $250 savings. Along with these deals, many Leupold scopes and binoculars are deeply discounted, and some Swarovski optics products are as much as $500 off. Along with the optics deals, Tikka and Bergara rifles are on sale.
3. CDNN Sports — Winchester .22 LR Wildcat, $199.99
⏺ Fun rimfire rifle complete with optic — good owner reviews
Here’s a fun semi-auto .22 LR rifle at a crazy low price — $199.99 complete with a mounted Red Dot Reflex optic. That’s a steal for a reliable rimfire rig for plinking and NRL22 matches. The Winchester Wildcat takes Ruger 10/22 mags, and has some great features, such as field-removable lower receiver, ambidextrous controls, integral Picatinny rail, and rear barrel access. It has a good trigger and shoots well. In many respects the Wildcat beats the Ruger 10/22 while costing a lot less. If you don’t need the optic, you can get a basic Wildcat for $189.99 with Strata camo stock.
⏺ Good quality primers with Zero Hazmat and FREE Shipping
Right now Midsouth is offering FREE Shipping and FREE Hazmat with the purchase of Ginex primers. With this deal you can save up to $60 on your next primer purchase. These GINEX primers are sold in 5000-ct lots starting at just $349.99 for Small Rifle Primers and Small Pistol Primers. That’s just $0.07 per primer. And yes Large Rifle Primers are in stock at $499.99 for 5000, i.e. ten cents each.
5. CDNN Sports — Walther P22 Target, $248.98
⏺ Very good .22 LR Target/Training pistol with major discount
We think all shooters should have a quality .22 LR rimfire pistol with a good trigger, ergonomic grip, and excellent accuracy. With the Walther P22 Target Model, you can get all those things for just $248.98 at CDNN Sports, a great deal. The P22 Target pistol is a very nice rimfire handgun with a 5″ barrel plus a forward ported compensator. The ergonomic grip has interchangeable backstraps to better fit all size hands.
6. Palmetto SA, Blackhawk Shooting Mat/Rifle Case, $49.99
⏺ Multi-Function Shooting Mat/Rifle Case now $100 Off
Here’s a great deal on a multi-function Mat/carry case. The Blackhawk Stalker Drag Mat Carry Case functions as a nice padded shooting mat, AND it serves as a rifle carry case and drag bag. Length is 50.5″ and width (in rifle case mode) is 9″. This mat/case is made from durable 1000 denier nylon and closed-cell foam. It has carry straps plus a shoulder strap.
7. Precision Reloading — Big Savings on Redding Products
⏺ Discounts on dies, tools, and all Redding products
Need dies, reloading tools, or a precision press? Then head over to Precision Reloading which is running a major Redding Sale right now. You’ll 10% or More on Redding reloading dies and equipment, with some items discounted up to 42%. NOTE: This sale ends Friday, October 11th, so act quickly.
8. Scheels — RCBS Universal Priming Tool, $64.99
⏺ Recommended tool that adapts to multiple case rim sizes
The RCBS Universal Hand Primer tool can handle both large rim and small rim cases without any parts change. Leverage is good and the primer feeding tray is very reliable. This is a recommended tool for both beginning handloaders and expert-level reloaders. Another good feature of this tool is a patented safety gate that isolates the primer seating operation from the primer supply, lowering risk of tray detonation.
How many times have you grabbed your electronic earmuffs only to find the batteries are dead. To avoid the hassles (and cost) of battery replacement, consider Walker’s Rechargeable Razor Ear Muffs (#ad). These rechargeable muffs have an estimated 80 hours of run time. That’s enough to get through several DAYS at the range. Then you can recharge the muffs conveniently at home or in your vehicle. To hear range commands clearly, the muffs have HD speakers. Plus there’s a handy audio jack. These muffs are comfortable and boast a 21 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).
10. Palmetto State Armory — AR15 Lower Receiver, $49.99
⏺ Amazing Deal on quality AR lower receiver
With the election just a month away, and Biden/Harris slamming through anti-gun executive orders, you want to get that AR15 build started while you still can. If you need an AR lower, here’s a great deal. Palmetto State Armory (PSA) now has stripped AR15 lowers for just $49.99. With this lower as the core, you can build up your AR for any discipline you choose: 3-Gun rifle, service rifle competition, varmint rifle, or even “race gun” for the PRS Gas Gun Series. These PSA lowers are forged using 7075-T6 Aluminum and have a durable, mil-spec anodized hardcoat finish.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
At AccurateShooter.com, our primary focus is precision target shooting with rifles. But it’s definitely fun to shoot pistols too, and we bet most of our regular readers own handguns. Here are six tips for shooting safely and accurately with handguns. These pointers will help you advance your skills and have more fun with your pistols and revolvers. Top image courtesy Sanctuary Gun Club.
1. Make Sure Safety Is Number One
Whether you own one gun or one hundred, gun safety must always be your main priority. In this video, Smith & Wesson Team Captain Julie Golob covers the basics of gun safety.
2. Start with a .22 LR Handgun
We strongly recommend that new pistol shooters start off with a .22 LR rimfire handgun. The .22 LR cartridge is accurate but has very low recoil, less “bark” than a centerfire, and very little smoke and muzzle flash. New shooters won’t have to fight muzzle flip, and won’t develop a flinch from the sharp recoil and muzzle blast common to larger calibers. With the .22 LR, the trainee can focus on sight alignment, breathing, and trigger pull. When he or she has mastered those skills, move on to a .38 Special or 9mm Luger (9x19mm).
What gun to use? We recommend the 10-shot Smith & Wesson Model 617. This is ideal for initial training, shooting single action, slow-fire. You want to focus on sight picture and holding steady. Shown above is the 4″-barrel Model 617 which balances well. There is also a 6″-barrel version. It has a longer sight radius, but is a little nose-heavy. Both are great choices. They are extremely accurate and they boast a very clean, precise trigger.
If you prefer a semi-auto .22 LR pistol, we recommend the Browning Buck Mark series. Buck Marks are very accurate and very reliable. This rimfire pistol is available in a variety of models starting at under $350.00. Like the S&W Model 617, a good Buck Mark will serve you for a lifetime.
3. Use Quality Targets with Multiple Aim Points
It’s common for new pistoleros to start shooting at cans or clay birds at a public range. That can be fun, but it’s better to start with proper targets, placed at eye level, at 7-10 yards. We like to use targets with large, brightly colored circles. Focus on putting 5 shots in a circle. We recommend targets that have multiple bullseyes or aiming points — that way you don’t have to constantly change your target. There are also special paper targets that can help you diagnose common shooting problems, such as anticipating recoil. EZ2C Targets offers many great target designs with bright, red-orange aim points. You can also use the bright orange Birchwood Casey stick-on Target Dots (right). These come in a variety of diameters. We like the 2″ dot at 10 yards.
4. Shoot Outdoors If You Can
We recommend that new pistol shooters begin their training at an outdoor range. There are many reasons. First, the light is better outdoors. Indoor ranges can be dark with lots of shadows, making it harder to see your target. Second, sound dissipates better outdoors. The sound of gunfire echoes and bounces off walls indoors. Third, an outdoor range is a more comfortable environment, particularly if you can get out on a weekday morning. Indoor ranges, at least in urban areas, tend to be crowded. Many also have poor ventilation. If you can make it to an outdoor range, you’ll be happy. Many outdoor ranges also have some steel pistol targets, which offer a fun alternative to paper. When shooting steel however, we recommend polymer encased or lead bullets to avoid ricochets.
Too many new pistol shooters try to move right to rapid fire drills. It’s better to start slow, practicing the basics, under the guidance of a good mentor. If you belong to a club, ask if there are certified instructors who will help out. This Editor learned pistol shooting from a seasoned bullseye shooter, who got me started with a .22 LR revolver and very close targets. Over the course of a few range sessions we progressed to farther targets and faster pace. But the fundamentals were never forgotten. When starting your pistol training, it’s wise to view some instructional videos. Top Shot Champion Chris Cheng hosts an excellent Handgun 101 Series produced by the NSSF. We’ve linked one of these Handgun 101 videos for Tip #6.
6. SLOW DOWN — This Is Not a Race
When you learned to ride a bicycle, you started slow — maybe even with training wheels. The same principle applies to pistol shooting. When you get started with handguns, we recommend you shoot slowly and deliberately. Start with the handgun unloaded — just work on your sight alignment and breathing. With snap caps in place, try some dry-firing drills. Then progress to live fire. But be deliberate and slow. With the target at 20 feet, see if you can get three successive shot-holes to touch. Believe it or not, many common pistols are capable of this kind of accuracy (but you won’t see many shooters at indoor ranges who pursue that kind of precision). Once you master your form and accuracy, then you can work on your speed.
Here’s a great promotion from Taurus. If you purchase a lever-action rifle you get a FREE single-action Heritage rimfire revolver. This special promo started 10/1/24 and runs through mid-January 2024. From October 1, 2024, through January 15, 2025, when you purchase a Rossi R95, Rossi R92, or Heritage 92 firearm, you’ll receive a FREE Heritage Rough Rider Revolver. There are a variety of R95 and R92 and Heritage 92 rifle configurations, with both stainless and blued metal finishes.
The Heritage Rough Rider revolver is a .22 caliber rimfire wheelgun. The basic models shoot .22 LR only while dual-cylinder versions can shoot both .22 LR and .22 Magnum (WMR) cartridges. The Heritage Rough Rider handguns are offered with multiple grip options and various barrel lengths. They come chambered in .22 LR or as a two-cylinder combo that can shoot both .22 LR or .22 WMR ammo. Basic models start at $165.99 MSRP while the dual-cylinder models begin at $207.99 MSRP. NOTE: We believe the FREE Rough Rider Revolver for this promo is a .22 LR ONLY version, but the Promo INFO Document is not specific.
To qualify for a FREE Heritage Revolver, you must purchase any Rossi R95, Rossi R92, or Heritage 92 model rifle between October 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025. Visit TaurusPromos.com to enroll for the rebate promotion and claim your Rough Rider Revolver. NOTE: This offer is valid only while supplies last.
Starline Brass offers a series of videos with helpful reloading tips. Focused primarily on pistol cartridges, these short videos can help anyone get started with metallic cartridge reloading. If you load pistol rounds on a progressive, this video series is particularly helpful. The on-camera host is Hunter Pilant, son of Carroll Pilant of Sierra Bullets.
Preventing Double Charges
Tip: Use a bulky powder that fills your case more than half way with a correct charge. This will overfill the case if it is double-charged, making it very difficult to seat a bullet.
Tumble New Brass Before Loading the First Time
Tip: Tumble new pistol cartridge brass in used media for 30 minutes before loading for the first time. This will add enough graphite (carbon residue) to smooth case entry into dies. You can also lube the case mouths with graphite, or use spray lube.
Powder Through Expander — How to Eliminate Hang-ups
Tip: When loading pistol brass with a progressive press, sometime the powder-through expander is hard to remove, especially with short cases. There are two fixes — first, try deburring the inside of the case mouth on your cases. Second, the radius of the powder through expander plug can be modified to smooth entry and exit (see photo). Starline will do this modification for free.
It’s common for new pistoleros to start shooting at cans or clay birds at a public range. That can be fun, but it’s better to start with proper targets, placed at eye level, at 7-10 yards. We like to use targets with large, brightly colored circles. Focus on putting 5 shots in a circle. We recommend targets that have multiple bullseyes or aiming points — that way you don’t have to constantly change your target. There are also special paper targets that can help you diagnose common shooting problems, such as anticipating recoil. 
