Thread: Fear of Gun

A stronger grip will throw the brass else ware. I imagine you hold it tighter when you rapid fire?

Originally Posted by SuckLead

I don't think I've mentioned this before, so I'll give it a go. I have developed not really a fear but more of a mental road block really. But we're coming up on a year with this now and I still haven't managed to get over it. So I need help.

Me and my Sig are not on the best of terms right now. I've been burned by casings many times, but a year ago I had one come back at me and land behind my glasses right on my bottom eyelid. I am sure the pain does not need to be described, because I am sure I am not the only one here to experience it.

But now, when I shoot, I tend to shut my eyes just as I squeeze the trigger. I can't seem to break myself of this. I don't do it with my revolver and I have a nice tight grouping with it. But when I shoot my Sig, obviously, there are holes all over the place and no noticeable grouping at all.

This only seems to be an issue when I shoot at ranges with a three second rule. When I rapid fire, not too much of an issue, for some reason, and there is suddenly a grouping again. I guess because I have less time to think about it (and in that "ooo! shiny!" mentality, I get mesmorized watching the slide go at those speeds).

Anyway, does anyone know of any little practices or anything that can help break this little mental issue? I work at a range with a 3 second rule and it is more ecconomical for me to shoot there (it's free for employees) instead of paying to use a range with no 3 second rule. Plus, sometimes I just want to practice slow. Help!

No real advice. But shutting your eyes will not keep a casing from landing there, will it?
At least with eyes open you have a chance to duck. Or maybe a pair of glasses that fit tight to the brow would make you feel better.

Use shooting googles instead of glasses for a while, and try holding the gun with a little frimer grip. If one hits you on the forehead it will just roll off.

We bullseye shooters use the dry fire technique. It is really cheap too.

Wearing a ball cap helps to keep the casings from landing on your face.

Wear a baseball cap and wraparound shooting glasses to prevent another case from getting stuck on your skin.

Try some ball-and-dummy exercises. This helps with flinching.

If you shoot better in rapid fire versus slow fire, it is a strong clue that it is your followthrough (or lack thereof) that is causing the poor groups.

Dry fire.

Every one has given you some good advice to help you with your flinching/fear. There are many technique's and what ever works for you is good... What I'd like to tell you is that it's perfectly natural, particularly for new shooters, so don't feel bad. But, don't let it beat you, keep after it. What ever your fear is, like the shells burning you, take precautions (as suggested) to prevent that from happening again... Over all, it's a small problem and you will get over it with perserverance... I think we all experience it somewhere along the line, at least, I know I did!
Hang in there!

I think we've all experienced that at one time or another....you can beat it by concentrating on beating it. Also check with a good gunsmith. He should be able to manipulate the ejector to slightly alter the path of the ejected case...and as said here use a firmer grip. Limp wristing causes all kind of problems.

Just remember not to try to swat the ejected casing away with your gun hand. This could led to a hole in your head.

I think what others have suggested is good advice.

Originally Posted by tnoisaw

Just remember not to try to swat the ejected casing away with your gun hand. This could led to a hole in your head.

I think what others have suggested is good advice.

Oooh. I like that advice.



WM