What Makes a Gun Accurate?

Accuracy is the ability to hit a target accurately and repeatably. A 9mm bullet fired from a medium sized handgun will travel approximately 2200 meters before hitting something. This is an impressive distance for a bullet. However, there are other factors that play a part in making a gun accurate.

One of the most important factors for accuracy is the barrel of the gun. Guns with a free-floating barrel are more accurate than those with pistons or tubes attached. In addition to the barrel design, other factors affect accuracy. For example, a firearm’s slide-to-barrel fit, steel, and proper machining will all contribute to accurate firing.

Another critical aspect of accuracy is the trigger. A trigger must be consistently consistent to prevent jerking. A jerky trigger can cause the sights to move. Similarly, the barrel must be aligned with the sights at the point of impact. Finally, the gun must be held with constant pressure.

Accuracy is also dependent on the gun’s grip. The human eye cannot focus on the front and rear sights at the same time. When the target is identified, the primary focus shifts to the front sight. When this happens, the bullet will hit the target in the center. In this way, a gun with a good grip will be more accurate than one with a poor one.

The thumb position is also important. While old time marksmen tended to shoot with their thumb up on the manual safety, many competitive shooters prefer to shoot with the thumb pointing straight at the target. This position aligns the skeleto-muscular structure of the hand, allowing the index finger to make the most rearward movement. However, curling the thumb down may add to the strength of the grip, and increase control.

The barrel is another key component to accuracy. Increasing the length of the barrel will increase velocity and sight radius. Changing the barrel will also affect the bullet’s trajectory. A barrel that is too thin may warp and miss its target. Longer barrels tend to be more accurate. A longer barrel will also make it easier to maintain a consistent group.

Rifling is another component that makes a gun more accurate. The rifling is part of the barrel that is designed to spin the projectile. Newer rifling is polygonal, but traditional rifling consists of lands that contact and spin the bullet as it travels down the barrel.

A gun is only as accurate as its barrel. Its diameter must be in proportion to its length. Otherwise, it will have a whippy trajectory. Moreover, accuracy is dependent on the cartridge used. There are cartridges that are more accurate than others. In addition to barrel length, a gun’s twist rate must be checked for accuracy.

When choosing a handgun, consider the role it will play in your life. It should be able to fulfill its role and be functional with more than one load. A gun with good intrinsic accuracy is likely to perform well with multiple loads. On the other hand, a gun that performs poorly in practical use is less accurate.