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The Perfect Pistol Shot
"You will either master the pistol or the pistol will master you."
To fire perfect shots, you must train for perfect shots. But whether you want to shoot squirrels, punch holes in paper targets, or defend your home, there is only one path to achieving consistent accuracy with a mastering the fundamentals of marksmanship. Written by a former U.S. Marine Corps firearms instructor who has taught more than a thousand law enforcement, military, and security personnel, The Perfect Pistol Shot uses succinct lessons, uncommon exercises, and real-world stories to provide a fresh look at a vital topic for all gunmen. It Knowing how to engage targets is valuable for the defensive shooter, but if "engaging" doesn't translate into "hitting," what's the point? You must have a solid foundation on which to build tactical skills. Your reward will be conversion from just another hapless shooter into an independent marksman.
To fire perfect shots, you must train for perfect shots. But whether you want to shoot squirrels, punch holes in paper targets, or defend your home, there is only one path to achieving consistent accuracy with a mastering the fundamentals of marksmanship. Written by a former U.S. Marine Corps firearms instructor who has taught more than a thousand law enforcement, military, and security personnel, The Perfect Pistol Shot uses succinct lessons, uncommon exercises, and real-world stories to provide a fresh look at a vital topic for all gunmen. It Knowing how to engage targets is valuable for the defensive shooter, but if "engaging" doesn't translate into "hitting," what's the point? You must have a solid foundation on which to build tactical skills. Your reward will be conversion from just another hapless shooter into an independent marksman.
- GenresNonfictionSports
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
84 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 3, 2020
Like every shooting and gun handling book, the opening chapter is about gun safety. Once the author gets that out of the way, he immediately starts getting into pistol shooting instruction. Within short order, I saw things that I was doing wrong. First of all, was my off-shooting hand grip. I thought that the purpose of my off-hand grip was to serve as a counterpoise for my shooting hand so I pushed one hand against the other. The book’s author, Albert League, puts forth that the off-hand’s ideal use is to carry the weight of the shooting hand and the handgun.
The second error that I am making was not focusing on the front sight alone. Leage recommends that the shooter focus his eyesight on the front sight and let the target and the rear sight remain blurred. The front sight is to be kept pointed at the center of the blurry target and be kept even with the top of the blurry rear sight notch on the pistol. The mistake that I make is that I keep shifting my focus from the target to the front sight and then to the back sight. This, according to Leage, is impossible to maintain so the front sight ultimately comes off of the target so you miss.
Despite what you think you know; you’ll find yourself pondering your shooting technique as you get into this book. The Perfect Pistol Shot is definitely worth the read.
The second error that I am making was not focusing on the front sight alone. Leage recommends that the shooter focus his eyesight on the front sight and let the target and the rear sight remain blurred. The front sight is to be kept pointed at the center of the blurry target and be kept even with the top of the blurry rear sight notch on the pistol. The mistake that I make is that I keep shifting my focus from the target to the front sight and then to the back sight. This, according to Leage, is impossible to maintain so the front sight ultimately comes off of the target so you miss.
Despite what you think you know; you’ll find yourself pondering your shooting technique as you get into this book. The Perfect Pistol Shot is definitely worth the read.
August 21, 2020
Good Instruction
This book delineates the things that a competent marksman needs to practice in order to become more reliably capable of using a handgun. There are no shortcuts. The drills are helpful. Correct practice techniques will produce better results. These techniques are presented coherently.
This book delineates the things that a competent marksman needs to practice in order to become more reliably capable of using a handgun. There are no shortcuts. The drills are helpful. Correct practice techniques will produce better results. These techniques are presented coherently.
November 20, 2018
Great read
I am a retired paratrooper and have never had so much keen hand gun knowledge to explain why I shoot to my 7,8,9 o’clock sides. Know I know why thanks for an easy read with great tips.
I am a retired paratrooper and have never had so much keen hand gun knowledge to explain why I shoot to my 7,8,9 o’clock sides. Know I know why thanks for an easy read with great tips.
October 8, 2021
instructive without wasting a word
finally a book that explains every aspect of handling a fire arm, i wasted so many hours watching you tube when all i needed was this book. thank you Albert
finally a book that explains every aspect of handling a fire arm, i wasted so many hours watching you tube when all i needed was this book. thank you Albert
July 20, 2019
Quick, clear, and to the point about handgun fundamentals for shooting.
August 10, 2020
Good book
It makes sense. Shooting is a science. Same actions same result s. I am a new shooter. I recommend this book.
It makes sense. Shooting is a science. Same actions same result s. I am a new shooter. I recommend this book.
August 18, 2020
Spot on Book
This is an awesome book this is true marksmanship training from where Some of the best shooters in the world emerged from the Corps.
This is an awesome book this is true marksmanship training from where Some of the best shooters in the world emerged from the Corps.
September 6, 2020
Great Info
Great info, a little outdated but most training tips are timeless (train smart, make measurable goals & do the work)!
Great info, a little outdated but most training tips are timeless (train smart, make measurable goals & do the work)!
January 27, 2021
Great Book on the Fundamental of Shooting
I am a former Marine and enjoyed this book a lot. By going back to basics to learn how to shoot.
I am a former Marine and enjoyed this book a lot. By going back to basics to learn how to shoot.
Want to read
September 21, 2023Recommended by Janet N.
January 20, 2025
It is an excellent book if you’re new to shooting. It is an excellent reinforcement training tool. Most of the things I read I was familiar with; but the book is written well and easy to follow.
February 12, 2020
If you're new to guns or never been able to hit your target consistently beyond 10 yards, this book is an excellent, short guide to mastering the fundamentals and becoming a very consistent and accurate shot. I would say this is a must read if you're looking to improve your pistol shooting abilities, as it focuses on the core concept of simply being able to hit your mark every time. Read this before reading other books on competition or defensive shooting skills.
April 9, 2020
For me, I can't say that I have read too many books more than once. This is actually one of the first that comes to mind... outside of professional information technology certification study books (I've read some up to three times over).
I first read this book about 2 years ago, and back then I was really serious about my pistol marksmanship skills. I made time to go at least once per month to the range and was actively working on my skills and not just shooting for fun, but seriously practicing.
Then, life happened, my daughter came into the world, and before I knew it I realized it has been over 1 year since I've pulled the trigger on a pistol. I have been focusing on archery and rifle marksmanship and have totally neglected my pistol skills.
Re-reading this book has given me all the foundational fundamentals, motivation from the authors scholarly and professional approach to the craft, and has also given me goals to aim for ... literally.
I updated my score from a 4/5 from my first read to a 5/5. When it comes to a one-stop shop for pistol marksmanship, I cannot think of a better book than this one. It is a short read, a little over 100 pages, but Albert focuses on skills that just simply work. Not because they are flashy, complicated, or the latest trend... it's because the basic fundamentals at the end of the day are what matters most before we can move on to more advanced realms such as speed shooting, stress shooting, advanced firing positions/maneuvers (rolls for example), etc.
If you are ready to stop shooting pistol "just for fun" and get serious, I highly recommend you read this book and get out there on the range and begin your pistol marksmanship training journey.
I first read this book about 2 years ago, and back then I was really serious about my pistol marksmanship skills. I made time to go at least once per month to the range and was actively working on my skills and not just shooting for fun, but seriously practicing.
Then, life happened, my daughter came into the world, and before I knew it I realized it has been over 1 year since I've pulled the trigger on a pistol. I have been focusing on archery and rifle marksmanship and have totally neglected my pistol skills.
Re-reading this book has given me all the foundational fundamentals, motivation from the authors scholarly and professional approach to the craft, and has also given me goals to aim for ... literally.
I updated my score from a 4/5 from my first read to a 5/5. When it comes to a one-stop shop for pistol marksmanship, I cannot think of a better book than this one. It is a short read, a little over 100 pages, but Albert focuses on skills that just simply work. Not because they are flashy, complicated, or the latest trend... it's because the basic fundamentals at the end of the day are what matters most before we can move on to more advanced realms such as speed shooting, stress shooting, advanced firing positions/maneuvers (rolls for example), etc.
If you are ready to stop shooting pistol "just for fun" and get serious, I highly recommend you read this book and get out there on the range and begin your pistol marksmanship training journey.
February 7, 2016
My grandfathers, uncles and cousins all hunted, so I grew up around guns. I shot a gun every once in a while when I was younger and bought a handgun as a young woman for personal protection. I hit the target the handful of times I took it to practice shooting and was satisfied with that, so I didn't bother looking into any training. Recently, I decided that I wanted to become comfortable handling my gun and proficient with shooting. My shooting wasn't as good as I remembered. Somehow, I learned about this book and decided to read it. That was a good decision. I immediately recognized some things that I could improve and began to understand the elements involved in good marksmanship that I hadn't even considered. When I went to the range before, I didn't know why I was missing and, therefore, what to do to correct it. Now, I can identify ways to improve.
I can't speak for anyone with prior weapons training, though the author claims to be able to help even those who have been shooting for years. What I can say is that I feel this book was worth every penny. The information is useful and practical. This won't be the end of my training, but it was a great way to begin. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to become a better marksman, especially to the new shooter.
I can't speak for anyone with prior weapons training, though the author claims to be able to help even those who have been shooting for years. What I can say is that I feel this book was worth every penny. The information is useful and practical. This won't be the end of my training, but it was a great way to begin. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to become a better marksman, especially to the new shooter.
October 8, 2014
Great information. Logical and easy to follow guidance on becoming the best marksman you're willing to train towards. Rereading and applying techniques as I write this. Best $10 you can spend on improving your shooting skills! Highly recommended.
Great information. Logical and easy to follow guidance on becoming the best marksman you're willing to train towards. Rereading and applying techniques as I write this. Best $10 you can spend on improving your shooting skills! Highly recommended.
Great information. Logical and easy to follow guidance on becoming the best marksman you're willing to train towards. Rereading and applying techniques as I write this. Best $10 you can spend on improving your shooting skills! Highly recommended.
April 30, 2016
Excellent Source
This book is very comprehensive on explaining the fundamentals of marksmanship. It is very well written and a great tool on perfecting your firing skills.
This book is very comprehensive on explaining the fundamentals of marksmanship. It is very well written and a great tool on perfecting your firing skills.
September 27, 2020
This book was even better the second time. I appreciate the systematic approach to marksmanship and the emphasis on attention to detail.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews