New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

What technique should be used when holding a handgun for shooting?

1. With both hands, aiming with one eye closed

2. Holding the gun sideways

3. One handed, to allow for mobility

4. With the least amount of grip possible to avoid shaking

The correct answer is: With both hands, aiming with one eye closed

Holding a handgun with both hands while aiming with one eye closed is an effective technique because it offers greater stability and control over the firearm. Utilizing both hands helps to manage recoil and improve accuracy, as the dominant hand can control the trigger while the support hand provides additional support and steadies the firearm. Aiming with one eye closed can help some shooters to focus better on their target, improving their precision. In contrast, holding the gun sideways can lead to a loss of accuracy and is typically associated with non-professional shooting styles. Shooting one-handed may reduce stability, making it harder to control the firearm and resulting in less accuracy, especially for novice shooters or when shooting at longer distances. Gripping the gun with the least amount of pressure can lead to instability and increased movement during the shot, producing more deviation from the intended target. Thus, using both hands and focusing on a single eye alignment is the recommended and most effective technique for handgun shooting.