I had the pleasure of meeting the instructor team of All American Firearms Training this month at Shooters of Columbus. They were teaching the NRA Basic Pistol course to a group of new shooters, all hanging onto their words as they were learning the fundamentals of pistol shooting. We spoke during their lunch break about the importance of a good grip.

Instructor Nick Niday said they like to emphasize the importants of the fundamentals because as fun as it is to shoot, if you go out and practice with the wrong skills, your muscle memory picks up the improper techniques. While they stress doing things consistently to develop that muscle memory, they also stress the importance of doing it right. Nick's tips to new shooters is to keep a "straight line" and consider your pistol an extension of your body. "Front sights, rear sights, and arm all aligned in one straight line."

Instructor Pat Sleem offered words of wisdom comparing a good grip to a handshake. "It's like shaking hands with your gun." His theory is to come up with a comparison that students can relate to in order to help them understand how to hold a pistol. He tells students as handing them dummy pistols, "You want a nice firm handshake," as they grab onto the grips to "shake hands". Students who haven't had their turn yet chuckle, but in reality, once the gun comes their way, they have that moment of clarity where they get it.

Instructor John Wilkes agrees. "It's important for students to be able to relate to what you're telling them." He states it's most important when you have new students who are afraid of shooting a gun, but come because they want to get their concealed carry permit or learn how to use a gun that is in the house already.

You can take classes from All American Firearms Training in Basic Pistol, Defensive Pistol Tactics, and Tactical Rifle if you are in the Columbus, GA area. For more information visit their website www.aafirearmstraining.com.