Massad Ayoob's Tips for Shooting Micro-Nine Pistols Better

In The Armory Life, Massad Ayoob offers techniques for shooting micro-nine carry pistols better, since he says their small size leaves less of the hand to control recoil.

Snapshot

Ayoob explains how to control small carry nines with a hard two-handed crush grip, a forward-leaning stance, thumbs curled down and a tucked little finger, and he urges practice with the gun you actually carry. His main point is that these small pistols can shoot surprisingly well, and he cites solid hits from a Hellcat at 25 yards.

Key points

• Crush grip: Ayoob teaches squeezing with both hands as hard as possible. He says students feel less pistol movement in their hands, not less recoil.
• Posture: Lean the upper body aggressively forward, "into the gun," to bring the muzzle back on target quickly.
• Thumbs: He finds that curling the thumbs down, especially the firing-hand thumb, increases hand strength. The support thumb goes over the firing thumb.
• Little finger: When the grip is too short, tuck it under the magazine base. Extend it during reloads so it does not block the magazine.
• Practice: Train with the micro you carry, not only a larger pistol.

Quick take

Ayoob argues these little guns can be surprisingly accurate. He notes that a Hellcat delivered solid hits at 25 yards and hopes the tips help readers reach their best with theirs.

Read the full story at The Armory Life.