If you’re new to guns, listen up.
It’s not all about pointing and shooting. There’s a lot to know about a gun before you step on to the shooting range. Getting comfortable with how it feels in your hand, knowing what to expect when you fire, and how to aim are all important things to educate yourself on.
In this article, we’re going to give a brief rundown of how to act on the range for beginners. The do’s, the dont’s, and why you need to take these precautions.
Guns for beginners, here we go.
Guns for Beginners: Basic Principles
Before you get excited and start shopping for a good scope for 308 rifles, you should familiarize yourself with the basic principles of handling a gun. Obviously, guns aren’t toys, and you need to treat this experience as a dangerous one.
Starting off, you should always treat the gun as if it’s loaded. Even if you know that it isn’t, it’s good practice to handle the gun as if it could hurt someone. Starting these habits out early will allow you to keep from developing any recklessness.
Always keep your finger away from the trigger and the gun holstered when you’re not about to aim at the target. Meaning, only aim the weapon when you’re on the range about to shoot at the target and never point it at anyone, even if it’s not loaded.
Lastly, you should always know what your target is and what’s behind it. Being aware of the backstop, as well as your general surroundings, will help with your aim and your safety.
Bring an Experienced Shooter
It’s highly recommended that, even as you’re being trained by a professional, you still always go to the range with an experienced friend. You have to take a fundamentals course before you hit the range, but it’s good to have someone close to help you along during this process.
This is especially true if you’re in a group of more than a few people. It’s one thing training one or two people, but if a trainer is responsible for a larger group, then it’s harder for them to keep tabs on everyone to keep them safe.
If you’ve got even one friend that has been on the range a number of times, that takes some of the load off of the instructor. Try to bring along an experienced shooter.
Smaller Isn’t Always Better
Most people think that they should start out with a smaller pistol because the recoil won’t be as crazy. Well, that’s not always true. Smaller guns can actually have a bigger kick than some of their slightly larger counterparts.
That doesn’t mean you should start off with a Desert Eagle, but a medium to large-sized 9mm should do the trick.
Hit the Range
Always remember to record the number of rounds you fired, let the barrel cool down, then wipe down the gear, and you’ll be all set to hit the range. Having the proper attitude and etiquette is integral when you’re a beginner. Practicing with live rimfire ammo is also a good idea to get some hands-on experience, while you’re still in a controlled and safe environment.
If you show the range that you’re reckless and disrespectful, then you won’t be welcome back. This is a guide on guns for beginners, but there’s a lot of common sense that needs to come into play when shooting on a gun range. If you possess that, then you’ll be just fine.
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