Owning a gun can provide protection, and you can also use it for recreational activities. To improve firearm safety and proficiency, it would be best to take gun safety classes and practice shooting as often as possible. Below are some tips to try at the shooting range when you want to get better at using a handgun.
1. Get Familiar with Your Firearm
Testing a new handgun can be fun, but you should always take time to familiarize yourself with the firearm before using it. Learning as much about the gun as possible can improve your shot and help you control it better at the range and in other settings. Therefore, you should do some quick research on the firearm to give you more insight into its capabilities, ammo types, and more.
2. Dress Appropriately
Dressing properly can make the experience more enjoyable and boost safety for you and others. If your clothing is too tight, it could put pressure on your muscles and make it difficult to move various body parts, such as your arms and legs. The discomfort could also increase your odds of shooting poorly. Wearing clothing that fits comfortably is always best.
3. Maintain the Proper Stance
The way you stand will have a significant impact on your shooting skills. A proper stance can help you hit your target with more ease and accuracy, while poor posture can lead to an unpleasant experience at the shooting range. If you’re a beginner, it would be best to keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with your left foot slightly forward and your right foot back (if you’re a right-handed shooter—it’s the opposite stance for left-handed people). However, there are a variety of options you can learn over time.
4. Wear Proper Protection
Ear and eye gear is necessary to protect you and improve your shooting skills. Shooting glasses protect your eyes from being damaged when cartridges are ejected or excess powder blows back. Ear protection helps you concentrate better instead of focusing on loud sounds inside the range. Most ranges require protective gear like this, so always confirm what to take in your safety gear bag before going to the range.
5. Go Slowly & Focus
When practicing your trigger pull, you need to focus on accuracy and take it slowly. Hitting your target consistently is the key, and when you rush, it can be challenging to concentrate. Remember this isn’t a race, and it’s okay if you need to do it again to accomplish your goal.
6. Choose the Range Wisely
The atmosphere at each shooting range can vary, depending on the size of the venue, its regulations, and more. Therefore, you should choose the range wisely to ensure your experience is enjoyable. The atmosphere should enable you to get better when practicing instead of raising your stress levels and causing a bad day of shooting. Visit a shooting range ahead of time to ensure the environment is stress-free.
Whether you’re new to gun ownership or you’ve owned guns for years, practicing at a range can help you boost your shooting skills, and safety should always be your top priority. If you’d like to learn more about firearms safety from experienced professionals, consider taking a gun safety course online from the experts at Gun Safety Training Pros. Contact us today at [email protected].
