The Critical Importance of Gun Practice

When someone purchases or receives a new gun, it’s important to take the necessary time to become well acquainted with this weapon. For people that practice concealed carry, it’s especially important for guns to become a fluid part of their bodies, so they can quickly react in emergency situations.

Generally, most people report that shooting their first gun is an awkward experience. This is entirely normal. As people become more comfortable shooting weapons, they generally acquire additional weapons. Always read the manual that comes with the gun. If the gun was sold through a private retailer and no manual was available, visit the manufacturer’s website directly to obtain a copy. The manual highlights necessary cleaning tips and information, including the type of ammunition and caliber that accommodates the gun.

Before carrying a weapon, always make sure it is unloaded, never point the muzzle near anything of value, keep your finger off the trigger at all times unless a target is within sights and always make sure whatever is behind a target is safe to shoot at. For example, it is not safe to place a target near a neighborhood fence.

First-time gun owners should start out taking instructional classes about shooting. The National Rifle Association offers a list of local area classes, as do community-shooting ranges. An instructor can help make sure first-time shooters are learning good gun posture, stance and are able to confidently handle a weapon with ease. Personal lessons also pair well with instructional videos and books, which are also available on video sharing websites.

The second step is dry-firing a weapon, which essentially means practicing without any live rounds of ammunition. The gun is always unloaded during this type of practice session and helps refine reloading, drawing and other necessary gun handling skills. These repeated motions help shooters develop proficient motor skill movements and helps to correct negative shooting habits, such as lack of follow through, eye blinking and flinching.

The final step is live fire practice. This can be conducted at a shooting range or in a safe area with high quality gun targets. A reactive target, such as those offered by Jumping Targets, helps further refine first-time shooters skills, allowing them to focus on improving aim and accuracy instead of regularly setting up and adjusting targets.

Steel shooting targets offer instant audio and visual feedback, which make it much easier for shooters to gauge their comfort and skill levels. Moving targets test hand and eye coordination, allowing shooters to take their skills to the next level. Jumping Targets’ features a wide selection of gongs, ground targets, paper targets and standing targets.