- Don’t get beat by your equipment
- Buy the best you can afford, and always look to upgrade. Does that mean a beginner should shell out thousands of dollars on equipment, just to see if he likes a sport? Of course not. Many sports can be shot using the guns you have in your safe now. Hunting shotguns are at home on the trap, skeet, and sporting clays range. Are they the “best” for a particular clay target game? Probably not, but they will suffice to start.
Should you buy the best accessories? You betcha! Shell bags, vests, ear and eye protection, AMMO, all should be the best you can buy. Nothing frustrates a newbie more than equipment that doesn’t measure up. Good equipment will last for decades, so don’t scrimp.
Same goes for the handgun and rifle games. Your basic defense pistol will work just fine to start shooting IDPA, IPSC, Steel Challenge, etc, etc. But that cheap inside the pants nylon holster? Fugedaboudit! You need a good leather or kydex holster that does not move, attached to a stiff, (and I mean STIFF) belt. Attached to that should be good, rigid, open topped magazine pouches with tension adjustments. The belt only holds the gun in the right place, you know. Gee! Your hunting rifle will work for Silhouette or target, at least at first. But don’t go cheap on the shooting mat, a spotting scope, jacket and glove (for high power rifle)
And of course, AMMO. Can’t get consistent hits on target with cheap, bargain basement ammo. The ammo is the only thing that touches the target, you’d think you’d want the best.
One last thought: After you’ve shot a couple of matches and decide you like the game, don’t be afraid to buy used. Most clubs have a bulletin board or web site that members use to sell older equipment when they upgrade. Most of those are perfectly fine, have plenty of life left, and are probably much better suited to the game than “off the shelf” guns you may be using now.
Date Added: February 23, 2008
- Practice, practice, practice
- As in any human endeavor, practice makes perfect, so do it! Practice a lot, and I mean a LOT! Oh, did I mention PRACTICE?!?!?
Date Added: February 23, 2008
- Find your natural point of aim
- Those who have taken a basic course will understand this. For those who have not, it means the stance/position at which the gun points naturally to the target, without any twisting, turning, or "holding off."
Be aware: This N.P.A. will change with lighting, sun position, and good old fashioned fatigue. Constantly check it, then check it again. You can improve scores dramatically by this one simple thing.
Date Added: February 23, 2008
- Practice, practice, practice
- As in any human endeavor, practice makes perfect, so do it! Practice a lot, and I mean a LOT! Oh, did I mention PRACTICE?!?!?
Date Added: February 23, 2008
- Watch the "old pros"
- The people involved in the shooting sports are some of the nicest, friendliest people it will ever be your pleasure to meet. You will get hundreds, if not thousands of dollars of free lessons if you just watch, ask respectful questions, and then LISTEN! The knowledge base is HUGE, and they are more than willing to share. And who knows, if you keep at it, maybe one day you’ll be the “old pro.”
Date Added: February 23, 2008
- Practice, practice, practice
- As in any human endeavor, practice makes perfect, so do it! Practice a lot, and I mean a LOT! Oh, did I mention PRACTICE?!?!?
Date Added: February 23, 2008
- Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast
- Sounds like a contradiction, but it is not. Start out with all your motions, sight pictures, and shots slowly and methodically. Watch what you are doing, study every step involved, and understand every subtle movement. Smoooooooooooth is what you want.
Speed will come with repetitions. That sub one second draw and shot doesn’t come easy! Nor do those report doubles. Or the perfect score on the rapid fire string in high power rifle. Or 10 for 10 (or 40 for 40) on the silhouette range. Start slow, study, then speed up a little at a time. "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast"
Date Added: February 23, 2008
- Practice, practice, practice
- As in any human endeavor, practice makes perfect, so do it! Practice a lot, and I mean a LOT! Oh, did I mention PRACTICE?!?!?
Date Added: February 23, 2008
Keep watching this column for more tips.
Until then, watch that front sight, press the trigger until the gun goes off, and Practice, practice, practice! Thanks for visiting MYGUNPRO