A Few Tips for the New Shooter
Don’t form opinions about things you’ve never tried based on what other people say. Be brave enough to do the research yourself to formulate your own well informed views. You might think you know that guns are scary and they KILL people, but think about how you know that before you espouse it as the ultimate truth.- Let go of the things you think you know about yourself. They can all change at any moment, given the right circumstances. Be open to learning new skills and remaking your own self-image. You will end up having some extremely enriching experiences.
- When someone hands you a Glock chambered in .357 Sig (or some other ridiculously high powered weapon) your first time at the range and it stuns you with recoil and leaves you with sore hands, don’t write off guns all together. There are plenty of other fish in the sea.
- Stop worrying about looking stupid. You don’t look stupid. You look like someone who is taking an active interest in their own safety. Even when you are dry firing in your pajamas while watching reruns of Seinfeld. You. Are. A. Boss.
- You don’t have to be some kind of commando right off the bat. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to put all of your shots on top of each other at 50 yards your second time out. Part of the purpose of going to the range is having a good time. It’s serious business, for sure, but it’s still ok to let out that giggle the first time you shoot a shot gun.
- Talk to other people at the range, especially if they seem interested in what you’re shooting. They will end up being some of the most pleasant interactions you have and will build the pilars of a community that will sustain you.
- Don’t be afraid to take classes and get training before you think you’re ready. It’s great to get tips and advice from your spouse and friends, but learning from an unbiased, impartial instructor can be invaluable. Don’t think you don’t know enough yet to take a class. The point of taking classes is to learn new things, so find a class for beginners and get your moldable little mind in there.
- Ask questions, read books, check out blogs, get involved in the gun community. Educate yourself and make up your own mind. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, varying preferences and specific body/apparel criteria. The good ole boys don’t always know everything about everything. Don’t let other people’s opinions intimidate you.
- Handle and shoot (safely) as many guns as you can. Then practice, practice, practice with the one you want to carry. The only way you get better at something is by doing it. And the better at it you get, the more you’ll enjoy doing it. The more you enjoy it, the more you will practice and before you know it, you’ll be Lara Freakin Croft all up in this bitch.
And then we’ll all be happy, because the world needs more take-charge, no-nonsense, kickass people in it. Go get’em, tiger.
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