What's your best advice for "newbies"?

khahn79 · 12-03-2007, 09:22 AM

OK, so after about a month of hanging out on this site I see that there are lots of other "newbies", like me, and lots of very experienced shooters here. SOOOO... I was wondering, from you "experienced shooters" what your best advice for newbies would be? What do you consider to be the "shooting basics"? What are the "fundamentals" that we all need to focus on to improve our skills?

jerry · 12-03-2007, 09:42 AM

#1 Safety. Always practice good safety.

Having a good seasoned shooting partner or two is a bonus too.

Shoot enough to accomplish as a reflexive action.

Set attainable goals for your self. I have guns that would probably shoot a one inch group at 100+ yards, but I'm only good for a couple three inches on a good day without too much coffee

Practice, practice, practice

samuel · 12-03-2007, 10:39 AM

Collect books on all phases of hunting/target,firearm safety,reloading.When you see a post that intrest,s you verify it in the books.Be a skeptic if they dont give references.Practice!Practice!practice! sam.

nighthawk80 · 12-03-2007, 11:26 AM

#1 Don't shoot yourself.

#1.5 Practice the 4 Rules Cornered Cat - Four Rules

Have fun!!!

ArkansasHunter · 12-03-2007, 12:35 PM

#1 I would suggest you keep your finger off of the trigger until your ready to shoot.

#2 Take time to learn the operation of the firearms you own. Get to know them personaly.

#3 Keep them out of reach of everybody, not just children. Make sure there unloaded when you and others admire them.

#4 Keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction at all times.

#5 Know where your bullet is going and where it will end up.

# 6 Practise makes perfect so shoot as often as your pocket book allows.

# 7 Be Ultra respectful of others property your on when you have a firearm in hand.

# 8 Do Not loan a gun to anyone until your absollutly sure they know how to properly use it.

# 9 When hunting with a firearm all of the above must be in the fore front of your mind, give the game your hunting a sporting chance along with the right to die humanely, Shot placement is a must !!!

# 10 Don't ever abuse your right to own a firearm.

Please feel free to add other rules...A.H

nathangdad · 12-03-2007, 12:39 PM

At gunstores, ranges, or wherever you have the opportunity, hold and/or shoulder as many different types of guns as possible to find the gun or guns that best "fit" you in terms of size/balance/weight. Then go for a smaller caliber that will facilitate practice, practice, practice. In that way you become proficient.

two-70 · 12-03-2007, 12:47 PM

A.H. hit it all on the head, everyone posted good points, however remember safety is first,

khahn79 · 12-05-2007, 12:09 AM

Great advice, guys!

toolman · 12-05-2007, 01:57 AM

My rules are:
1. NEVER let the muzzle of your gun cross ANYTHING you aren't willing to kill!

2. Keep the tip of your firing finger on the slide of your weapon until you're ready to kill something.

3. When you commit to shoot, make it the best shot to date by following the basic rules of grip, stance, breath, and trigger control.

Before attempting to become proficient at shooting, do everything you can to learn every aspect of your weapon so all actions come naturally and without hesitation.

rfc357 · 12-05-2007, 05:59 AM

Find a competent, qualified instructor and take the time to learn to shoot safely.

nathangdad · 12-05-2007, 08:28 AM

Go to various gunshops, ranges, etc. and hold the largest variety of guns possible until you find what fits you best in terms of size, weight, balance point, etc.

Then choose a moderate caliber that will allow for a lot of practice thus making you proficient. By all means stay away from magnums and large calibers as muzzle blast and recoil will keep you from becoming proficient.

CrazyIvan · 12-05-2007, 11:40 AM

Being somewhat of a newbie myself, as I have been into shooting for about a 1.5 years now...My advice would be to read about proper firearm handling techniques...brush up on your common sense when it comes to firearms.

1. Take a few classes

2. Read Laws from the ATF, your State and your City/County

3. Read 2 or 3 times through each and every manual you get with each firearm you buy, even the safety sections, regardless if you feel confident in your knowledge

Just a few, there are many others.

madcratebuilder · 12-06-2007, 07:09 AM

SAFETY first, if you don't have friends or family that shoot, then some classes well be of benefit.

Guns&Dobes · 12-06-2007, 08:38 AM

The first thing I did before buying a gun was sign up for a Gun Handlers Safety class and while waiting I started looking at guns, not only did I go to several different gun dealers, I went back to some again and again to look at different models. I wanted to handle different types, then I would come home and look up info on those particular guns.

I also did research on the laws of my state, on gun ownership and what might be a good starting gun for a woman.

I tried to move slowly on my choice because of the importance and seriousness of a gun purchase . After handling several different kinds and shooting a few I decided on a S&W .357/.38 special revolver. I love how it shoots but the downside is that it isn't cheap to shoot.

I finished my gun handlers class and passed and will order my license to carry as soon as my birth certificate comes in the mail.

Now I am in the market for a .22 semi auto to target practice with so that I can better my shot. I figure a semi auto to target practice with and a .38 revolver will give me experience with both types and allow me to afford to shoot to my hearts desire with the .22.

samuel · 12-06-2007, 09:29 AM

Good luck but you will never shoot to your hearts desire if you are anything like me.There is just something about trying to get bullets from point A to point B accurately.I havent tired of it in 60yrs.. sam.

Guns&Dobes · 12-06-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samuel

Good luck but you will never shoot to your hearts desire if you are anything like me.There is just something about trying to get bullets from point A to point B accurately.I havent tired of it in 60yrs.. sam.

Hahaha you are probably right, but at least I will get closer with a .22 than the S&W 640. I want to shoot everyday LOL but I am in city so can't just walk out and do it, have to either drive to in-laws outside city or go to the range.

ArkansasHunter · 12-06-2007, 10:09 AM

I left one thing out of my post and that is READ the manual that came with the firearm and if it's used and doesnt have one most manufactures will send you one free.
A.H

Onesonek · 12-06-2007, 05:51 PM

All very good and sound advice there! I'll will add to the practice part,,,,As much if not more than the target, concentrate on your grip pressure. I slight change in your hold or pressure will affect accuracy a lot. Practice will add to consistancy, and accuracy will be a natural result. Also in the safety dept., if it got mentioned I missed it. But always wear eye and ear protection!!
Dave

khahn79 · 12-06-2007, 07:14 PM

Thanks everyone for all the great advice! Us "newbies" will take all the advice we can get.

Bookman · 12-06-2007, 08:16 PM

Rule: Believe NOTHING you see from Hollywood concerning guns or gun handling.
Rule: Never try anything "Hollywood" at the range
Rule: When you start out, have the target big&close and shoot SLOWLY.

12-03-2007, 12:39 PM	#6
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6,064	Hold a large number of guns At gunstores, ranges, or wherever you have the opportunity, hold and/or shoulder as many different types of guns as possible to find the gun or guns that best "fit" you in terms of size/balance/weight. Then go for a smaller caliber that will facilitate practice, practice, practice. In that way you become proficient.

12-03-2007, 12:47 PM	#7
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,783	A.H. hit it all on the head, everyone posted good points, however remember safety is first, __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

12-05-2007, 12:09 AM	#8
khahn79 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 207	Great advice, guys! __________________ Well behaved women rarely make history!

12-05-2007, 01:57 AM	#9
toolman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 7,374 Blog Entries: 25	My rules are: 1. NEVER let the muzzle of your gun cross ANYTHING you aren't willing to kill! 2. Keep the tip of your firing finger on the slide of your weapon until you're ready to kill something. 3. When you commit to shoot, make it the best shot to date by following the basic rules of grip, stance, breath, and trigger control. Before attempting to become proficient at shooting, do everything you can to learn every aspect of your weapon so all actions come naturally and without hesitation. __________________ cosmoline is an aphrodisiac!

12-05-2007, 08:28 AM	#11
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6,064	Hold a large number of guns Go to various gunshops, ranges, etc. and hold the largest variety of guns possible until you find what fits you best in terms of size, weight, balance point, etc. Then choose a moderate caliber that will allow for a lot of practice thus making you proficient. By all means stay away from magnums and large calibers as muzzle blast and recoil will keep you from becoming proficient.

12-03-2007, 09:22 AM	#1
khahn79 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 207	What's your best advice for "newbies"? OK, so after about a month of hanging out on this site I see that there are lots of other "newbies", like me, and lots of very experienced shooters here. SOOOO... I was wondering, from you "experienced shooters" what your best advice for newbies would be? What do you consider to be the "shooting basics"? What are the "fundamentals" that we all need to focus on to improve our skills? __________________ Well behaved women rarely make history!

12-03-2007, 09:42 AM	#2
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 13,770 Blog Entries: 1	#1 Safety. Always practice good safety. Having a good seasoned shooting partner or two is a bonus too. Shoot enough to accomplish as a reflexive action. Set attainable goals for your self. I have guns that would probably shoot a one inch group at 100+ yards, but I'm only good for a couple three inches on a good day without too much coffee Practice, practice, practice

12-03-2007, 10:39 AM	#3
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 12,486	Collect books on all phases of hunting/target,firearm safety,reloading.When you see a post that intrest,s you verify it in the books.Be a skeptic if they dont give references.Practice!Practice!practice! sam.

12-03-2007, 11:26 AM	#4
nighthawk80 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Just south of Central Indiana Posts: 480	#1 Don't shoot yourself. #1.5 Practice the 4 Rules Cornered Cat - Four Rules Have fun!!!

12-03-2007, 12:35 PM	#5
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 18,469	#1 I would suggest you keep your finger off of the trigger until your ready to shoot. #2 Take time to learn the operation of the firearms you own. Get to know them personaly. #3 Keep them out of reach of everybody, not just children. Make sure there unloaded when you and others admire them. #4 Keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction at all times. #5 Know where your bullet is going and where it will end up. # 6 Practise makes perfect so shoot as often as your pocket book allows. # 7 Be Ultra respectful of others property your on when you have a firearm in hand. # 8 Do Not loan a gun to anyone until your absollutly sure they know how to properly use it. # 9 When hunting with a firearm all of the above must be in the fore front of your mind, give the game your hunting a sporting chance along with the right to die humanely, Shot placement is a must !!! # 10 Don't ever abuse your right to own a firearm. Please feel free to add other rules...A.H __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER Last edited by ArkansasHunter; 12-03-2007 at 12:38 PM.

12-05-2007, 05:59 AM	#10
rfc357 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 741	Find a competent, qualified instructor and take the time to learn to shoot safely.

12-05-2007, 11:40 AM	#12
CrazyIvan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Englewood, CO Posts: 3,540 Blog Entries: 1	Being somewhat of a newbie myself, as I have been into shooting for about a 1.5 years now...My advice would be to read about proper firearm handling techniques...brush up on your common sense when it comes to firearms. 1. Take a few classes 2. Read Laws from the ATF, your State and your City/County 3. Read 2 or 3 times through each and every manual you get with each firearm you buy, even the safety sections, regardless if you feel confident in your knowledge Just a few, there are many others. __________________ "Minimum wage, minimum effort." "Never underestimate the power of stupidity." ~Me

12-06-2007, 07:09 AM	#13
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 2,751	SAFETY first, if you don't have friends or family that shoot, then some classes well be of benefit. __________________ Married men live longer than single men do, but married men are a lot more willing to die.

12-06-2007, 08:38 AM	#14
Guns&Dobes Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 104	The first thing I did before buying a gun was sign up for a Gun Handlers Safety class and while waiting I started looking at guns, not only did I go to several different gun dealers, I went back to some again and again to look at different models. I wanted to handle different types, then I would come home and look up info on those particular guns. I also did research on the laws of my state, on gun ownership and what might be a good starting gun for a woman. I tried to move slowly on my choice because of the importance and seriousness of a gun purchase . After handling several different kinds and shooting a few I decided on a S&W .357/.38 special revolver. I love how it shoots but the downside is that it isn't cheap to shoot. I finished my gun handlers class and passed and will order my license to carry as soon as my birth certificate comes in the mail. Now I am in the market for a .22 semi auto to target practice with so that I can better my shot. I figure a semi auto to target practice with and a .38 revolver will give me experience with both types and allow me to afford to shoot to my hearts desire with the .22.

12-06-2007, 09:29 AM	#15
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 12,486	Good luck but you will never shoot to your hearts desire if you are anything like me.There is just something about trying to get bullets from point A to point B accurately.I havent tired of it in 60yrs.. sam.

12-06-2007, 10:09 AM	#17
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 18,469	I left one thing out of my post and that is READ the manual that came with the firearm and if it's used and doesnt have one most manufactures will send you one free. A.H __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

12-06-2007, 05:51 PM	#18
Onesonek Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pipestone, MN. Posts: 654	All very good and sound advice there! I'll will add to the practice part,,,,As much if not more than the target, concentrate on your grip pressure. I slight change in your hold or pressure will affect accuracy a lot. Practice will add to consistancy, and accuracy will be a natural result. Also in the safety dept., if it got mentioned I missed it. But always wear eye and ear protection!! Dave

12-06-2007, 07:14 PM	#19
khahn79 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 207	Thanks everyone for all the great advice! Us "newbies" will take all the advice we can get. __________________ Well behaved women rarely make history!

12-06-2007, 08:16 PM	#20
Bookman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: 10 paces south of Canada Posts: 901	Rule: Believe NOTHING you see from Hollywood concerning guns or gun handling. Rule: Never try anything "Hollywood" at the range Rule: When you start out, have the target big&close and shoot SLOWLY.