Turning Target Practice into Fun
Turning Target Practice into Fun
Shooting can be a fantastic activity that combines focus, skill, and a healthy dose of competition. When having someone new introduced to guns, it’s best to make it as fun as an experience as you can for them.
Safety First
Our journey to shooting fun starts with an unwavering commitment to safety. Never compromise safety, in fact, it’s a good idea to run through basic safety reminders for everyone. Start with reminding everyone to always point your barrel in a safe direction. This means keeping the firearm pointed downrange or in a safe storage position. When having fun with guns it’s essential that everyone is safe and barrels are pointed away from people and the safety is always on when you’re not shooting. Along similar lines, be aware of your surroundings and what lies beyond your target.
Additionally, you will want to invest in high-quality ear protection that effectively blocks the sharp report of gunfire. Likewise, choose proper eye protection that shields your eyes from debris or hot casings. Proper protection prevents flinching.Always be familiar with the firearm you’re using. Understand its operation, loading procedures, and safety mechanisms. If someone is handling a new firearm, offer to run through how to load, unload, and where the safety is located.
Make it Fun
Now that everyone is up-to-date with safety expectations, you can begin to have fun. Paper targets have their place, but they lack excitement. You might consider some fun options in lieu of paper. Gongs can be a good introduction as you can hear the bullet impact and see the target react. Dueling trees have two swinging arms that reset automatically when hit. Challenge yourself or a friend to see who can knock down their target the fastest.
One of the cheapest and most satisfying options is to fill plastic jugs with colored water. Watch them explode when hit! This adds a visual element to your shot and lets you instantly see your results.
The Art of Distance
Distance isn’t just about bragging rights. Increasing the distance to your targets offers several benefits. Greater distance requires meticulous attention to proper shooting form, including stance, grip, sight alignment, and breath control. You’ll be forced to refine these fundamentals for accurate shots.Distant targets demand revisiting the shooting basics. Use this opportunity to practice controlled breathing, smooth trigger pulls, and follow-through – the crucial moments that lead to a successful shot. Keep it fun, so you may want to have a variety of distances. If something is too far, practice the basics on a closer object to encourage good shooting form.
At longer ranges, spotting your shots becomes essential. Invest in a spotting scope to analyze your bullet placement and make adjustments for subsequent shots. Good binoculars are also helpful for identifying distant targets.
Beyond the Basics
The fun doesn’t stop at targets. Don’t limit yourself to one shooting position. Practice shooting from standing, kneeling, and prone positions to develop well-rounded shooting skills. This will be especially helpful if the shooter plans on going hunting, as a lot of times we go to these positions while in the field. By incorporating some fun games into your target shooting, you can make shooting fun, and bring a new level of excitement to it.
by Jacob Dean
May 2024
