Beginner's Guide to Target Shooting: Safety, Gear, and Techniques

Target shooting is a thrilling and rewarding sport that combines focus, discipline, and skill. Whether you're considering it as a hobby, for self-defense practice, or as part of a competitive sport, starting with the right knowledge is crucial for success and safety. If you're new to shooting, this guide will walk you through essential safety protocols, the necessary gear, and basic shooting techniques. By following these steps, you can ensure a positive and safe introduction to the world of target shooting.

Safety First: The Cornerstone of Target Shooting

Safety should always be your top priority when handling firearms and engaging in target shooting. A single lapse in attention can result in dangerous accidents, so it’s essential to adhere to strict safety rules and practices.

The Four Universal Rules of Gun Safety

The foundation of shooting safely lies in understanding and applying the basic rules of firearm safety. These rules should be committed to memory and followed at all times:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded: Even if you’re certain a firearm is unloaded, always handle it with the same caution and respect as if it were loaded. This mindset ensures that you don’t become complacent with firearm handling.
• Never point the firearm at anything you’re not willing to destroy: Always keep the muzzle of the gun pointed in a safe direction, ideally downrange. Pointing a firearm in any other direction, even if you think it is unloaded, can be catastrophic.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot: Always place your finger outside the trigger guard until you have aligned your target and are prepared to fire.
• Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it: Before pulling the trigger, identify your target and ensure there is a safe backdrop. Bullets can travel through the target or ricochet, so being aware of what’s beyond your target is critical.

By keeping these safety rules at the forefront, you’ll minimize risks and build responsible shooting habits.

Other Important Safety Tips

• Wear proper ear and eye protection: Shooting can be loud and the potential for debris or casings flying can lead to injuries if you don’t wear proper safety equipment.
• Never handle firearms under the influence: Always be in a clear and focused state of mind when shooting. Alcohol or drugs impair your ability to make sound decisions, which can lead to accidents.
• Know your range and surroundings: Always shoot at a designated range or in a controlled environment where safety measures are in place. Never shoot in areas where people, animals, or structures could be accidentally hit.

Gear You Need to Get Started

Target shooting requires certain equipment to ensure both effectiveness and safety. For beginners, starting with the essential gear can make a big difference in your experience. Below are the basic pieces of gear every new shooter needs:

Firearm

Choosing the right firearm is key to your shooting experience. As a beginner, it's essential to start with a firearm that is comfortable and easy to control. Common choices for new shooters include:

• .22 caliber rifles: These are typically easy to handle, low-recoil firearms that are great for beginners.
• 9mm handguns: This is another popular choice for beginner shooters, offering moderate recoil while still providing a practical option for self-defense training.
• Air rifles or pellet guns: For those who want to start with a low-recoil, cost-effective option, air rifles can be a good choice, especially for training before moving to higher-caliber firearms.

Before making a purchase, consider your intended use for the firearm, your body type, and any experience you may already have with firearms. Consulting with an experienced professional at a gun store or range can help guide your decision.

Ammunition

The type of ammunition you choose will depend on the firearm you’ve selected. For example, .22 caliber ammo is typically used with .22 caliber rifles, while 9mm ammo is suited for 9mm handguns. Ensure that you always use the correct type of ammo for your firearm to prevent malfunctions or damage.

Protective Gear

Protecting yourself while shooting is crucial, and two key items you'll need are:

• Ear Protection: Shooting can produce loud sounds that can cause hearing damage over time. Earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs will protect your hearing while allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
• Eye Protection: Flying debris, spent casings, or ricochets can damage your eyes, so wearing safety goggles or shooting glasses is essential.

Shooting Targets

To effectively practice, you’ll need shooting targets. Targets help you measure your shooting accuracy, allowing you to track your progress. From simple bullseye targets to more complex silhouette and reactive targets, the right target helps build your skills. Be sure to choose the appropriate target for your firearm and practice style.

At Legion Targets, we offer a wide variety of shooting targets, from paper targets for beginner practices to steel targets for more advanced shooters. No matter your experience level, we have the right targets to help you improve your accuracy and technique.

Range Bag

A shooting range bag is a must-have for organizing and carrying your gear to the range. It should have compartments for your firearm, ammo, ear protection, eye protection, targets, and any other accessories you may need. This helps keep your equipment secure and ensures that you don't forget any essential items.

Basic Shooting Techniques

Now that you have the right gear and safety protocols in place, it’s time to start learning the fundamental shooting techniques. These skills are the building blocks of becoming a proficient shooter, and mastering them will make your practice sessions more effective and enjoyable.

Stance

Your stance is the foundation of accurate shooting. A good stance provides balance and stability, which is crucial for controlling recoil and making accurate shots. Here are two common stances used by shooters:

• Weaver Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your dominant foot should be slightly behind the other, with your body facing at a slight angle to the target. Keep your arms bent, with the gun held high and close to your body.
• Isosceles Stance: Stand squarely to the target with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the firearm with both arms extended in front of you. The isosceles stance allows for greater control and stability.

Experiment with both stances to see which one feels most comfortable and natural for you. The key is to stay balanced and ensure you are stable enough to absorb the recoil of the shot.

Grip

A proper grip is essential for controlling your firearm. Whether you’re shooting a handgun or a rifle, your grip should be firm and consistent.

• Handguns: Use both hands to grip a handgun, with your dominant hand holding the handle firmly and your non-dominant hand supporting the other side of the firearm. Your grip should not be so tight that it causes tension in your hands and arms, but firm enough to control the recoil.
• Rifles: For rifles, use your dominant hand to grip the stock and trigger, while your non-dominant hand supports the front of the rifle. Keep your elbows slightly bent and ensure a solid foundation.

Aiming

Aiming is the process of aligning your firearm’s sights with the target. Modern firearms, whether handguns or rifles, typically have either iron sights or optical sights (like scopes). Here’s how to properly aim:

• Iron Sights: Align the front sight (the post) with the rear sight (a notch). The target should be visible through the rear sight, with the front sight centered on it. Focus on the front sight while maintaining alignment.
• Scopes: If you’re using a scope, ensure that the reticle is positioned on the target, and adjust the zoom as necessary to clearly identify the target.

Proper sight alignment is key to hitting your target accurately. Always focus on keeping the sights aligned while you prepare to pull the trigger.

Trigger Control

Trigger control is one of the most important aspects of shooting accurately. To avoid jerking the gun and throwing off your shot, you should pull the trigger smoothly and steadily.

• Place the pad of your finger (not the tip) on the trigger.
• Apply steady, even pressure without jerking or "slapping" the trigger.
• Avoid gripping the gun tighter or moving it while pulling the trigger.

Follow Through

After firing a shot, don't immediately shift your attention away from the target. Follow through involves maintaining your stance and focus until you have assessed the shot. This ensures that any small adjustments needed are made immediately and that you’re ready for your next shot.

Practicing and Improving Your Skills

Becoming proficient in target shooting takes time, practice, and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate improvement. Regular practice, combined with a focus on safety, will help you refine your skills over time. You can also take advantage of professional shooting courses or consult experienced shooters for additional tips and guidance.

Shop the Best Shooting Targets

As you embark on your journey to becoming a skilled shooter, the right targets will help you measure progress and enhance your practice. Legion Targets offers a comprehensive collection of high-quality shooting targets for all experience levels. Whether you're looking for paper targets to start practicing your accuracy or durable steel targets for a more advanced challenge, we have a wide selection to meet your needs.

Visit our website today to shop our full range of shooting targets and take your practice to the next level. Let Legion Targets help you achieve your shooting goals!