Visiting the shooting range is an excellent way to practice your form and improve your marksmanship. While this is a fun activity, it is also an essential aspect of being a responsible gun owner, as it helps you grow accustomed to the feel of the firearm while you develop the skills to aim and shoot with precision. Here are several strategies to follow during your practice sessions.

How Can You Become a Better Marksman at a Shooting Range?

1. Follow All Safety Rules

The most important aspect of going to a shooting range is understanding and following all the guidelines that they have. These rules encourage the safe handling of your firearm for your own protection, as well as for the safety of other people around you. General rules include keeping the weapon pointed in a safe direction at all times and keeping the firearm unloaded until you are ready to shoot. This reduces the risk of a negligent discharge, which is when you accidentally fire the gun before you are ready.

2. Learn Proper Trigger Handling

The way that you pull the trigger significantly affects how well you shoot. While reading about the proper techniques is useful, you must practice regularly to master them. This helps you absorb the information so that it becomes second nature. Generally, you should use firm pressure to pull the trigger when firing. Avoid the inclination to jerk your firing arm or flinch from the recoil prematurely, as this pulls the gun away from the target and diminishes your accuracy.

3. Stand Correctly

Your stance when firing a gun also affects how accurate you are and the effectiveness of the shot. A shooting range lets you focus on how to stand while you’re armed. Keep your feet at least shoulder-width apart. If you’re right-handed, your left foot should be positioned forward with the right in the back. If you are left-handed, swap the stance so that your right foot is in front. This is the basic shooting stance that gives you a solid foundation to aim and fire the gun.

4. Practice Without Ammunition

You don’t need to load the weapon to learn the basic strategies associated with shooting. In fact, the best strategy is to avoid firing until you get used to the gun, understand the proper techniques, and learn how it feels. While at a shooting range, point the weapon toward a target and pull the trigger while it is unloaded. This helps you spot any flinching or mistakes so that you can prioritize them when the gun is ready to fire.

If you’re looking for a shooting range to help you practice, visit Shooter’s Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL. Proudly serving residents throughout Monroe County since 2006, they offer comprehensive training so that you can feel confident handling a gun. They also sell a variety of firearms and ammunition. Visit the website for more information about their services, and call (618) 281-6393 to speak with a team member.